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Paul S, Verma S, Chen YC. Peptide Dendrimer-Based Antibacterial Agents: Synthesis and Applications. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1034-1055. [PMID: 38428037 PMCID: PMC11019562 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00624] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic bacteria cause the deaths of millions of people every year. With the development of antibiotics, hundreds and thousands of people's lives have been saved. Nevertheless, bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics, rendering them insensitive to antibiotics over time. Peptides containing specific amino acids can be used as antibacterial agents; however, they can be easily degraded by proteases in vivo. To address these issues, branched peptide dendrimers are now being considered as good antibacterial agents due to their high efficacy, resistance to protease degradation, and low cytotoxicity. The ease with which peptide dendrimers can be synthesized and modified makes them accessible for use in various biological and nonbiological fields. That is, peptide dendrimers hold a promising future as antibacterial agents with prolonged efficacy without bacterial resistance development. Their in vivo stability and multivalence allow them to effectively target multi-drug-resistant strains and prevent biofilm formation. Thus, it is interesting to have an overview of the development and applications of peptide dendrimers in antibacterial research, including the possibility of employing machine learning approaches for the design of AMPs and dendrimers. This review summarizes the synthesis and applications of peptide dendrimers as antibacterial agents. The challenges and perspectives of using peptide dendrimers as the antibacterial agents are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchita Paul
- Institute
of Semiconductor Technology, National Yang
Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department
of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sandeep Verma
- Department
of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Gangwal
School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yu-Chie Chen
- Institute
of Semiconductor Technology, National Yang
Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
- Department
of Applied Chemistry, National Yang Ming
Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 300, Taiwan
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2
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Goki NH, Tehranizadeh ZA, Saberi MR, Khameneh B, Bazzaz BSF. Structure, Function, and Physicochemical Properties of Pore-forming Antimicrobial Peptides. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2024; 25:1041-1057. [PMID: 37921126 DOI: 10.2174/0113892010194428231017051836] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a class of antimicrobial agents, possess considerable potential to treat various microbial ailments. The broad range of activity and rare complete bacterial resistance to AMPs make them ideal candidates for commercial development. These peptides with widely varying compositions and sources share recurrent structural and functional features in mechanisms of action. Studying the mechanisms of AMP activity against bacteria may lead to the development of new antimicrobial agents that are more potent. Generally, AMPs are effective against bacteria by forming pores or disrupting membrane barriers. The important structural aspects of cytoplasmic membranes of pathogens and host cells will also be outlined to understand the selective antimicrobial actions. The antimicrobial activities of AMPs are related to multiple physicochemical properties, such as length, sequence, helicity, charge, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, polar angle, and also self-association. These parameters are interrelated and need to be considered in combination. So, gathering the most relevant available information will help to design and choose the most effective AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Hosseini Goki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zeinab Amiri Tehranizadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Saberi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bahman Khameneh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Bibi Sedigheh Fazly Bazzaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Control, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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3
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Li M, Mao C, Li X, Jiang L, Zhang W, Li M, Liu H, Fang Y, Liu S, Yang G, Hou X. Edible Insects: A New Sustainable Nutritional Resource Worth Promoting. Foods 2023; 12:4073. [PMID: 38002131 PMCID: PMC10670618 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224073] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects are a highly nutritious source of protein and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Insects contain various other nutrients and beneficial compounds, such as lipids, vitamins and minerals, chitin, phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial peptides, which contribute to good health. The practice of insect farming is far more resource-efficient compared to traditional agriculture and animal husbandry, requiring less land, energy, and water, and resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint. In fact, insects are 12 to 25 times more efficient than animals in converting low-protein feed into protein. When it comes to protein production per unit area, insect farming only requires about one-eighth of the land needed for beef production. Moreover, insect farming generates minimal waste, as insects can consume food and biomass that would otherwise go to waste, contributing to a circular economy that promotes resource recycling and reuse. Insects can be fed with agricultural waste, such as unused plant stems and food scraps. Additionally, the excrement produced by insects can be used as fertilizer for crops, completing the circular chain. Despite the undeniable sustainability and nutritional benefits of consuming insects, widespread acceptance of incorporating insects into our daily diets still has a long way to go. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional value of edible insects, the development of farming and processing technologies, and the problems faced in the marketing of edible insect products and insect foods to improve the reference for how people choose edible insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Chengjuan Mao
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Xin Li
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Lei Jiang
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Mengying Li
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Huixue Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Yaowei Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Shu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Xiaoyue Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
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4
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Feng L, Wang Y, Yang J, Sun YF, Li YW, Ye ZH, Lin HB, Yang K. Overview of the preparation method, structure and function, and application of natural peptides and polypeptides. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113493. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Wang Q, Sun Z, Ma S, Liu X, Xia H, Chen K. Molecular mechanism and potential application of bacterial infection in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 131:104381. [PMID: 35245606 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2022.104381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As a representative species of Lepidoptera, Bombyx mori has been widely studied and applied. However, bacterial infection has always been an important pathogen threatening the growth of silkworms. Bombyx mori can resist various pathogenic bacteria through their own physical barrier and innate immune system. However, compared with other insects, such as Drosophila melanogaster, research on the antibacterial mechanism of silkworms is still in its infancy. This review systematically summarized the routes of bacterial infection in silkworms, the antibacterial mechanism of silkworms after ingestion or wounding infection, and the intestinal bacteria and infection of silkworms. Finally, we will discuss silkworms as a model animal for studying bacterial infectious diseases and screening antibacterial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Zhonghe Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shangshang Ma
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiaoyong Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hengchuan Xia
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Keping Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, PR China.
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6
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Li W, Separovic F, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Wade JD. Chemically modified and conjugated antimicrobial peptides against superbugs. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:4932-4973. [PMID: 33710195 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01026j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats to human health that, by 2050, will lead to more deaths from bacterial infections than cancer. New antimicrobial agents, both broad-spectrum and selective, that do not induce AMR are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a novel class of alternatives that possess potent activity against a wide range of Gram-negative and positive bacteria with little or no capacity to induce AMR. This has stimulated substantial chemical development of novel peptide-based antibiotics possessing improved therapeutic index. This review summarises recent synthetic efforts and their impact on analogue design as well as their various applications in AMP development. It includes modifications that have been reported to enhance antimicrobial activity including lipidation, glycosylation and multimerization through to the broad application of novel bio-orthogonal chemistry, as well as perspectives on the direction of future research. The subject area is primarily the development of next-generation antimicrobial agents through selective, rational chemical modification of AMPs. The review further serves as a guide toward the most promising directions in this field to stimulate broad scientific attention, and will lead to new, effective and selective solutions for the several biomedical challenges to which antimicrobial peptidomimetics are being applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia and School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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De Mandal S, Panda AK, Murugan C, Xu X, Senthil Kumar N, Jin F. Antimicrobial Peptides: Novel Source and Biological Function With a Special Focus on Entomopathogenic Nematode/Bacterium Symbiotic Complex. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:555022. [PMID: 34335484 PMCID: PMC8318700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.555022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms has become one of the most critical threats to public health. A decrease in the effectiveness of available antibiotics has led to the failure of infection control, resulting in a high risk of death. Among several alternatives, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics to resolve the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. These small proteins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and are also an essential component of the immune system. Although several AMPs have been reported and characterized, studies associated with their potential medical applications are limited. This review highlights the novel sources of AMPs with high antimicrobial activities, including the entomopathogenic nematode/bacterium (EPN/EPB) symbiotic complex. Additionally, the AMPs derived from insects, nematodes, and marine organisms and the design of peptidomimetic antimicrobial agents that can complement the defects of therapeutic peptides have been used as a template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit De Mandal
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Chandran Murugan
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Fengliang Jin
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Wen X, Gongpan P, Meng Y, Nieh JC, Yuan H, Tan K. Functional characterization, antimicrobial effects, and potential antibacterial mechanisms of new mastoparan peptides from hornet venom (Vespa ducalis, Vespa mandarinia, and Vespa affinis). Toxicon 2021; 200:48-54. [PMID: 34237341 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a major threat to global public health, and there is an urgent need to find effective, antimicrobial treatments that can be well tolerated by humans. Hornet venom is known to have antimicrobial properties, and contains peptides with similarity to known antimicrobial eptides (AMPs), mastoparans. We identified multiple new AMPs from the venom glands of Vespa ducalis (U-VVTX-Vm1a, U-VVTX-Vm1b, and U-VVTX-Vm1c), Vespa mandarinia (U-VVTX-Vm1d), and Vespa affinis (U-VVTX-Vm1e). All of these AMPs have highly similar sequences and are related to the toxic peptide, mastoparan. Our newly identified AMPs have α-helical structures, are amphiphilic, and have antimicrobial properties. Both U-VVTX-Vm1b and U-VVTX-Vm1e killed bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC25922, at the concentrations of 16 μg/mL and 32 μg/mL, respectively. None of the five AMPs exhibited strong toxicity as measured via their hemolytic activity on red blood cells. U-VVTX-Vm1b was able to increase the permeability of E. coli ATCC25922 and degrade its genomic DNA. These results are promising, demonstrate the value of investigating hornet venom as an antimicrobial treatment, and add to the growing arsenal of such naturally derived treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Pianchou Gongpan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Plant Resources and Sustainable Use, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China
| | - Yichuan Meng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - James C Nieh
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hongling Yuan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China.
| | - Ken Tan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650000, Yunnan, China.
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9
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Sarkar T, Chetia M, Chatterjee S. Antimicrobial Peptides and Proteins: From Nature's Reservoir to the Laboratory and Beyond. Front Chem 2021; 9:691532. [PMID: 34222199 PMCID: PMC8249576 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.691532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobials, resurgence of multidrug resistant microbes and the slowdown in the development of new classes of antimicrobials, necessitates the urgent development of alternate classes of therapeutic molecules. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small proteins present in different lifeforms in nature that provide defense against microbial infections. They have been effective components of the host defense system for a very long time. The fact that the development of resistance by the microbes against the AMPs is relatively slower or delayed compared to that against the conventional antibiotics, makes them prospective alternative therapeutics of the future. Several thousands of AMPs have been isolated from various natural sources like microorganisms, plants, insects, crustaceans, animals, humans, etc. to date. However, only a few of them have been translated commercially to the market so far. This is because of some inherent drawbacks of the naturally obtained AMPs like 1) short half-life owing to the susceptibility to protease degradation, 2) inactivity at physiological salt concentrations, 3) cytotoxicity to host cells, 4) lack of appropriate strategies for sustained and targeted delivery of the AMPs. This has led to a surge of interest in the development of synthetic AMPs which would retain or improve the antimicrobial potency along with circumventing the disadvantages of the natural analogs. The development of synthetic AMPs is inspired by natural designs and sequences and strengthened by the fusion with various synthetic elements. Generation of the synthetic designs are based on various strategies like sequence truncation, mutation, cyclization and introduction of unnatural amino acids and synthons. In this review, we have described some of the AMPs isolated from the vast repertoire of natural sources, and subsequently described the various synthetic designs that have been developed based on the templates of natural AMPs or from de novo design to make commercially viable therapeutics of the future. This review entails the journey of the AMPs from their natural sources to the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sunanda Chatterjee
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, India
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10
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Manniello MD, Moretta A, Salvia R, Scieuzo C, Lucchetti D, Vogel H, Sgambato A, Falabella P. Insect antimicrobial peptides: potential weapons to counteract the antibiotic resistance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4259-4282. [PMID: 33595669 PMCID: PMC8164593 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03784-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Misuse and overuse of antibiotics have contributed in the last decades to a phenomenon known as antibiotic resistance which is currently considered one of the principal threats to global public health by the World Health Organization. The aim to find alternative drugs has been demonstrated as a real challenge. Thanks to their biodiversity, insects represent the largest class of organisms in the animal kingdom. The humoral immune response includes the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are released into the insect hemolymph after microbial infection. In this review, we have focused on insect immune responses, particularly on AMP characteristics, their mechanism of action and applications, especially in the biomedical field. Furthermore, we discuss the Toll, Imd, and JAK-STAT pathways that activate genes encoding for the expression of AMPs. Moreover, we focused on strategies to improve insect peptides stability against proteolytic susceptibility such as D-amino acid substitutions, N-terminus modification, cyclization and dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M D Manniello
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - A Moretta
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - R Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - C Scieuzo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - D Lucchetti
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - H Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - A Sgambato
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Riferimento Oncologico Della Basilicata (IRCCS-CROB), Rionero in Vulture (PZ), Italy
| | - P Falabella
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
- Spinoff XFlies S.R.L, University of Basilicata, Via dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100, Potenza, Italy.
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11
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Chowdhury T, Mandal SM, Dutta S, Ghosh AK. Identification of a novel proline-rich antimicrobial protein from the hemolymph of Antheraea mylitta. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21771. [PMID: 33644898 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) are small, cationic proteins that exhibit activity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi as well as boost host-specific innate immune responses. Insects produce these AMPs in the fat body and hemocytes, and release them into the hemolymph upon microbial infection. Hemolymph was collected from the bacterially immunized fifth instar larvae of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, and an AMP was purified by organic solvent extraction followed by size exclusion and reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. The purity of AMP was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The molecular mass was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry as 14 kDa, and hence designated as AmAMP14. Peptide mass fingerprinting of trypsin-digested AmAMP14 followed by de novo sequencing of one peptide fragment by tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed the amino acid sequences as CTSPKQCLPPCK. No homology was found in the database search and indicates it as a novel AMP. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the purified AmAMP14 was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as 30, 60, and 30 µg/ml, respectively. Electron microscopic examination of the AmAMP14-treated cells revealed membrane damage and release of cytoplasmic contents. All these results suggest the production of a novel 14 kDa AMP in the hemolymph of A. mylitta to provide defense against microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinath Chowdhury
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Santi M Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Soumita Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
| | - Ananta K Ghosh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India
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12
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Liu FF, Ding C, Yang LL, Li H, Rao XJ. Identification and analysis of two lebocins in the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 116:103962. [PMID: 33301794 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The insect immune system can produce defensive molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), to eliminate invading pathogens. Here, we report the identification of two cDNAs (MseLeb1, MseLeb2) that encode lepidopteral lebocin preproproteins in the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata. Their open reading frames are 483/492 bp that encode 161/164 aa peptides. MseLeb1 is mainly expressed in the fat body and epidermis, while MseLeb2 is mainly expressed in the fat body, Malpighian tube, and epidermis. They were significantly induced by Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Beauveria bassiana in hemocytes. The preproproteins can be processed after RXXR motifs into mature peptides. Multiple sequence alignment indicates that MseLeb1 (18-42, 121-161) are potentially active peptides. Five peptides were synthesized for analyses: 18-42, 121-161, 121-154, 121-151, 121-146. Synthetic peptides showed agglutinating activity, but no hemolytic activity. Bacterial growth assay, colony formation assay, and electron microscopy revealed that synthetic peptides can inhibit bacterial growth and disrupt bacterial cell wall. B. bassiana conidia and blastospores were lysed by synthetic peptides. These results indicate that MseLeb1 and MseLeb2 are immune responsive lebocins, and the mature peptides have antibacterial and antifungal activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Chen Ding
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Li-Ling Yang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Hao Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China.
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13
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Welch NG, Li W, Hossain MA, Separovic F, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Wade JD. (Re)Defining the Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide Family and the Identification of Putative New Members. Front Chem 2020; 8:607769. [PMID: 33335890 PMCID: PMC7736402 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.607769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
As we rapidly approach a post-antibiotic era in which multi-drug resistant bacteria are ever-pervasive, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising class of compounds to help address this global issue. AMPs are best-known for their membrane-disruptive mode of action leading to bacteria cell lysis and death. However, many AMPs are also known to be non-lytic and have intracellular modes of action. Proline-rich AMPs (PrAMPs) are one such class, that are generally membrane permeable and inhibit protein synthesis leading to a bactericidal outcome. PrAMPs are highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria and yet show very low toxicity against eukaryotic cells. Here, we review both the PrAMP family and the past and current definitions for this class of peptides. Computational analysis of known AMPs within the DRAMP database (http://dramp.cpu-bioinfor.org/) and assessment of their PrAMP-like properties have led us to develop a revised definition of the PrAMP class. As a result, we subsequently identified a number of unknown and unclassified peptides containing motifs of striking similarity to known PrAMP-based DnaK inhibitors and propose a series of new sequences for experimental evaluation and subsequent addition to the PrAMP family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas G Welch
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- Centre for Oral Health Research, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Centre for Oral Health Research, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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14
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Chowdhury T, Mandal SM, Kumari R, Ghosh AK. Purification and characterization of a novel antimicrobial peptide (QAK) from the hemolymph of Antheraea mylitta. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:411-417. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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15
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Grimsey E, Collis DWP, Mikut R, Hilpert K. The effect of lipidation and glycosylation on short cationic antimicrobial peptides. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183195. [PMID: 32130974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The global health threat surrounding bacterial resistance has resulted in antibiotic researchers shifting their focus away from 'traditional' antibiotics and concentrating on other antimicrobial agents, including antimicrobial peptides. These low molecular weight "mini-proteins" exhibit broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains, viruses, fungi and protozoa and constitute a major element of the innate-immune system of many multicellular organisms. Some naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides are lipidated and/or glycosylated and almost all antimicrobial peptides in clinical use are either lipopeptides (Daptomycin and Polymyxin E and B) or glycopeptides (Vancomycin). Lipidation, glycosylation and PEGylation are an option for improving stability and activity in serum and for reducing the rapid clearing via the kidneys and liver. Two broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides NH2-RIRIRWIIR-CONH2 (A1) and NH2-KRRVRWIIW-CONH2 (B1) were conjugated via a linker, producing A2 and B2, to individual fatty acids of C8, C10, C12 and C14 and in addition, A2 was conjugated to either glucose, N-acetyl glucosamine, galactose, mannose, lactose or polyethylene glycol (PEG). Antimicrobial activity against two Gram-positive strains (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE)) and three Gram-negative strains (Salmonella typhimurium, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were determined. Activity patterns for the lipidated versions are very complex, dependent on sequence, bacteria and fatty acid. Two reciprocal effects were measured; compared to the parental peptides, some combinations led to a 16-fold improvement whereas other combinations let to a 32-fold reduction in antimicrobial activity. Glycosylation decreased antimicrobial activity by 2 to 16-fold in comparison to A1, respectively on the sugar-peptide combination. PEGylation rendered the peptide inactive. Antimicrobial activity in the presence of 25% human serum of A1 and B1 was reduced 32-fold and 8-fold, respectively. The longer chain fatty acids almost completely restored this activity; however, these fatty acids increased hemolytic activity. B1 modified with C8 increased the therapeutic index by 2-fold for four bacterial strains. Our results suggest that finding the right lipid-peptide combination can lead to improved activity in the presence of serum and potentially more effective drug candidates for animal studies. Glycosylation with the optimal sugar and numbers of sugars at the right peptide position could be an alternative route or could be used in addition to lipidation to counteract solubility and toxicity issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Grimsey
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Ralf Mikut
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Kai Hilpert
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London, UK.
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16
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Nesa J, Sadat A, Buccini DF, Kati A, Mandal AK, Franco OL. Antimicrobial peptides fromBombyx mori: a splendid immune defense response in silkworms. RSC Adv 2020; 10:512-523. [PMID: 35492565 PMCID: PMC9047522 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra06864c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Bombyx mori L., a primary producer of silk, is the main tool in the sericulture industry and provides the means of livelihood to a large number of people. Silk cocoon crop losses due to bacterial infection pose a major threat to the sericulture industry. Bombyx mori L., a silkworm of the mulberry type, has a sophisticated inherent innate immune mechanism to combat such invasive pathogens. Among all the components in this defense system, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are notable due to their specificity towards the invading pathogens without harming the normal host cells. Bombyx mori L. so far has had AMPs identified that belong to six different families, namely cecropin, defensin, moricin, gloverin, attacin and lebocin, which are produced by the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) pathways. Their diverse modes of action depend on microbial pathogens and are still under investigation. This review examines the recent progress in understanding the immune defense mechanism of Bombyx mori based on AMPs. AMPs produced by B. mori induced by microbial challenge in the fat body.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Jannatun Nesa
- Chemical Biology Laboratory
- Department of Sericulture
- Raiganj University
- India
| | - Abdul Sadat
- Insect Ecology and Conservation Biology Laboratory
- Department of Sericulture
- Raiganj University
- India
| | - Danieli F. Buccini
- S-INOVA Biotech, Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
- Catholic University Dom Bosco
- Campo Grande
- Brazil
| | - Ahmet Kati
- Biotechnology Department
- Institution of Health Science
- University of Health Science
- Istanbul
- Turkey
| | - Amit K. Mandal
- Chemical Biology Laboratory
- Department of Sericulture
- Raiganj University
- India
- Centre for Nanotechnology Sciences
| | - Octavio L. Franco
- S-INOVA Biotech, Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology
- Catholic University Dom Bosco
- Campo Grande
- Brazil
- Center of Proteomic and Biochemical Analysis
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17
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Yang LL, Zhan MY, Zhuo YL, Dang XL, Li MY, Xu Y, Zhou XH, Yu XQ, Rao XJ. Characterization of the active fragments of Spodoptera litura Lebocin-1. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 103:e21626. [PMID: 31562754 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Insects can produce various antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) upon immune stimulation. One class of AMPs are characterized by their high proline content in certain fragments. They are generally called proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs). We previously reported the characterization of Spodoptera litura lebocin-1 (SlLeb-1), a PrAMP proprotein. Preliminary studies with synthetic polypeptides showed that among the four deductive active fragments, the C-terminal fragment SlLeb-1 (124-158) showed strong antibacterial activities. Here, we further characterized the antibacterial and antifungal activities of 124-158 and its four subfragments: 124-155, 124-149, 127-158, and 135-158. Only 124-158 and 127-158 could agglutinate bacteria, while 124-158 and four subfragments all could agglutinate Beauveria bassiana spores. Confocal microscopy showed that fluorescent peptides were located on the microbial surface. Fragment 135-158 lost activity completely against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and partially against Bacillus subtilis. Only 124-149 showed low activity against Serratia marcescens. Negative staining, transmission, and scanning electron microscopy of 124-158 treated bacteria showed different morphologies. Flow cytometry analysis of S. aureus showed that 124-158 and four subfragments changed bacterial subpopulations and caused an increase of DNA content. These results indicate that active fragments of SlLeb-1 may have diverse antimicrobial effects against different microbes. This study may provide an insight into the development of novel antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Yang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming-Yue Zhan
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yu-Li Zhuo
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiang-Li Dang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mao-Ye Li
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Biotechnology Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Zhou
- Biotechnology Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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18
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Zhang J, Li Q, Wei G, Wang L, Qian C, Sun Y, Tian J, Zhu B, Liu C. Identification and function of a lebocin-like gene from the Chinese oak silkworm, Antheraea pernyi. J Invertebr Pathol 2019; 166:107207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2019.107207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Wu Q, Patočka J, Kuča K. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides, a Mini Review. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10110461. [PMID: 30413046 PMCID: PMC6267271 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10110461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial effectors of the innate immune system. They provide the first line of defense against a variety of pathogens. AMPs display synergistic effects with conventional antibiotics, and thus present the potential for combined therapies. Insects are extremely resistant to bacterial infections. Insect AMPs are cationic and comprise less than 100 amino acids. These insect peptides exhibit an antimicrobial effect by disrupting the microbial membrane and do not easily allow microbes to develop drug resistance. Currently, membrane mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial effects of AMPs are proposed by different modes: the barrel-stave mode, toroidal-pore, carpet, and disordered toroidal-pore are the typical modes. Positive charge quantity, hydrophobic property and the secondary structure of the peptide are important for the antibacterial activity of AMPs. At present, several structural families of AMPs from insects are known (defensins, cecropins, drosocins, attacins, diptericins, ponericins, metchnikowins, and melittin), but new AMPs are frequently discovered. We reviewed the biological effects of the major insect AMPs. This review will provide further information that facilitates the study of insect AMPs and shed some light on novel microbicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Wu
- College of Life Science, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Patočka
- Department of Radiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Kamil Kuča
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 500 03 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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20
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Tan D, Hu H, Tong X, Han M, Wu S, Ding X, Dai F, Lu C. Comparative Analysis of the Integument Transcriptomes between Stick Mutant and Wild-Type Silkworms. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103158. [PMID: 30322193 PMCID: PMC6214029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In insects, the integument provides mechanical support for the whole body and protects them from infections, physical and chemical injuries, and dehydration. Diversity in integument properties is often related to body shape, behavior, and survival rate. The stick (sk) silkworm is a spontaneous mutant with a stick-like larval body that is firm to the touch and, thus, less flexible. Analysis of the mechanical properties of the cuticles at day 3 of the fifth instar (L5D3) of sk larvae revealed higher storage modulus and lower loss tangent. Transcriptome sequencing identified a total of 19,969 transcripts that were expressed between wild-type Dazao and the sk mutant at L5D2, of which 11,596 transcripts were novel and detected in the integument. Differential expression analyses identified 710 upregulated genes and 1009 downregulated genes in the sk mutant. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated that four chitin-binding peritrophin A domain genes and a chitinase gene were upregulated, whereas another four chitin-binding peritrophin A domain genes, a trehalase, and nine antimicrobial peptides were downregulated. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated that two functional pathways, namely, fructose and mannose metabolism and tyrosine metabolism, were significantly enriched with differentially-expressed transcripts. This study provides a foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of the stiff exoskeleton in the sk mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Hai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xiaoling Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Minjin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Songyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Xin Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Fangyin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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21
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The silkrose of Bombyx mori effectively prevents vibriosis in penaeid prawns via the activation of innate immunity. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8836. [PMID: 29892000 PMCID: PMC5995915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27241-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified novel bioactive polysaccharides from Bactrocera cucurbitae and Antheraea yamamai that activate innate immunity in RAW264 murine macrophages. However, in terms of potential applications in the cultivation of prawns, there were problems with the availability of these insects. However, we have now identified a polysaccharide from Bombyx mori that activates innate immunity in RAW264 cells and penaeid prawns. This purified polysaccharide, termed silkrose of B. mori (silkrose-BM), has a molecular weight of 1,150,000 and produces a single symmetrical peak on HPLC. Eight of nine constitutive monosaccharides of silkrose-BM are concomitant with dipterose of B. cucurbitae (dipterose-BC) and silkrose of A. yamamai (silkrose-AY). The major differences are found in the molar ratios of the monosaccharides. Silkrose-BM is approximately 500-fold less potent than silkrose-AY (EC50: 2.5 and 0.0043 μg/mL, respectively) in a nitrite oxide (NO) production assay using RAW264 cells. However, the maximum NO production for silkrose-BM and AY were comparable and higher than that of the lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli. The survival of penaeid prawns (Litopenaeus vannamei and Marsupenaeus japonicus) after infection with Vibrio penaecida was significantly improved by both dietary silkrose-BM and B. mori pupae. This suggests that silkrose-BM effectively prevents vibriosis in penaeid prawns via the activation of innate immunity.
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22
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Zhang J, Su X, Yang D, Luan C. Label-free liquid crystal biosensor for cecropin B detection. Talanta 2018; 186:60-64. [PMID: 29784409 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A label-free liquid crystal (LC) biosensor based on orientation changes of LC molecules was reported for the detection of cecropin B. The homeotropic-to-tilted alignment transition of LC molecules, induced by the specific binding event between cecropin B and anti-cecropin B antibody immobilized via glutaraldehyde, could result in obvious change of the optical appearance from a dark to a bright response and as a result, the detection limit of cecropin B was as low as 50 ng/mL. The average gray-scale intensities (GIs) of optical appearances were calculated to quantitatively analyse cecropin B concentrations. This study offers a simple, highly sensitive and specific, lable-free method for cecropin B detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xiuxia Su
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China.
| | - Dong Yang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Chonglin Luan
- School of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Polytechnic, Shenzhen 518088, China.
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23
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Mylonakis E, Podsiadlowski L, Muhammed M, Vilcinskas A. Diversity, evolution and medical applications of insect antimicrobial peptides. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0290. [PMID: 27160593 PMCID: PMC4874388 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short proteins with antimicrobial activity. A large portion of known AMPs originate from insects, and the number and diversity of these molecules in different species varies considerably. Insect AMPs represent a potential source of alternative antibiotics to address the limitation of current antibiotics, which has been caused by the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. To get more insight into AMPs, we investigated the diversity and evolution of insect AMPs by mapping their phylogenetic distribution, allowing us to predict the evolutionary origins of selected AMP families and to identify evolutionarily conserved and taxon-specific families. Furthermore, we highlight the use of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans as a whole-animal model in high-throughput screening methods to identify AMPs with efficacy against human pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumanii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. We also discuss the potential medical applications of AMPs, including their use as alternatives for conventional antibiotics in ectopic therapies, their combined use with antibiotics to restore the susceptibility of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and their use as templates for the rational design of peptidomimetic drugs that overcome the disadvantages of therapeutic peptides. The article is part of the themed issue ‘Evolutionary ecology of arthropod antimicrobial peptides’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lars Podsiadlowski
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Zooecology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maged Muhammed
- Division of Infectious Disease, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Giessen, Germany
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24
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Mai T, Chen S, Lin X, Zhang X, Zou X, Feng Q, Zheng S. 20-hydroxyecdysone positively regulates the transcription of the antimicrobial peptide, lebocin, via BmEts and BmBR-C Z4 in the midgut of Bombyx mori during metamorphosis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 74:10-18. [PMID: 28390932 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metamorphosis is an essential physiological process in insects. This process is triggered by 20-hydroxyecydsone (20E). Lebocin, an antimicrobial peptide of Lepidoptera insects, was significantly up-regulated in the midgut, but not in the fat body of Bombyx mori during metamorphosis. In this study, the expression regulation of lebocin in B. mori midgut was studied. The results showed that B. mori lebocin and its activator BmEts were not responsive to bacterial infection in the midgut, instead, the expression of both genes was up-regulated by 20E treatment. The transcription factor BR-C Z4 in the 20E signal pathway enhanced lebocin promoter activity by directly binding to an upstream cis-response element of the promoter. In the fat body, the mRNA level of B. mori lebocin was decreased when the insect transformed from larval to pupal stage and was increased by immune challenge. The expression profiles of lebocin in Lepidopteran Spodoptera litura was also analyzed and the similar results were observed, S. litura lebocin was significantly up-regulated during midgut regeneration and mainly present in the new-formed intestinal cells of the midgut. All results together suggest that during metamorphosis 20E may activate lebocin expression via BmBR-C Z4 and BmEts in the midgut, where the antimicrobial peptide was produced to protect the midgut from infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taoyi Mai
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Shuna Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xianyu Lin
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zou
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Qili Feng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Sichun Zheng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
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Kim YI, Choi KH, Kim SR, Goo TW, Park SW. Bombyx mori hemocyte extract has anti-inflammatory effects on human phorbol myristate acetate-differentiated THP‑1 cells via TLR4-mediated suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:4001-4007. [PMID: 28765923 PMCID: PMC5646980 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemolymph is the circulating fluid of insects and is a key component of their immune system. However, little is known concerning hemocyte identification, development, differentiation and related cellular immune responses. The present study aimed to determine whether a hemocyte extract prepared from Bombyx mori larvae had anti-inflammatory effects; THP-1 (a human monocytic leukemia cell line) cells that had been differentiated into macrophage-like cells by treatment with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) were used. THP-1 cells were cultured with different concentrations of a B. mori hemocyte extract prior to exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an inflammatory response. The effects of the B. mori hemocyte extract on anti-inflammatory pathways were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting to assess the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. The B. mori hemocyte extract inhibited the LPS-induced mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in addition to LPS-induced interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Treatment of PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells with B. mori hemocyte extract also inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 transcription and translation. Nuclear factor-κB activation and phosphorylation also decreased. Further in-depth functional studies are required to understand the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of silkworm hemocyte extract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Il Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Ho Choi
- Sericultural and Apicultural Materials Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Wanju, Jeollabuk 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ryul Kim
- Sericultural and Apicultural Materials Division, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, Wanju, Jeollabuk 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Won Goo
- Department of Biochemistry, Dongguk University College of Medicine, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk 38066, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Won Park
- Department of Biotechnology, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk 38430, Republic of Korea
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Molecular Cloning, Bioinformatic Analysis, and Expression of Bombyx mori Lebocin 5 Gene Related to Beauveria bassiana Infection. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:9390803. [PMID: 28194425 PMCID: PMC5282435 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9390803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A full-length cDNA of lebocin 5 (BmLeb5) was first cloned from silkworm, Bombyx mori, by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The BmLeb5 gene is 808 bp in length and the open reading frame encodes a 179-amino acid hydroxyproline-rich peptide. Bioinformatic analysis results showed that BmLeb5 owns an O-glycosylation site and four RXXR motifs as other lebocins. Sequence similarity and phylogenic analysis results indicated that lebocins form a multiple gene family in silkworm as cecropins. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that BmLeb5 was highest expressed in the fat body. In the silkworm larvae infected by Beauveria bassiana, the expression level of BmLeb5 was upregulated in the fat body and hemolymph which are the most important immune tissues in silkworm. The recombinant protein of BmLeb5 was for the first time successfully expressed with prokaryotic expression system and purified. There are no reports so far that the expression of lebocins could be induced by entomopathogenic fungus. Our study suggested that BmLeb5 might play an important role in the immune response of silkworm to defend B. bassiana infection. The results also provided helpful information for further studying the lebocin family functioned in antifungal immune response in the silkworm.
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Simeon S, Li H, Win TS, Malik AA, Kandhro AH, Piacham T, Shoombuatong W, Nuchnoi P, Wikberg JES, Gleeson MP, Nantasenamat C. PepBio: predicting the bioactivity of host defense peptides. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra01388d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A large-scale QSAR study of host defense peptides sheds light on the origin of their bioactivities (antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral and antifungal).
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Balandin SV, Ovchinnikova TV. Antimicrobial peptides of invertebrates. Part 1. structure, biosynthesis, and evolution. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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He Y, Cao X, Li K, Hu Y, Chen YR, Blissard G, Kanost MR, Jiang H. A genome-wide analysis of antimicrobial effector genes and their transcription patterns in Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 62:23-37. [PMID: 25662101 PMCID: PMC4476920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial proteins/peptides (AMPs) are effectors of innate immune systems against pathogen infection in multicellular organisms. Over half of the AMPs reported so far come from insects, and these effectors act in concert to suppress or kill bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In this work, we have identified 86 AMP genes in the Manduca sexta genome, most of which seem likely to be functional. They encode 15 cecropins, 6 moricins, 6 defensins, 3 gallerimycins, 4 X-tox splicing variants, 14 diapausins, 15 whey acidic protein homologs, 11 attacins, 1 gloverin, 4 lebocins, 6 lysozyme-related proteins, and 4 transferrins. Some of these genes (e.g. attacins, cecropins) constitute large clusters, likely arising after rounds of gene duplication. We compared the amino acid sequences of M. sexta AMPs with their homologs in other insects to reveal conserved structural features and phylogenetic relationships. Expression data showed that many of them are synthesized in fat body and midgut during the larval-pupal molt. Certain genes contain one or more predicted κB binding sites and other regulatory elements in their promoter regions, which may account for the dramatic mRNA level increases in fat body and hemocytes after an immune challenge. Consistent with these strong mRNA increases, many AMPs become highly abundant in the larval plasma at 24 h after the challenge, as demonstrated in our previous peptidomic study. Taken together, these data suggest the existence of a large repertoire of AMPs in M. sexta, whose expression is up-regulated via immune signaling pathways to fight off invading pathogens in a coordinated manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Xiaolong Cao
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA; Institute of Biological Sciences, Donghua University, Songjiang, Shanghai 310029, China
| | - Yingxia Hu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yun-ru Chen
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Gary Blissard
- Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Michael R Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Yang J, Wang X, Tang S, Shen Z, Wu J. Peptidoglycan recognition protein S2 from silkworm integument: characterization, microbe-induced expression, and involvement in the immune-deficiency pathway. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2015; 15:iev007. [PMID: 25797797 PMCID: PMC4535147 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iev007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP) binds specifically to peptidoglycan and plays an important role as a pattern recognition receptor in the innate immunity of insects. The cDNA of a short-type PGRP, an open reading frame of 588 bp encoding a polypeptide of 196 amino acids, was cloned from Bombyx mori. A phylogenetic tree was constructed, and the results showed that BmPGRP-S2 was most similar to Drosophila melanogaster PGRP (DmPGRP-SA). The induced expression profile of BmPGRP-S2 in healthy Escherichia coli- and Bacillus subtilis-challenged B. mori was measured using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. The expression of BmPGRP-S2 was upregulated at 24 h by E. coli and Ba. subtilis challenge. In addition, in the integument of B. mori, RNAi knockdown of BmPGRP-S2 caused an obvious reduction in the transcription expression of the transcription factor Relish and in antibacterial effector genes Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin. The results indicated that BmPGRP-S2 participates in the signal transduction pathway of B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Shunming Tang
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Zhongyuan Shen
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212018, China
| | - Jinmei Wu
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212018, China The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212018, China
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Yi HY, Chowdhury M, Huang YD, Yu XQ. Insect antimicrobial peptides and their applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 98:5807-22. [PMID: 24811407 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-5792-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Insects are one of the major sources of antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs). Since observation of antimicrobial activity in the hemolymph of pupae from the giant silk moths Samia Cynthia and Hyalophora cecropia in 1974 and purification of first insect AMP (cecropin) from H. cecropia pupae in 1980, over 150 insect AMPs have been purified or identified. Most insect AMPs are small and cationic, and they show activities against bacteria and/or fungi, as well as some parasites and viruses. Insect AMPs can be classified into four families based on their structures or unique sequences: the α-helical peptides (cecropin and moricin), cysteine-rich peptides (insect defensin and drosomycin), proline-rich peptides (apidaecin, drosocin, and lebocin), and glycine-rich peptides/proteins (attacin and gloverin). Among insect AMPs, defensins, cecropins, proline-rich peptides, and attacins are common, while gloverins and moricins have been identified only in Lepidoptera. Most active AMPs are small peptides of 20-50 residues, which are generated from larger inactive precursor proteins or pro-proteins, but gloverins (~14 kDa) and attacins (~20 kDa) are large antimicrobial proteins. In this mini-review, we will discuss current knowledge and recent progress in several classes of insect AMPs, including insect defensins, cecropins, attacins, lebocins and other proline-rich peptides, gloverins, and moricins, with a focus on structural-functional relationships and their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Yi
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Hu H, Wang C, Guo X, Li W, Wang Y, He Q. Broad activity against porcine bacterial pathogens displayed by two insect antimicrobial peptides moricin and cecropin B. Mol Cells 2013; 35:106-14. [PMID: 23456332 PMCID: PMC3887904 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-013-2132-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2012] [Revised: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to infection, insects produce a variety of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to kill the invading pathogens. To study their physicochemical properties and bioactivities for clinical and commercial use in the porcine industry, we chemically synthesized the mature peptides Bombyx mori moricin and Hyalophora cecropia cecropin B. In this paper, we described the antimicrobial activity of the two AMPs. Moricin exhibited antimicrobial activity on eight strains tested with minimal inhibitory concentration values (MICs) ranging between 8 and 128 μg/ml, while cecropin B mainly showed antimicrobial activity against the Gramnegative strains with MICs ranging from 0.5 to 16 μg/ml. Compared to the potent antimicrobial activity these two AMPs displayed against most of the bacterial pathogens tested, they exhibited limited hemolytic activity against porcine red blood cells. The activities of moricin and cecropin B against Haemophilus parasuis SH 0165 were studied in further detail. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of moricin and cecropin B treated H. parasuis SH 0165 indicated extensive damage to the membranes of the bacteria. Insights into the probable mechanism utilized by moricin and cecropin B to eliminate pathogens are also presented. The observations from this study are important for the future application of AMPs in the porcine industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Division of Animal Infectious Disease, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei,
China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Division of Animal Infectious Disease, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei,
China
| | - Xiaozhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Division of Animal Infectious Disease, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei,
China
| | - Wentao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Division of Animal Infectious Disease, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei,
China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Division of Animal Infectious Disease, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei,
China
| | - Qigai He
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Division of Animal Infectious Disease, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei,
China
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Tanaka H, Sagisaka A, Fujita K, Furukawa S, Ishibashi J, Yamakawa M. BmEts upregulates promoter activity of lebocin in Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 42:474-481. [PMID: 22484450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The Ets family protein BmEts is assumed to be implicated in determination of diapause in the embryogenesis of Bombyx mori. In this study, we found that expression of BmEts was increased in the fat body and other tissues of the 5th instar larvae in response to Escherichia coli injection. Cotransfection experiments using a silkworm cell line revealed that overexpression of BmEts significantly elevated the activity of lebocin promoter but not of cecropin B1, cecropin D, attacin, and moricin promoters. Activation of the lebocin promoter by BmEts was dependent on at least two κB elements and the most proximal GGAA/T motif located on the 5'-upstream region. BmEts further synergistically enhanced E. coli or BmRelish1-d2 (active form)-stimulated lebocin promoter activation. Two κB elements were also found to be involved in promoter activation by BmRelish1-d2 and in synergistic promoter activation by BmEts and BmRelish1-d2 in the silkworm cells. Specific binding of recombinant BmEts to the proximal κB element and the most proximal GGAA/T motif and interaction between BmEts and BmRelish1 were also observed. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an Ets family protein directly regulating immune-related genes in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Tanaka
- Insect Mimetics Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan.
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Rao XJ, Xu XX, Yu XQ. Functional analysis of two lebocin-related proteins from Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 42:231-9. [PMID: 22198332 PMCID: PMC3288250 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 12/06/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Insects produce a group of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in response to microbial infections. Most AMPs are synthesized as inactive precursors/pro-proteins and require proteolytic processing to generate small active peptides. Here we report identification and functional analysis of two lebocin-related proteins (Leb-B and Leb-C) from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. The mRNA levels of Leb-B and Leb-C increased significantly in larval fat body and hemocytes after injection of Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Western blotting using rabbit polyclonal antibody to Leb-B showed accumulation of large protein(s) and small peptide(s) in larval hemolymph after microbial injection. This result and the presence of RXXR motifs in the deduced amino acid sequences led to our postulation that Leb-B/C may be inactive precursors that are processed in larval hemolymph to generate short active peptides. To test this hypothesis, we expressed and purified full-length and various fragments of Leb-B and Leb-C as thioredoxin (TRX) fusion proteins. We found that fusion proteins could be cleaved by induced larval plasma, and the cleavage sites were determined by protein sequencing. Antibacterial activity of peptide fragments was also verified using synthetic peptides, and active M. sexta lebocin peptides were located at the N-termini of Leb-B/C, which are different from Bombyx mori lebocins 1-4 that are located close to the C-termini. In addition, we found that synthetic Leb-B(22-48) peptide not only had higher antibacterial activity but also caused agglutination of E. coli cells. Our results provide valuable information for studying processing of lebocin precursors in lepidopteran insects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- Send correspondence to: Xiao-Qiang Yu, PhD, Division of Cell Biology and Biophysics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 5007 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110, Telephone: (816)-235-6379, Fax: (816)-235-1503,
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Barnaby SN, Fath KR, Tsiola A, Banerjee IA. Fabrication of ellagic acid incorporated self-assembled peptide microtubes and their applications. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2012; 95:154-61. [PMID: 22455831 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2011] [Revised: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Ellagic acid (EA), a plant polyphenol known for its wide-range of health benefits was encapsulated within self-assembled threonine based peptide microtubes. The microtubes were assembled using the synthesized precursor bolaamphiphile bis(N-α-amido threonine)-1,5-pentane dicarboxylate. The self-assembly of the microstructures was probed at varying pH. In general, tubular formations were observed at a pH range of 4-6. The formed microtubes were then utilized for fabrication with EA. We probed the ability of the microtubes as drug release vehicles for EA as well as for antibacterial applications. It was found that the release of EA was both pH and concentration dependent. The biocompatibility as well as cytotoxicity of the EA-fabricated microtubes was examined in the presence of mammalian normal rat kidney (NRK) cells. Finally the antibacterial effects of the EA incorporated peptide microtubes was examined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey N Barnaby
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458, United States
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Jiang H, Xu Y, Li L, Weng L, Wang Q, Zhang S, Jia B, Hu H, He Y, Jacob Y, Toyoda T. Inhibition of influenza virus replication by constrained peptides targeting nucleoprotein. Antivir Chem Chemother 2011; 22:119-30. [PMID: 22095520 DOI: 10.3851/imp1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of high mutation rates, new drug-resistant viruses are rapidly evolving, thus making the necessary control of influenza virus infection difficult. METHODS We screened a constrained cysteine-rich peptide library mimicking μ-conotoxins from Conus geographus and a proline-rich peptide library mimicking lebocin 1 and 2 from Bombyx mori by using influenza virus RNA polymerase (PB1, PB2 and PA) and nucleoprotein (NP) as baits. RESULTS Among the 22 peptides selected from the libraries, we found that the NP-binding proline-rich peptide, PPWCCCSPMKRASPPPAQSDLPATPKCPP, inhibited influenza replicon activity to mean±sd 40.7%±15.8% when expressed as a GFP fusion peptide in replicon cells. Moreover, when the GFP fusion peptide was transduced into cells by an HIV-TAT protein transduction domain sequence, the replication of influenza virus A/WSN/33 (WSN) at a multiplicity of infection of 0.01 was inhibited to 20% and 69% at 12 and 24 h post-infection, respectively. In addition, the TAT-GFP fusion peptide was able to slightly protect Balb/c mice from WSN infection when administrated prior to the infection. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the potential of this peptide as the seed of an anti-influenza drug and reveal the usefulness of the constrained peptide strategy for generating inhibitors of influenza infection. The results also suggest that influenza NP, which is conserved among the influenza A viruses, is a good target for influenza inhibition, despite being the most abundant protein in infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbing Jiang
- Unit of Viral Genome Regulation, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
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Glycosylated analogs of formaecin I and drosocin exhibit differential pattern of antibacterial activity. Glycoconj J 2011; 28:537-55. [DOI: 10.1007/s10719-011-9353-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2011] [Revised: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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38
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Ahn MJ, Sohn HI, Nan YH, Murugan RN, Cheong CJ, Ryu EK, Kim EH, Kang SW, Kim EJ, Shin SY, Bang JK. Functional and Structural Characterization of Drosocin and its Derivatives Linked O-GalNAc at Thr 11Residue. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2011. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2011.32.9.3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Scocchi M, Tossi A, Gennaro R. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides: converging to a non-lytic mechanism of action. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:2317-30. [PMID: 21594684 PMCID: PMC11114787 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0721-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides are a group of cationic host defense peptides of vertebrates and invertebrates characterized by a high content of proline residues, often associated with arginine residues in repeated motifs. Those isolated from some mammalian and insect species, although not evolutionarily related, use a similar mechanism to selectively kill Gram-negative bacteria, with a low toxicity to animals. Unlike other types of antimicrobial peptides, their mode of action does not involve the lysis of bacterial membranes but entails penetration into susceptible cells, where they then act intracellularly. Some aspects of the transport system and cytoplasmic targets have been elucidated. These features make them attractive both as anti-infective lead compounds and as a new class of potential cell-penetrating peptides capable of internalising membrane-impermeant drugs into both bacterial and eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Scocchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandro Tossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Renato Gennaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università di Trieste, Via Giorgieri 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Abstract
Lepidopteran insects provide important model systems for innate immunity of insects, particularly for cell biology of hemocytes and biochemical analyses of plasma proteins. Caterpillars are also among the most serious agricultural pests, and understanding of their immune systems has potential practical significance. An early response to infection in lepidopteran larvae is the activation of hemocyte adhesion, leading to phagocytosis, nodule formation, or encapsulation. Plasmatocytes and granular cells are the hemocyte types involved in these responses. Infectious microorganisms are recognized by binding of hemolymph plasma proteins to microbial surface components. This "pattern recognition" triggers phagocytosis and nodule formation, activation of prophenoloxidase and melanization and the synthesis of antimicrobial proteins that are secreted into the hemolymph. Many hemolymph proteins that function in such innate immune responses of insects were first discovered in lepidopterans. Microbial proteinases and nucleic acids released from lysed host cells may also activate lepidopteran immune responses. Hemolymph antimicrobial peptides and proteins can reach high concentrations and may have activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, contributing significantly to clearing of infections. Serine proteinase cascade pathways triggered by microbial components interacting with pattern recognition proteins stimulate activation of the cytokine Spätzle, which initiates the Toll pathway for expression of antimicrobial peptides. A proteinase cascade also results inproteolytic activation of phenoloxidase and production of melanin coatings that trap and kill parasites and pathogens. The proteinases in hemolymph are regulated by specific inhibitors, including members of the serpin superfamily. New developments in lepidopteran functional genomics should lead to much more complete understanding of the immune systems of this insect group.
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Knappe D, Piantavigna S, Hansen A, Mechler A, Binas A, Nolte O, Martin LL, Hoffmann R. Oncocin (VDKPPYLPRPRPPRRIYNR-NH2): A Novel Antibacterial Peptide Optimized against Gram-Negative Human Pathogens. J Med Chem 2010; 53:5240-7. [DOI: 10.1021/jm100378b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Knappe
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Universität Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Anne Hansen
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Universität Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Adam Mechler
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annegret Binas
- AiCuris GmbH & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 475, Building 302, D-42117 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Oliver Nolte
- AiCuris GmbH & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 475, Building 302, D-42117 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Lisandra L. Martin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Universität Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, D-04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Rayaprolu S, Wang Y, Kanost MR, Hartson S, Jiang H. Functional analysis of four processing products from multiple precursors encoded by a lebocin-related gene from Manduca sexta. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 34:638-47. [PMID: 20096726 PMCID: PMC2841005 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2009] [Revised: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a crucial component of the natural immune system in insects. Five types of AMPs have been identified in the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, including attacin, cecropin, moricin, gloverin, and lebocin. Here we report the isolation of lebocin-related cDNA clones and antibacterial activity of their processed protein products. The 17 cDNA sequences are composed of a constant 5' end and a variable 3' region containing 3-16 copies of an 81-nucleotide repeat. The sequence of the corresponding gene isolated from a M. sexta genomic library and Southern blotting results indicated that the gene lacks introns and exists as a single copy in the genome. The genomic sequence contained 13 complete and one partial copy of the 81-nucleotide repeat. Northern blot analysis revealed multiple transcripts with major size differences. The mRNA level of M. sexta lebocin increased substantially in fat body after larvae had been injected with bacteria. The RXXR motifs in the protein sequences led us to postulate that the precursors are processed by an intracellular convertase to form four bioactive peptides. To test this hypothesis, we chemically synthesized the peptides and examined their antibacterial activity. Peptide 1 killed Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Peptide 2, similar in sequence to a Galleria mellonella AMP, did not affect the bacterial growth. Peptide 3 was inactive but peptide 3 with an extra Arg at the carboxyl terminus was active against Escherichia coli at a high minimum inhibitory concentration. Peptide 4, encoded by the 81-bp repeat, was inactive in the antibacterial tests. The hypothesis that posttranslational processing of the precursor proteins produces multiple bioactive peptides for defense purposes was validated by identification of peptides 1, 2, and 3 from larval hemolymph via liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Comparison with the orthologs from other lepidopteran insects indicates that the same mechanism may be used to generate several functional products from a single precursor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subrahmanyam Rayaprolu
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Michael R. Kanost
- Department of Biochemistry, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Steven Hartson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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The InhA metalloproteases of Bacillus cereus contribute concomitantly to virulence. J Bacteriol 2010; 192:286-94. [PMID: 19837797 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00264-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The virulence of Bacillus cereus requires that bacteria have the capacity to colonize their host, degrade specific tissues, and circumvent the host immune system. To study this aspect of pathogenesis, we focused on three metalloproteases, InhA1, InhA2, and InhA3, which share more than 66% identity. The expression of these metalloprotease genes was assessed by transcriptional fusions with a lacZ reporter gene. The expression profiles suggest a complementary time course of InhA production. Indeed, the genes are simultaneously expressed but are oppositely controlled during stationary phase. We constructed single and multiple inhA mutants and assessed the bacterial locations of the proteins as well as their individual or additive roles in macrophage escape and toxicity, antibacterial-peptide cleavage, and virulence. InhA1, a major component of the spore exosporium, is the only InhA metalloprotease involved in bacterial escape from macrophages. A mutant lacking inhA1, inhA2, and inhA3 shows a strong decrease in the level of virulence for insects. Taken together, these results show that the InhA metalloproteases of B. cereus are important virulence factors that may allow the bacteria to counteract the host immune system.
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Matti KM, Savanurmath CJ, Hinchigeri SB. A promising broad spectrum antimicrobial red fluorescent protein present in silkworm excreta. Biol Pharm Bull 2010; 33:1143-7. [PMID: 20606304 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.33.1143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
The purified silkworm excretory red fluorescent protein (SE-RFP) has exhibited a potent broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. The anti-microbial assays of purified SE-RFP against several pathogenic bacterial (both Gram positive and Gram negative) and fungal strains were performed by agar cup plate method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of SE-RFP against pathogenic bacteria and fungi was evaluated by agar dilution technique. The SE-RFP has exhibited highest activity (lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and largest zone of inhibition) against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans among the tested bacteria and fungi, respectively. For the first time, we are reporting here the bioactivity of a red fluorescent protein purified from the silkworm excreta against clinically important bacteria and fungi. The bioactive SE-RFP has two absorption peaks at 280 and 603 nm and, it has exhibited fluorescence emission peaks at 334 and 619 nm upon exciting at 280 and 603 nm, respectively. The SE-RFP being an aqua-soluble, economically feasible and eco-friendly protein, it can therefore be used for the practical applications as an effective antimicrobial agent.
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45
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Molecular cloning and characterization of a serine protease-like protein from silkworm (Bombyx mori). Genes Genomics 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03191257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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46
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Detection of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides in Mexican strains of Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) exposed to Bacillus thuringiensis. J Invertebr Pathol 2008; 98:218-27. [PMID: 18359041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2008.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2007] [Revised: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The systemic immune response of Trichoplusia ni after Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) exposure was evaluated by comparing the expression of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Bt-susceptible and -resistant T. ni strains that were either exposed or not to XenTari (Bt-XT). AMP genes were detected by RT-PCR using primers for attacin, gloverin, lebocin, lysozyme, and peptidoglycan recognition peptide (PGRP). In general, AMP genes were detected more frequently in Mexican field strains previously exposed to Bt (SALX and GTOX) than in a Mexican laboratory strain (NL), but expression was similar to the AMP expression in USA laboratory strains (US and USX). Among the AMPs, transcripts for lebocin were the least detected (11.7%) and those for lysozyme were the most detected (84.8%) in all samples. Lebocin was detected only in 2nd instar and pupa. All untreated controls expressed attacin. Attacin and gloverin were not detected in any midgut sample, and their highest detection was in pupa. Lysozyme was rarely detected in 2nd instar larvae from any strain or treatment but was detected in almost all midgut and hemolymph samples. Overall, AMPs were found more in T. ni strains previously exposed to Bt-XT, especially lebocin and globerin (1.8-fold increase) and PGRP (3.8-fold increase). The data suggest that the expression of AMPs in T. ni correlates to previous Bt exposure.
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Kawaoka S, Katsuma S, Daimon T, Isono R, Omuro N, Mita K, Shimada T. Functional analysis of four Gloverin-like genes in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2008; 67:87-96. [PMID: 18076111 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
To identify genes involved in the innate immunity of the silkworm Bombyx mori, we constructed a cDNA library from the fat body of Escherichia coli-challenged B. mori larvae. Based on the expressed sequence tag (EST) data and whole genome shotgun sequence analysis, we found four Gloverin-like genes, BmGlov1-4, in the Bombyx genome. Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis showed that BmGlov1-4 were induced in the larval fat body after an immune challenge by the injection of E. coli; however, less induction was observed after the injection of a yeast Candida albicans. In silico sequence analysis revealed the presence of a motif homologous to NF-kappaB binding site in the upstream region of each BmGlov gene. Moreover, we expressed recombinant BmGlov1-4 proteins using the baculovirus expression system, and found that all the recombinant BmGlov1-4 significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinpei Kawaoka
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Kaneko Y, Furukawa S, Tanaka H, Yamakawa M. Expression of antimicrobial peptide genes encoding Enbocin and Gloverin isoforms in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2007; 71:2233-41. [PMID: 17827677 DOI: 10.1271/bbb.70212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides, Enbocin and Gloverin isoforms from the silkworm Bombyx mori, were analyzed for expression of these peptide genes. Tissue-specific expression of Enbocin and Bmgloverin isoform genes was observed mainly in the fat body upon injection of Escherichia coli. Peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide triggered expression of these genes in vivo. On the other hand, lipid A activated Bmgloverin isoform genes but not Enbocin isoform genes. These results illustrate the fact that expression of Enbocin and Bmgloverin isoform genes is inducible by bacteria and that the effects of bacterial cell wall components on the activation of these peptide genes are not necessarily the same. In addition, selective activation of the Enbocin2, Bmgloverin2, and Bmgloverin4 genes by BmRelB rather than BmRelA was observed, providing additional evidence for the occurrence of selective activation of antimicrobial peptide genes by a Rel protein. These results suggest complex regulatory mechanisms in insect antimicrobial peptide genes by bacterial cell wall components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Kaneko
- Graduate School of Life and Enviromental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
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Kaur KJ, Pandey S, Salunke DM. Design of a functionally equivalent nonglycosylated analog of the glycopeptide antibiotic formaecin I. Protein Sci 2007; 16:309-15. [PMID: 17242433 PMCID: PMC2203295 DOI: 10.1110/ps.062581707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Various nonglycosylated analogs were designed in order to explore the role of glycosylation in formaecin I, an antibacterial glycopeptide of insect origin. The functional behavior of a designed nonglycosylated analog (P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I was found to be similar to that of native glycosylated peptide. Both the peptides showed similar antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains. The designed nonglycosylated analog (P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I has low binding affinity to LPS identical to that of native glycopeptide, formaecin I. Both the peptides have similar killing kinetics and are nontoxic to erythrocytes. Formaecin I and designed nonglycosylated (P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I have no definite conformational features associated with them. The glycosylated residue of threonine in formaecin I and proline residues in designed peptide [(P(7),endo P(8a),DeltaT(11))formaecin I], possibly help in stabilizing the correct conformation that facilitates presentation of the peptide to its receptor. It is evident that a functionally equivalent nonglycosylated analog of native glycosylated antibacterial peptide can be designed by strategically modifying the sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal J Kaur
- Structural Biology Unit, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asal Ali Marg, New Delhi 110-067, India.
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Cytryńska M, Mak P, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Suder P, Jakubowicz T. Purification and characterization of eight peptides from Galleria mellonella immune hemolymph. Peptides 2007; 28:533-46. [PMID: 17194500 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 11/17/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Defense peptides play a crucial role in insect innate immunity against invading pathogens. From the hemolymph of immune-challenged greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Gm) larvae, eight peptides were isolated and characterized. Purified Gm peptides differ considerably in amino acid sequences, isoelectric point values and antimicrobial activity spectrum. Five of them, Gm proline-rich peptide 2, Gm defensin-like peptide, Gm anionic peptides 1 and 2 and Gm apolipophoricin, were not described earlier in G. mellonella. Three others, Gm proline-rich peptide 1, Gm cecropin D-like peptide and Galleria defensin, were identical with known G. mellonella peptides. Gm proline-rich peptides 1 and 2 and Gm anionic peptide 2, had unique amino acid sequences and no homologs have been found for these peptides. Antimicrobial activity of purified peptides was tested against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. The most effective was Gm defensin-like peptide which inhibited fungal and sensitive bacteria growth in a concentration of 2.9 and 1.9 microM, respectively. This is the first report describing at least a part of defense peptide repertoire of G. mellonella immune hemolymph.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Invertebrate Immunology, Institute of Biology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, 19 Akademicka St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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