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Zainal Abidin A, Norrrahim MNF, Mohamed Shakrin NNS, Ibrahim B, Abdullah N, Abdul Rashid JI, Mohd Kasim NA, Ahmad Shah NA. Amidine containing compounds: Antimicrobial activity and its potential in combating antimicrobial resistance. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32010. [PMID: 39170404 PMCID: PMC11336351 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing and concerning threat to global public health, necessitating innovative strategies to combat this crisis. Amidine-containing compounds have emerged as promising agents in the battle against AMR. This review gives a summary of recent advances from the past decade in studies of antimicrobial amidine-containing compounds with the aim to feature their structural diversity and the pharmacological relevance of the moiety to antimicrobial activity and their potential use in combating antimicrobial resistance, to the greatest extent possible. Highlighting is put on chemical structure of such compounds in relation to antimicrobial activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. Researchers commonly modify molecules containing amidine or incorporate amidine into existing antimicrobial agents to enhance their pharmacological attributes and combat antimicrobial resistance. This comprehensive review consolidates the current knowledge on amidine-containing compounds, elucidating their antimicrobial mechanisms and highlighting their promise in addressing the global AMR crisis. By offering a multidisciplinary perspective, we aim to inspire further research and innovation in this critical area of antimicrobial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Zainal Abidin
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
- Research Centre for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Baharudin Ibrahim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norli Abdullah
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jahwarhar Izuan Abdul Rashid
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Azilah Mohd Kasim
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Noor Aisyah Ahmad Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Centre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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2
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Song M, Liu Q, Yao JF, Wang YT, Ma YN, Xu H, Yu QY, Li Z, Du SS, Qi YK. Synthesis and structural optimization of oncolytic peptide LTX-315. Bioorg Med Chem 2024; 107:117760. [PMID: 38762978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2024.117760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Oncolytic peptides represented potential novel candidates for anticancer treatments especially drug-resistant cancer cell lines. One of the most promising and extensively studied is LTX-315, which is considered as the first in class oncolytic peptide and has entered phase I/II clinical trials. Nevertheless, the shortcomings including poor proteolytic stability, moderate anticancer durability and high synthesis costs may hinder the widespread clinical applications of LTX-315. In order to reduce the synthesis costs, as well as develop derivatives possessing both high protease-stability and durable anticancer efficiency, twenty LTX-315-based derived-peptides were designed and efficiently synthesized. Especially, through solid-phase S-alkylation, as well as the optimized peptide cleavage condition, the derived peptides could be prepared with drastically reduced synthesis cost. The in vitro anticancer efficiency, serum stability, anticancer durability, anti-migration activity, and hemolysis effect were systematically investigated. It was found that derived peptide MS-13 exhibited comparable anticancer efficiency and durability to those of LTX-315. Strikingly, the D-type peptide MS-20, which is the enantiomer of MS-13, was demonstrated to possess significantly high proteolytic stability and sustained anticancer durability. In general, the cost-effective synthesis and stability-guided structural optimizations were conducted on LTX-315, affording the highly hydrolysis resistant MS-20 which possessed durable anticancer activity. Meanwhile, this study also provided a reliable reference for the future optimization of anticancer peptides through the solid-phase S-alkylation and L-type to D-type amino acid substitutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Qing Liu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Jing-Fang Yao
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Yu-Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Yan-Nan Ma
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Huan Xu
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China
| | - Qian-Yao Yu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China
| | - Zhibo Li
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China.
| | - Shan-Shan Du
- State Key Laboratory Base for Eco-Chemical Engineering in College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, China; Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China.
| | - Yun-Kun Qi
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, #1 Ningde Road, Qingdao 266073, China.
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Chen P, Ye T, Li C, Praveen P, Hu Z, Li W, Shang C. Embracing the era of antimicrobial peptides with marine organisms. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:331-346. [PMID: 37743806 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00031a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2018 to Jun of 2023The efficiency of traditional antibiotics has been undermined by the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, necessitating the pursuit of innovative therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are part of host defence peptides found ubiquitously in nature, exhibiting a wide range of activity towards bacteria, fungi, and viruses, offer a highly promising candidate solution. The efficacy of AMPs can frequently be augmented via alterations to their amino acid sequences or structural adjustments. Given the vast reservoir of marine life forms and their distinctive ecosystems, marine AMPs stand as a burgeoning focal point in the quest for alternative peptide templates extracted from natural sources. Advances in identification and characterization techniques have accelerated the discoveries of marine AMPs, thereby stimulating AMP customization, optimization, and synthesis research endeavours. This review presents an overview of recent discoveries related to the intriguing qualities of marine AMPs. Emphasis will be placed upon post-translational modifications (PTMs) of marine AMPs and how they may impact functionality and potency. Additionally, this review considers ways in which marine PTM might support larger-scale, heterologous AMP manufacturing initiatives, providing insights into translational applications of these important biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Chunyuan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Praveen Praveen
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Wenyi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Chenjing Shang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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4
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Lin B, Hung A, Li R, Barlow A, Singleton W, Matthyssen T, Sani MA, Hossain MA, Wade JD, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Li W. Systematic comparison of activity and mechanism of antimicrobial peptides against nosocomial pathogens. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 231:114135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Li W, Lin F, Hung A, Barlow A, Sani MA, Paolini R, Singleton W, Holden J, Hossain MA, Separovic F, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Wade JD. Enhancing proline-rich antimicrobial peptide action by homodimerization: influence of bifunctional linker. Chem Sci 2022; 13:2226-2237. [PMID: 35310489 PMCID: PMC8864714 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05662j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are host defense peptides, and unlike conventional antibiotics, they possess potent broad spectrum activities and, induce little or no antimicrobial resistance. They are attractive lead molecules for rational development to improve their therapeutic index. Our current studies examined dimerization of the de novo designed proline-rich AMP (PrAMP), Chex1-Arg20 hydrazide, via C-terminal thiol addition to a series of bifunctional benzene or phenyl tethers to determine the effect of orientation of the peptides and linker length on antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial assays confirmed that dimerization per se significantly enhances Chex1-Arg20 hydrazide action. Greatest advantage was conferred using perfluoroaromatic linkers (tetrafluorobenzene and octofluorobiphenyl) with the resulting dimeric peptides 6 and 7 exhibiting potent action against Gram-negative bacteria, especially the World Health Organization's critical priority-listed multidrug-resistant (MDR)/extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii as well as preformed biofilms. Mode of action studies indicated these lead PrAMPs can interact with both outer and inner bacterial membranes to affect the membrane potential and stress response. Additionally, 6 and 7 possess potent immunomodulatory activity and neutralise inflammation via nitric oxide production in macrophages. Molecular dynamics simulations of adsorption and permeation mechanisms of the PrAMP on a mixed lipid membrane bilayer showed that a rigid, planar tethered dimer orientation, together with the presence of fluorine atoms that provide increased bacterial membrane interaction, is critical for enhanced dimer activity. These findings highlight the advantages of use of such bifunctional tethers to produce first-in-class, potent PrAMP dimers against MDR/XDR bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology Australia
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research Australia
| | - Feng Lin
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, RMIT University Australia
| | - Anders Barlow
- Materials Characterization and Fabrication Platform Australia
| | - Marc-Antoine Sani
- The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Rita Paolini
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research Australia
| | | | - James Holden
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology Australia
- Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research Australia
| | - John D Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne Australia
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
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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: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [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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7
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Zhu S, Li W, O'Brien-Simpson N, Separovic F, Sani MA. C-terminus amidation influences biological activity and membrane interaction of maculatin 1.1. Amino Acids 2021; 53:769-777. [PMID: 33891157 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides have been investigated for their potential use in combating infections by targeting the cell membrane of microbes. Their unique chemical structure has been investigated to understand their mode of action and optimize their dose-response by rationale design. One common feature among cationic AMPs is an amidated C-terminus that provides greater stability against in vivo degradation. This chemical modification also likely modulates the interaction with the cell membrane of bacteria yet few studies have been performed comparing the effect of the capping groups. We used maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) to assess the role of the capping groups in modulating the peptide bacterial efficiency, stability and interactions with lipid membranes. Circular dichroism results showed that C-terminus amidation maintains the structural stability of the peptide (α-helix) in contact with micelles. Dye leakage experiments revealed that amidation of the C-terminus resulted in higher membrane disruptive ability while bacteria and cell viability assays revealed that the amidated form displayed higher antibacterial ability and cytotoxicity compared to the acidic form of Mac1. Furthermore, 31P and 2H solid-state NMR showed that C-terminus amidation played a greater role in disturbance of the phospholipid headgroup but had little effect on the lipid tails. This study paves the way to better understand how membrane-active AMPs act in live bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Zhu
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- Melbourne Dental School and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil O'Brien-Simpson
- Melbourne Dental School and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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8
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Arbour CA, Mendoza LG, Stockdill JL. Recent advances in the synthesis of C-terminally modified peptides. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:7253-7272. [PMID: 32914156 PMCID: PMC9508648 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob01417f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
C-Terminally modified peptides are important for the development and delivery of peptide-based pharmaceuticals because they impact peptide activity, stability, hydrophobicity, and membrane permeability. Additionally, the vulnerability of C-terminal esters to cleavage by endogenous esterases makes them excellent pro-drugs. Methods for post-SPPS C-terminal functionalization potentially enable access to libraries of modified peptides, facilitating tailoring of their solubility, potency, toxicity, and uptake pathway. Apparently minor structural changes can significantly impact the binding, folding, and pharmacokinetics of the peptide. This review summarizes developments in chemical methods for C-terminal modification of peptides published since the last review on this topic in 2003.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine A Arbour
- Wayne State University, Department of Chemistry, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
| | - Lawrence G Mendoza
- Wayne State University, Department of Chemistry, Detroit, Michigan, USA.
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9
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Novel Self-Assembled Micelles Based on Cholesterol-Modified Antimicrobial Peptide (DP7) for Safe and Effective Systemic Administration in Animal Models of Bacterial Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00368-18. [PMID: 30201818 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00368-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Owing to their broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, multitarget effects, and low drug resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have played critical roles in the clinical therapy of drug-resistant bacterial infections. However, the potential hazard of hemolysis following systemic administration has greatly limited their application. Here, we developed a novel AMP derivative, DP7-C, by modifying a formerly identified highly active AMP (DP7) with cholesterol to form an amphiphilic conjugate. The prepared DP7-C easily self-assembled into stable nanomicelles in aqueous solution. The DP7-C micelles showed lower hemolytic activity than their unconjugated counterparts toward human red blood cells and a maximum tolerated dose of 80 mg/kg of body weight in mice via intravenous injection, thus demonstrating improved safety. Moreover, by eliciting specific immunomodulatory activities in immune cells, the DP7-C micelles exerted distinct therapeutic effects in zebrafish and mouse models of infection. In conclusion, DP7-C micelles may be an excellent candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections in the clinic.
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Ostorhazi E, Hoffmann R, Herth N, Wade JD, Kraus CN, Otvos L. Advantage of a Narrow Spectrum Host Defense (Antimicrobial) Peptide Over a Broad Spectrum Analog in Preclinical Drug Development. Front Chem 2018; 6:359. [PMID: 30186829 PMCID: PMC6111444 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2018.00359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The APO-type proline-arginine-rich host defense peptides exhibit potent in vitro killing parameters against Enterobacteriaceae but not to other bacteria. Because of the excellent in vivo properties against systemic and local infections, attempts are regularly made to further improve the activity spectrum. A C-terminal hydrazide analog of the Chex1-Arg20 amide (ARV-1502) shows somewhat improved minimal inhibitory concentration against Moraxellaceae. Here we compared the activity of the two peptides as well as an inactive dimeric reverse amide analog in a systemic Acinetobacter baumannii infection. Only the narrow spectrum amide derivative reduced the 6-h blood bacterial burden by >2 log10 units reaching statistical significance (p = 0.03 at 5 mg/kg and 0.031 at 2 mg/kg administered intramuscularly). The hydrazide derivative, probably due to stronger activity on cell membranes, lysed erythrocytes at lower concentrations, and caused toxic effects at lower doses (10 mg/kg vs. 25 mg/kg). In a limited study, the amide induced a >5-fold production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 over untreated naïve mice and minor increases in the anti-inflammatory IL-4 and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, in blood. The blood of hydrazide-treated mice exhibited significantly lowered levels of IL-10 and slightly decreased IL-4 and TNF-α. These results suggest that the improved efficacy of the narrow-spectrum amide analog is likely associated with increased anti-inflammatory cytokine production and better stimulation of the immune system. Although blood IL-6 and TNF-α levels are frequently used as markers of potential toxicity in drug development, we did not observe any notable increase in mice receiving the toxic polyamide antibiotic colistin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Ostorhazi
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nicole Herth
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - John D Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Laszlo Otvos
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Arrevus, Inc, Raleigh, NC, United States.,OLPE, LLC, Audubon, PA, United States
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Li W, O'Brien‐Simpson NM, Holden JA, Otvos L, Reynolds EC, Separovic F, Hossain MA, Wade JD. Covalent conjugation of cationic antimicrobial peptides with a β‐lactam antibiotic core. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- Leibniz‐Forschungs Institut für Molekulare PharmakologieBerlin13125 Germany
| | - Neil M. O'Brien‐Simpson
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - James A. Holden
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - Laszlo Otvos
- OLPE LLC., AudubonPhiladelphia Pennsylvania19403
| | - Eric C. Reynolds
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
| | - John D. Wade
- School of ChemistryUniversity of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne VIC3010 Australia
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12
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Li W, Sun Z, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Otvos L, Reynolds EC, Hossain MA, Separovic F, Wade JD. The Effect of Selective D- or N α-Methyl Arginine Substitution on the Activity of the Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide, Chex1-Arg20. Front Chem 2017; 5:1. [PMID: 28154813 PMCID: PMC5243837 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In vivo pharmacokinetics studies have shown that the proline-rich antimicrobial peptide, A3-APO, which is a discontinuous dimer of the peptide, Chex1-Arg20, undergoes degradation to small fragments at positions Pro6-Arg7 and Val19-Arg20. With the aim of minimizing or abolishing this degradation, a series of Chex1-Arg20 analogs were prepared via Fmoc/tBu solid phase peptide synthesis with D-arginine or, in some cases, peptide backbone Nα-methylated arginine, substitution at these sites. All the peptides were tested for antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. The resulting activity of position-7 substitution of Chex1-Arg20 analogs showed that arginine-7 is a crucial residue for maintaining activity against K. pneumoniae. However, arginine-20 substitution had a much less deleterious effect on the antibacterial activity of the peptide. Moreover, none of these peptides displayed any cytotoxicity to HEK and H-4-II-E mammalian cells. These results will aid the development of more effective and stable PrAMPs via judicious amino acid substitutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Zhe Sun
- Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne Dental School, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne Dental School, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Laszlo Otvos
- Department of Biology, Temple University Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric C Reynolds
- Oral Health Cooperative Research Centre, Melbourne Dental School, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohammed A Hossain
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia; School of Chemistry, University of MelbourneParkville, VIC, Australia
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O'Brien-Simpson NM, Li W, Pantarat N, Hossain MA, Separovic F, Wade JD, Reynolds EC. Fluorescent Ion Efflux Screening Assay for Determining Membrane-Active Peptides. Aust J Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/ch16659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
A major global health threat is the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes. Coupled with a lack of development of modified antibiotics, there is a need to develop new antimicrobial molecules and screening assays for them. In this study, we provide proof of concept that a large unilamellar vesicle (LUV) method used to study chloride ion efflux facilitated by ionophores and surfactant-like molecules that disrupt membrane integrity can be adapted to identify membrane-interactive antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and to screen relative activity of AMPs. Lucigenin was encapsulated in LUVs in the presence of Cl– ion (NaCl), which quenches fluorescence, and then incubated with AMPs in 100 mM NaNO3 buffer. Upon AMP membrane interaction or disruption, the Cl– ion is exchanged with the NO3– ion, and the resultant lucigenin fluorescence is indicative of relative AMP activity. Seven AMPs were synthesized by solid-phase peptide chemistry and incubated with LUVs of different phospholipid compositions. Each AMP resulted in lucigenin fluorescence, which was dose dependent, and the relative fluorescence correlated with the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for the corresponding peptide. Furthermore, using mammalian model phospholipid LUVs, lucigenin-induced fluorescence also correlated with the AMP cytotoxicity half-maximal inhibitory concentration values. The proline-rich AMP, Chex1-Arg20, which is non-lytic but interacts with the bacterial membrane resulted in lucigenin fluorescence of bacterial membrane model LUVs but not of mammalian membrane model LUVs. The fluorescent ion efflux assay developed here should have applicability for most AMPs and could be tailored to target particular bacterial species membrane composition, potentially leading to the identification of novel membrane-interactive AMPs. The rapid high-throughput method also allows for screening of relative AMP activity and toxicity before biological testing.
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Li W, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Yao S, Tailhades J, Reynolds EC, Dawson RM, Otvos L, Hossain MA, Separovic F, Wade JD. C-Terminal Modification and Multimerization Increase the Efficacy of a Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide. Chemistry 2016; 23:390-396. [PMID: 27862429 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201604172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Two series of branched tetramers of the proline-rich antimicrobial peptide (PrAMP), Chex1-Arg20, were prepared to improve antibacterial selectivity and potency against a panel of Gram-negative nosocomial pathogens including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. First, tetramerization was achieved by dithiomaleimide (DTM) conjugation of two C-terminal-cysteine bearing dimers that also incorporated C-terminal peptide chemical modification. DTM-linked tetrameric peptides containing a C-terminal hydrazide moiety on each dimer exhibited highly potent activities in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) range of 0.49-2.33 μm. A second series of tetrameric analogues with C-terminal hydrazide modification was prepared by using alternative conjugation linkers including trans-1,4-dibromo-2-butene, α,α'-dibromo-p-xylene, or 6-bismaleimidohexane to determine the effect of length on activity. Each displayed potent and broadened activity against Gram-negative nosocomial pathogens, particularly the butene-linked tetrameric hydrazide. Remarkably, the greatest MIC activity is against P. aeruginosa (0.77 μm/8 μg mL-1 ) where the monomer is inactive. None of these peptides showed any cytotoxicity to mammalian cells up to 25 times the MIC. A diffusion NMR study of the tetrameric hydrazides showed that the more active antibacterial analogues were those with a more compact structure having smaller hydrodynamic radii. The results show that C-terminal PrAMP hydrazidation together with its rational tetramerization is an effective means for increasing both diversity and potency of PrAMP action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Shenggen Yao
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Julien Tailhades
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Eric C Reynolds
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Raymond M Dawson
- Land Division, Defence Science and Technology Group, Fishermans Bend, VIC, 3207, Australia
| | - Laszlo Otvos
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - John D Wade
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.,School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Li W, O'Brien-Simpson NM, Tailhades J, Pantarat N, Dawson RM, Otvos L, Reynolds EC, Separovic F, Hossain MA, Wade JD. Multimerization of a Proline-Rich Antimicrobial Peptide, Chex-Arg20, Alters Its Mechanism of Interaction with the Escherichia coli Membrane. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 22:1250-8. [PMID: 26384569 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A3-APO, a de novo designed branched dimeric proline-rich antimicrobial peptide (PrAMP), is highly effective against a variety of in vivo bacterial infections. We undertook a selective examination of the mechanism for the Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterial membrane interaction of the monomer (Chex-Arg20), dimer (A3-APO), and tetramer (A3-APO disulfide-linked dimer). All three synthetic peptides were effective at killing E. coli. However, the tetramer was 30-fold more membrane disruptive than the dimer while the monomer showed no membrane activity. Using flow cytometry and high-resolution fluorescent microscopy, it was observed that dimerization and tetramerization of the Chex-Arg20 monomer led to an alteration in the mechanism of action from non-lytic/membrane hyperpolarization to membrane disruption/depolarization. Our findings show that the membrane interaction and permeability of Chex-Arg20 was altered by multimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Li
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Neil M O'Brien-Simpson
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Julien Tailhades
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Namfon Pantarat
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Raymond M Dawson
- Land Division, Defence Science and Technology Organization, Fishermans Bend, VIC 3207, Australia
| | - Laszlo Otvos
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA; Institute of Medical Microbiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1089, Hungary
| | - Eric C Reynolds
- Oral Health CRC, Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mohammed Akhter Hossain
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - John D Wade
- School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Membrane interactions of proline-rich antimicrobial peptide, Chex1-Arg20, multimers. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:1236-43. [PMID: 26926423 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens requires the development of new antibiotics. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs), including native apidaecins, Bac7, and oncocins or designed A3APO, show multi-modal actions against pathogens together with immunostimulatory activities. The interactions of the designed PrAMP, Chex1-Arg20, and its dimeric and tetrameric oligomers with different model membranes were investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, differential scanning calorimetry, and dye leakage. Chex1-Arg20 oligomers showed stronger affinity and preferential binding to negatively charged phospholipid bilayers and led to lipid aggregation and neutralization. Fluorescence microscopy of negatively charged giant unilamellar vesicles with AlexFluor-647-labeled Chex1-Arg20 dimers and tetramers displayed aggregation at a peptide/lipid low ratio of 1:200 and at higher peptide concentrations (1:100/1:50) for Chex1-Arg20 monomer. Such interactions, aggregation, and neutralization of PrAMP oligomers additionally showed the importance of interactions of PrAMPs with negatively charged membranes.
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Wentrup C. RACI Congress Adelaide. Aust J Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/ch15508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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