1
|
Groover KE, Randall JR, Davies BW. Development of a Selective and Stable Antimicrobial Peptide. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:2151-2160. [PMID: 38712889 PMCID: PMC11185160 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00142] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are presented as potential scaffolds for antibiotic development due to their desirable qualities including broad-spectrum activity, rapid action, and general lack of susceptibility to current resistance mechanisms. However, they often lose antibacterial activity under physiological conditions and/or display mammalian cell toxicity, which limits their potential use. Identification of AMPs that overcome these barriers will help develop rules for how this antibacterial class can be developed to treat infection. Here we describe the development of our novel synthetic AMP, from discovery through in vivo application. Our evolved AMP, DTr18-dab, has broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and is nonhemolytic. It is active against planktonic bacteria and biofilm, is unaffected by colistin resistance, and importantly is active in both human serum and a Galleria mellonella infection model. Several modifications, including the incorporation of noncanonical amino acids, were used to arrive at this robust sequence. We observed that the impact on antibacterial activity with noncanonical amino acids was dependent on assay conditions and therefore not entirely predictable. Overall, our results demonstrate how a relatively weak lead can be developed into a robust AMP with qualities important for potential therapeutic translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyra E. Groover
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, The University
of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Justin R. Randall
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, The University
of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Bryan W. Davies
- Department
of Molecular Biosciences, The University
of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- John
Ring LaMontagne Center for Infectious Diseases, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carrera-Aubesart A, Gallo M, Defaus S, Todorovski T, Andreu D. Topoisomeric Membrane-Active Peptides: A Review of the Last Two Decades. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2451. [PMID: 37896211 PMCID: PMC10610229 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, bioactive peptides have been gaining recognition in various biomedical areas, such as intracellular drug delivery (cell-penetrating peptides, CPPs) or anti-infective action (antimicrobial peptides, AMPs), closely associated to their distinct mode of interaction with biological membranes. Exploiting the interaction of membrane-active peptides with diverse targets (healthy, tumoral, bacterial or parasitic cell membranes) is opening encouraging prospects for peptides in therapeutics. However, ordinary peptides formed by L-amino acids are easily decomposed by proteases in biological fluids. One way to sidestep this limitation is to use topoisomers, namely versions of the peptide made up of D-amino acids in either canonic (enantio) or inverted (retroenantio) sequence. Rearranging peptide sequences in this fashion provides a certain degree of native structure mimicry that, in appropriate contexts, may deliver desirable biological activity while avoiding protease degradation. In this review, we will focus on recent accounts of membrane-active topoisomeric peptides with therapeutic applications as CPP drug delivery vectors, or as antimicrobial and anticancer candidates. We will also discuss the most common modes of interaction of these peptides with their membrane targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Carrera-Aubesart
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| | - Maria Gallo
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| | - Sira Defaus
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| | - Toni Todorovski
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.-A.); (M.G.); (S.D.); (T.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Enhancing the Stability of Tumor Homing LyP-1 Peptide Using Cyclization and Retro Grafting Strategies. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
|
4
|
The Potential of Surface-Immobilized Antimicrobial Peptides for the Enhancement of Orthopaedic Medical Devices: A Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020211. [PMID: 36830122 PMCID: PMC9952162 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the well-known phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, there is a constant need for antibiotics with novel mechanisms and different targets respect to those currently in use. In this regard, the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) seem very promising by virtue of their bactericidal action, based on membrane permeabilization of susceptible microbes. Thanks to this feature, AMPs have a broad activity spectrum, including antibiotic-resistant strains, and microbial biofilms. Additionally, several AMPs display properties that can help tissue regeneration. A possible interesting field of application for AMPs is the development of antimicrobial coatings for implantable medical devices (e.g., orthopaedic prostheses) to prevent device-related infection. In this review, we will take note of the state of the art of AMP-based coatings for orthopaedic prostheses. We will review the most recent studies by focusing on covalently linked AMPs to titanium, their antimicrobial efficacy and plausible mode of action, and cytocompatibility. We will try to extrapolate some general rules for structure-activity (orientation, density) relationships, in order to identify the most suitable physical and chemical features of peptide candidates, and to optimize the coupling strategies to obtain antimicrobial surfaces with improved biological performance.
Collapse
|
5
|
S100 Proteins as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Psoriasis and Other Autoimmune Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196640. [PMID: 36235175 PMCID: PMC9572071 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases affecting about 1-3% of the population. One of the characteristic abnormalities in psoriasis is the excessive production of antimicrobial peptides and proteins, which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins can be expressed differently in normal and diseased skin, reflecting their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, due to their very important functions in innate immunity, members of host defense peptides and proteins are currently considered to be promising new therapeutic targets for many inflammatory diseases. Koebnerisin (S100A15) belongs to an S100 family of antimicrobial proteins, which constitute the multigenetic group of calcium-binding proteins involved in ion-dependent cellular functions and regulation of immune mechanisms. S100A15 was first discovered to be overexpressed in 'koebnerized' psoriatic skin, indicating its involvement in the disease phenotype and the same promising potential as a new therapeutic target. This review describes the involvement of antimicrobial peptides and proteins in inflammatory diseases' development and therapy. The discussion focuses on S100 proteins, especially koebnerisin, which may be involved in the underlying mechanism of the Köebner phenomenon in psoriasis, as well as other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases described in the last decade.
Collapse
|
6
|
Carrera-Aubesart A, Defaus S, Pérez-Peinado C, Sandín D, Torrent M, Jiménez MÁ, Andreu D. Examining Topoisomers of a Snake-Venom-Derived Peptide for Improved Antimicrobial and Antitumoral Properties. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092110. [PMID: 36140211 PMCID: PMC9495681 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ctn[15-34], the C-terminal section of crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin from a South American pit viper, is an antimicrobial and antitumoral peptide with remarkably longer stability in human serum than the parent Ctn. In this work, a set of topoisomers of both Ctn and Ctn[15-34], including the retro, enantio, and retroenantio versions, were synthesized and tested to investigate the structural requirements for activity. All topoisomers were as active as the cognate sequences against Gram-negative bacteria and tumor cells while slightly more toxic towards normal cells. More importantly, the enhanced serum stability of the D-amino-acid-containing versions suggests that such topoisomers must be preferentially considered as future antimicrobial and anticancer peptide leads.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Carrera-Aubesart
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sira Defaus
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Sandín
- Systems Biology of Infection Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marc Torrent
- Systems Biology of Infection Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Jiménez
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Rocasolano” (IQFR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (D.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Han Y, Zhang M, Lai R, Zhang Z. Chemical modifications to increase the therapeutic potential of antimicrobial peptides. Peptides 2021; 146:170666. [PMID: 34600037 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The continued use of antibiotics has been accompanied by the rapid emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides, show multiple features as an ideal antimicrobial agent, including potent, rapid, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low promotion of antimicrobial resistance, potent anti-biofilm activity, and lethality against metabolically inactive microorganisms. However, several crucial drawbacks constrain the use of AMPs as clinical drugs, e.g., liability in vivo, toxicity when used systemically, and high production costs. Based on recent findings and our own experiences, here we summarize some chemical modifications and key design strategies to increase the therapeutic potential of AMPs, including 1) enhancing antimicrobial activities, 2) improving in vivo effectiveness, and 3) reduction in toxicity, which may facilitate the design and optimization of AMPs for the development of drug candidates. We also discuss the present challenges in the optimization of AMPs and future concerns about the resistance and cross-resistance to AMPs in the development of AMPs as therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Han
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China
| | - Manli Zhang
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, The Second Part of First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021 Jilin Province, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, 650223 Yunnan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Recent Applications of Retro-Inverso Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168677. [PMID: 34445382 PMCID: PMC8395423 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural and de novo designed peptides are gaining an ever-growing interest as drugs against several diseases. Their use is however limited by the intrinsic low bioavailability and poor stability. To overcome these issues retro-inverso analogues have been investigated for decades as more stable surrogates of peptides composed of natural amino acids. Retro-inverso peptides possess reversed sequences and chirality compared to the parent molecules maintaining at the same time an identical array of side chains and in some cases similar structure. The inverted chirality renders them less prone to degradation by endogenous proteases conferring enhanced half-lives and an increased potential as new drugs. However, given their general incapability to adopt the 3D structure of the parent peptides their application should be careful evaluated and investigated case by case. Here, we review the application of retro-inverso peptides in anticancer therapies, in immunology, in neurodegenerative diseases, and as antimicrobials, analyzing pros and cons of this interesting subclass of molecules.
Collapse
|
9
|
Forner M, Cañas-Arranz R, Defaus S, de León P, Rodríguez-Pulido M, Ganges L, Blanco E, Sobrino F, Andreu D. Peptide-Based Vaccines: Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus, a Paradigm in Animal Health. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9050477. [PMID: 34066901 PMCID: PMC8150788 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9050477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are considered one of the greatest global health achievements, improving the welfare of society by saving lives and substantially reducing the burden of infectious diseases. However, few vaccines are fully effective, for reasons ranging from intrinsic limitations to more contingent shortcomings related, e.g., to cold chain transport, handling and storage. In this context, subunit vaccines where the essential antigenic traits (but not the entire pathogen) are presented in rationally designed fashion have emerged as an attractive alternative to conventional ones. In particular, this includes the option of fully synthetic peptide vaccines able to mimic well-defined B- and T-cell epitopes from the infectious agent and to induce protection against it. Although, in general, linear peptides have been associated to low immunogenicity and partial protection, there are several strategies to address such issues. In this review, we report the progress towards the development of peptide-based vaccines against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) a highly transmissible, economically devastating animal disease. Starting from preliminary experiments using single linear B-cell epitopes, recent research has led to more complex and successful second-generation vaccines featuring peptide dendrimers containing multiple copies of B- and T-cell epitopes against FMD virus or classical swine fever virus (CSFV). The usefulness of this strategy to prevent other animal and human diseases is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mar Forner
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut (DCEXS-UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Rodrigo Cañas-Arranz
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.C.-A.); (P.d.L.); (M.R.-P.)
| | - Sira Defaus
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut (DCEXS-UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (S.D.)
| | - Patricia de León
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.C.-A.); (P.d.L.); (M.R.-P.)
| | - Miguel Rodríguez-Pulido
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.C.-A.); (P.d.L.); (M.R.-P.)
| | - Llilianne Ganges
- Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA), OIE Reference Laboratory for Classical Swine Fever, Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology, 08193 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Esther Blanco
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), 28130 Valdeolmos, Spain;
| | - Francisco Sobrino
- Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.C.-A.); (P.d.L.); (M.R.-P.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (D.A.)
| | - David Andreu
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut (DCEXS-UPF), 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (M.F.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.); (D.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gallo M, Moreno E, Defaus S, Ortega-Alvaro A, Gonzalez A, Robledo P, Cavaco M, Neves V, Castanho MARB, Casadó V, Pardo L, Maldonado R, Andreu D. Orally Active Peptide Vector Allows Using Cannabis to Fight Pain While Avoiding Side Effects. J Med Chem 2021; 64:6937-6948. [PMID: 33887904 PMCID: PMC8486167 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The
activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1R) by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the
main component of Cannabis sativa,
induces analgesia. CB1R activation, however, also causes
cognitive impairment via the serotonin 5HT2A receptor (5HT2AR), a component of a CB1R–5HT2AR heteromer, posing a serious drawback for cannabinoid therapeutic
use. We have shown that peptides reproducing CB1R transmembrane
(TM) helices 5 and 6, fused to a cell-penetrating sequence (CPP),
can alter the structure of the CB1R–5HT2AR heteromer and avert THC cognitive impairment while preserving analgesia.
Here, we report the optimization of these prototypes into drug-like
leads by (i) shortening the TM5, TM6, and CPP sequences, without losing
the ability to disturb the CB1R–5HT2AR heteromer, and (ii) extensive sequence remodeling to achieve protease
resistance and blood–brain barrier penetration. Our efforts
have culminated in the identification of an ideal candidate for cannabis-based
pain management, an orally active 16-residue peptide preserving THC-induced
analgesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gallo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sira Defaus
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Ortega-Alvaro
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel Gonzalez
- Laboratori de Medicina Computacional, Unitat de Bioestadística, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Patricia Robledo
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Leonardo Pardo
- Laboratori de Medicina Computacional, Unitat de Bioestadística, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Torres MDT, Cao J, Franco OL, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Synthetic Biology and Computer-Based Frameworks for Antimicrobial Peptide Discovery. ACS NANO 2021; 15:2143-2164. [PMID: 33538585 PMCID: PMC8734659 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c09509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest challenges of our time. This global health problem originated from a paucity of truly effective antibiotic classes and an increased incidence of multi-drug-resistant bacterial isolates in hospitals worldwide. Indeed, it has been recently estimated that 10 million people will die annually from drug-resistant infections by the year 2050. Therefore, the need to develop out-of-the-box strategies to combat antibiotic resistance is urgent. The biological world has provided natural templates, called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which exhibit multiple intrinsic medical properties including the targeting of bacteria. AMPs can be used as scaffolds and, via engineering, can be reconfigured for optimized potency and targetability toward drug-resistant pathogens. Here, we review the recent development of tools for the discovery, design, and production of AMPs and propose that the future of peptide drug discovery will involve the convergence of computational and synthetic biology principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D T Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Jicong Cao
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Octavio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70790160, Brazil
- S-inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS 79117010, Brazil
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Synthetic Biology Group, MIT Synthetic Biology Center, Department of Biological Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tang T, Liu J, Li S, Li H, Liu F. Recombinant expression of an oriental river prawn anti-lipopolysaccharide factor gene in Pichia pastoris and its characteristic analysis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 98:414-419. [PMID: 31962148 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs), as main host-defense molecules of crustaceans, form a unique family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). MnALF4 is one isoform of ALFs isolated from the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium nipponense. In the present study, MnALF4 gene was successfully expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris and the recombinant MnALF4 protein exhibited efficient and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro. When prawns were injected with rMnALF4 before bacterial challenge with E. coli, the recombinant protein effectively promote the elimination of bacteria by the host. It manifested that rMnALF4 could effectively kill the invading bacteria in vivo. Treatment with rMnALF4 led to remarkable changes in bacterial morphology, such as spheroidization, oversized bacteria, and cell lysis. In addition, rMnALF4 showed weak hemolysis activity to the rabbit red blood cells. Our work suggests that MnALF4 plays an important role in Macrobrachium immunity and is worthy of further investigation as a potential antibacterial agent with high efficacy against bacterial infection and low toxicity to host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Jinlan Liu
- Medical College, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Hongquan Li
- Medical College, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Fengsong Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Application, College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rai J. Peptide and protein mimetics by retro and retroinverso analogs. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 93:724-736. [PMID: 30582286 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retroinverso analog of a natural polypeptide can sometimes mimic the structure and function of the natural peptide. The additional advantage of using retroinverso analog is that it is resistant to proteolysis. The retroinverso analogs have peptide sequence in reverse direction with respect to natural peptide and also have chirality of amino acid inverted from L to D. The D amino acids cannot be recognized by common proteases of the body; therefore, these peptides will not be degraded easily and have a longer-lasting effect as vaccine and inhibitor drugs. There have been many contested propositions about the geometric relationship between a peptide and its retro, inverso, or retroinverso analog. A retroinverso analog sometimes fails to adopt the structure that can mimic the function of the natural peptide. In such cases, partial retroinverso analog and other modifications can help in achieving the desired structure and function. Here, we review the theory, major experimental attempts, prediction methods, and alternative strategies related to retroinverso peptidomimetics.
Collapse
|
14
|
Costa F, Teixeira C, Gomes P, Martins MCL. Clinical Application of AMPs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:281-298. [PMID: 30980363 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been described as one of the most promising compounds able to address one of the main health threats of the twenty-first century that is the continuous rise of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. However, despite the clear advantages of AMPs as a new class of antimicrobials, such as broad spectrum of activity, high selectivity, low toxicity and low propensity to induce resistance, only a small fraction of AMPs reported thus far have been able to successfully complete all phases of clinical trials and become accessible to patients. This is mainly related to the low bioavailability and still somewhat expensive production of AMP along with regulatory obstacles. This chapter offers an overview of selected AMPs that are currently in the market or under clinical trials. Strategies for assisting AMP industrial translation and major regulatory difficulties associated with AMP approval for clinical evaluation will be also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabíola Costa
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Cristina L Martins
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal. .,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mishra B, Wang X, Lushnikova T, Zhang Y, Golla RM, Narayana JL, Wang C, McGuire TR, Wang G. Antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer activities and structural bioinformatics analysis of six naturally occurring temporins. Peptides 2018; 106:9-20. [PMID: 29842923 PMCID: PMC6063800 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are a special class of natural products with potential applications as novel therapeutics. This study focuses on six temporins (four with no activity data and two as positive controls). Using synthetic peptides, we report antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities of temporins-CPa, CPb, 1Ga, 1Oc, 1Ola, and 1SPa. While temporin-1Ga and temporin-1OLa showed higher antifungal and anticancer activity, most of these peptides were active primarily against Gram-positive bacteria. Temporin-1OLa, with the highest cell selectivity index, could preferentially kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), consistent with a reduced hemolysis in the presence of bacteria. Mechanistically, temporin-1OLa rapidly killed MRSA by damaging bacterial membranes. Using micelles as a membrane-mimetic model, we determined the three-dimensional structure of temporin-1OLa by NMR spectroscopy. The peptide adopted a two-domain structure where a hydrophobic patch is followed by a classic amphipathic helix covering residues P3-I12. Such a structure is responsible for anti-biofilm ability in vitro and in vivo protection of wax moths Galleria mellonella from staphylococcal infection. Finally, our bioinformatic analysis leads to a classification of temporins into six types and confers significance to this NMR structure since temporin-1OLa shares a sequence model with 62% of temporins. Collectively, our results indicate the potential of temporin-1OLa as a new anti-MRSA compound, which shows an even better anti-biofilm capability in combination with linezolid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Xiuqing Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA; Department of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Tamara Lushnikova
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Yingxia Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA; Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Science, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, Hainan, China
| | - Radha M Golla
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Jayaram Lakshmaiah Narayana
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Chunfeng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA; The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Mianfang Road, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Timothy R McGuire
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6025, USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Erdem SS, Obeidin VA, Yigitbasi T, Tumer SS, Yigit P. Verteporfin mediated sequence dependent combination therapy against ovarian cancer cell line. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY 2018; 183:266-274. [PMID: 29747146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2018.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian Cancer is one of the deadliest gynecological cancer showing high resistance to chemotherapy. Non-overlapping and synergistic combination therapies are the best option to overcome this multi-pathological silent disease. Cationic peptides (CPs) with high targeting feature and ability to pass through cell membrane induce apoptosis via disruption of cancer cell membrane. Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a noninvasive clinically approved treatment modality combining light activated photosensitizer, light and oxygen. In this study we present, combination therapy composed of 9-mer +4 charge bearing CP and Benzoporphyrin derivative monoacid, (BPD-MA, Verteporfin) mediated PDT. In order to evaluate the effect of sequence on the outcome of the therapy, CP and BPD-MA mediated PDT was applied in two different sequence: 'CP first' 'BPD-MA first'. Treatment efficacy of combination therapy in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line has been evaluated based on cell inhibition, cell death pathway, Combination index (CI), and Dose Reduction Index (DRI) values. When SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell line treated with BPD-MA mediated PDT (5 J/cm2) and CP individually, IC30 values for each drug were determined as 1.1 μM and 240 μM respectively and apoptosis was the major death cell pathway for both of the drugs. In the case of combination therapy, SKOV-3 cell line treated with drugs in constant ratio yet on different sequence. Drugs were used in constant ratio so that one of them would not de-emphasize the effect of other in any concentration point. Our theoretical and experimental results were in agreement and showed that the treatment outcome significantly depends on the order of the treatment. For instance, while BPD-MA mediated PDT was applied prior to CP, cell inhibition at IC30 value of BPD-MA was roughly 28% with CI =3.3 suggesting antagonistic interaction between each therapy. When the sequence of treatment was changed to CP first, cell inhibition at IC30 concentration of CP was determined as 98% with CI = 0.3 creating substantial synergism between the drugs. Moreover, synergistic interactions were observed at all concentration points at CP first scenario. DRI value for CP first treatment option was much higher compared to BPD-MA first treatment making the former treatment sequence more attractive option for clinically relevant combination therapies. Based on our results, we strongly believe that 9-mer CP and BPD-MA-PDT based combination therapy, offering synergistic therapeutic outcome, may increase chances of treatment of ovarian cancer in comparison to 9-mer CP and/or BPD-MA alone case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sibel Erdem
- İstanbul Medipol University, International School of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey; Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Vildan Akgul Obeidin
- İstanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Turkan Yigitbasi
- İstanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - S Serranur Tumer
- İstanbul Medipol University, International School of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pakize Yigit
- İstanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Retro analog concept: comparative study on physico-chemical and biological properties of selected antimicrobial peptides. Amino Acids 2017; 49:1755-1771. [PMID: 28756544 PMCID: PMC5602100 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-017-2473-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Increasing drug resistance of common pathogens urgently needs discovery of new effective molecules. Antimicrobial peptides are believed to be one of the possible solutions of this problem. One of the approaches for improvement of biological properties is reversion of the sequence (retro analog concept). This research is based on investigation of antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, hemolysis of erythrocytes, interpretation of the circular dichroism spectra, measurement of counter-ion content, and assessment of the peptide hydrophobicity and self-assembly using reversed-phase chromatography. The experiments were conducted using the following peptides: aurein 1.2, CAMEL, citropin 1.1, omiganan, pexiganan, temporin A, and their retro analogs. Among the compounds studied, only retro omiganan showed an enhanced antimicrobial and a slightly increased hemolytic activity as compared to parent molecule. Moreover, retro pexiganan exhibited high activity towards Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas pexiganan was in general more or equally active against the rest of tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the determined activity was closely related to the peptide hydrophobicity. In general, the reduced hemolytic activity correlates with lower antimicrobial activity. The tendency to self-association and helicity fraction in SDS seems to be correlated. The normalized RP-HPLC—temperature profiles of citropin 1.1 and aurein 1.2, revealed an enhanced tendency to self-association than that of their retro analogs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Ageitos J, Sánchez-Pérez A, Calo-Mata P, Villa T. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): Ancient compounds that represent novel weapons in the fight against bacteria. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 133:117-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 328] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
19
|
Zhang M, Yue B, Zhang AH, Wang GH, Liu Y, Zhou S, Cheng SF, Li NQ. TC38, a teleost TFPI-2 peptide that kills bacteria via penetration of the cell membrane and interaction with nucleic acids. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 64:104-110. [PMID: 28263880 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2 (TFPI-2) is an analog of TFPI-1 and a potent endogenous inhibitor of tissue factor (TF)-mediated blood coagulation. Recent reports have proven that the C-terminal of TFPI-2 peptides in humans and several other vertebrates possesses antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In our previous study, we reported that the TFPI-2 peptide, TC38 in tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) was active against Micrococcus luteus. In this study, we further examine the antimicrobial spectrum, mechanism of action, and function of TC38 in tongue sole. Our results indicate that TC38 is active against the Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio ichthyoenteri, Vibrio litoralis, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus, as well as the fish Megalocytivirus, infectious spleen and kidney necrosis virus (ISKNV). The mechanism of action of TC38 against V. vulnificus was explored. The results showed that TC38 killed V. vulnificus cells without lysis of the cell membrane. FITC-labeled TC38 was able to penetrate the cell membrane and bind to DNA and RNA, then disrupt cellular function, eventually leading to cell death. Administration of TC38 to tongue sole significantly improved its defense against V. vulnificus infection. Overall, these results indicate that TC38 is a novel peptide with a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Furthermore, the unique action of TC38 against V. vulnificus adds new insights to the mechanism of action of vertebrate TFPI peptides. Moreover, TC38 is an interesting antimicrobial agent that could be useful in the fight against pathogenic invasion in aquaculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Bin Yue
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ai-Hua Zhang
- Animal lab, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Guang-Hua Wang
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun Zhou
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Shun-Feng Cheng
- Marine Science and Engineering College, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| | - Ning-Qiu Li
- Key Laboratory of Fishery Drug Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Animal Immune Technology, Guangdong Province, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510380, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yang H, Li S, Li F, Yu K, Yang F, Xiang J. Recombinant Expression of a Modified Shrimp Anti-Lipopolysaccharide Factor Gene in Pichia pastoris GS115 and Its Characteristic Analysis. Mar Drugs 2016; 14:md14080152. [PMID: 27517939 PMCID: PMC4999913 DOI: 10.3390/md14080152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) with a LPS-binding domain (LBD) are considered to have broad spectrum antimicrobial activities and certain antiviral properties in crustaceans. FcALF2 was one isoform of ALFs isolated from the Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis. Our previous study showed that a modified LBD domain (named LBDv) of FcALF2 exhibited a highly enhanced antimicrobial activity. In the present study, a modified FcALF2 gene (mFcALF2), in which the LBD was substituted by LBDv, was designed and synthesized. This gene was successfully expressed in yeast Pichia pastoris GS115 eukaryotic expression system, and the characteristics of the recombinant protein mFcALF2 were analyzed. mFcALF2 exhibited apparent antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Gram-positive bacteria, including Bacillus licheniformis and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In addition, mFcALF2 could reduce the propagation of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) in vivo by pre-incubation with virus. The present study paves the way for developing antimicrobial drugs in aquaculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Shihao Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Fuhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Kuijie Yu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Fusheng Yang
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Donghai Aquaculture Company Limited, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tonk M, Vilcinskas A, Rahnamaeian M. Insect antimicrobial peptides: potential tools for the prevention of skin cancer. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:7397-405. [PMID: 27418360 PMCID: PMC4980408 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7718-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) are biologically active molecules with diverse structural properties that are produced by mammals, plants, insects, ticks, and microorganisms. They have a range of antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and even anticancer activities, and their biological properties could therefore be exploited for therapeutic and prophylactic applications. Cancer and cancer drug resistance are significant current health challenges, so the development of innovative cancer drugs with minimal toxicity toward normal cells and novel modes of action that can evade resistance may provide a new direction for anticancer therapy. The skin is the first line of defense against heat, sunlight, injury, and infection, and skin cancer is thus the most common type of cancer. The skin that has been exposed to sunlight is particularly susceptible, but lesions can occur anywhere on the body. Skin cancer awareness and self-efficacy are necessary to improve sun protection behavior, but more effective preventative approaches are also required. AMPs may offer a new prophylactic approach against skin cancer. In this mini review, we draw attention to the potential use of insect AMPs for the prevention and treatment of skin cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miray Tonk
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse, 35394, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse, 35394, Giessen, Germany.,Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mohammad Rahnamaeian
- LOEWE Center for Insect Biotechnology and Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Winchester Strasse, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Maleki H, Rai A, Pinto S, Evangelista M, Cardoso RMS, Paulo C, Carvalheiro T, Paiva A, Imani M, Simchi A, Durães L, Portugal A, Ferreira L. High Antimicrobial Activity and Low Human Cell Cytotoxicity of Core-Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles Functionalized with an Antimicrobial Peptide. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:11366-11378. [PMID: 27074633 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b03355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) functionalized with antimicrobial agents are promising infection-targeted therapeutic platforms when coupled with external magnetic stimuli. These antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs) may offer advantages in fighting intracellular pathogens as well as biomaterial-associated infections. This requires the development of NPs with high antimicrobial activity without interfering with the biology of mammalian cells. Here, we report the preparation of biocompatible antimicrobial SPION@gold core-shell NPs based on covalent immobilization of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) cecropin melittin (CM) (the conjugate is named AMP-NP). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the AMP-NP for Escherichia coli was 0.4 μg/mL, 10-times lower than the MIC of soluble CM. The antimicrobial activity of CM depends on the length of the spacer between the CM and the NP. AMP-NPs are taken up by endothelial (between 60 and 170 pg of NPs per cell) and macrophage (between 18 and 36 pg of NPs per cell) cells and accumulate preferentially in endolysosomes. These NPs have no significant cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory activities for concentrations up to 200 μg/mL (at least 100 times higher than the MIC of soluble CM). Our results in membrane models suggest that the selectivity of AMP-NPs for bacteria and not eukaryotic membranes is due to their membrane compositions. The AMP-NPs developed here open new opportunities for infection-site targeting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hajar Maleki
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra , 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Akhilesh Rai
- Biocant-Biotechnology Innovation Center, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- CNC-Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Pinto
- Biocant-Biotechnology Innovation Center, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- CNC-Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marta Evangelista
- Biocant-Biotechnology Innovation Center, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- CNC-Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Renato M S Cardoso
- Biocant-Biotechnology Innovation Center, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- CNC-Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristiana Paulo
- Biocant-Biotechnology Innovation Center, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- CNC-Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tiago Carvalheiro
- Blood and Transplantation Center of Coimbra, Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation , 3041-861 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur Paiva
- Blood and Transplantation Center of Coimbra, Portuguese Institute of Blood and Transplantation , 3041-861 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mohammad Imani
- Novel Drug Delivery Systems Department, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute , 13115-14977 Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Simchi
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Sharif University of Technology , 11365-11155 Tehran, Iran
- Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Sharif University of Technology , 11365-11155 Tehran, Iran
| | - Luísa Durães
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra , 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Portugal
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra , 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- Biocant-Biotechnology Innovation Center, 3060-197 Cantanhede, Portugal
- CNC-Center of Neurosciences and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra , 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Khara JS, Priestman M, Uhía I, Hamilton MS, Krishnan N, Wang Y, Yang YY, Langford PR, Newton SM, Robertson BD, Ee PLR. Unnatural amino acid analogues of membrane-active helical peptides with anti-mycobacterial activity and improved stability. J Antimicrob Chemother 2016; 71:2181-91. [DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkw107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
|
24
|
Rai A, Pinto S, Evangelista MB, Gil H, Kallip S, Ferreira MG, Ferreira L. High-density antimicrobial peptide coating with broad activity and low cytotoxicity against human cells. Acta Biomater 2016; 33:64-77. [PMID: 26821340 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Medical device-associated infections are a multi-billion dollar burden for the worldwide healthcare systems. The modification of medical devices with non-leaching coatings capable of killing microorganisms on contact is one of the strategies being investigated to prevent microorganism colonization. Here we developed a robust antimicrobial coating based on the chemical immobilization of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP), cecropin-melittin (CM), on gold nanoparticles coated surfaces. The concentration of AMP immobilized (110 μg/cm(2)) was higher than most of the studies reported so far (<10 μg/cm(2)). This translated onto a coating with high antimicrobial activity against Gram positive and negative bacteria sp., as well as multi-drug resistant bacteria. Studies with E. coli reporter bacteria showed that these coatings induced the permeability of the outer membrane of bacteria in less than 5 min and the inner membrane in approximately 20 min. Importantly, the antimicrobial properties of the coating are maintained in the presence of 20% (v/v) human serum, and have low probability to induce bacteria resistance. We further show that coatings have low toxicity against human endothelial and fibroblast cells and is hemocompatible since it does not induce platelet and complement activation. The antimicrobial coating described here may be promising to prevent medical device-associated infections. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been chemically immobilized on surfaces of medical devices to render them with antimicrobial properties. Surfaces having immobilized cationic peptides are susceptible to be adsorbed by plasma proteins with the subsequent loss of antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, with the exception of very few studies that have determined the cytotoxicity of surfaces in mammalian cells, the effect of the immobilized AMP on human cells is relatively unknown. Here we report a coating based on cecropin-melittin peptide (CM) that maintains its antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria including multi-drugs resistance bacteria in the presence of serum and has relatively low cytotoxicity against human cells. The reported coatings may be translated on to variety of substrates (glass and titanium) and medical devices to prevent device-associated microbial infection.
Collapse
|
25
|
Ambroggio EE, Caruso B, Villarreal MA, Raussens V, Fidelio GD. Reversing the peptide sequence impacts on molecular surface behaviour. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2015; 139:25-32. [PMID: 26700230 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The protein's primary structure has all the information for specific protein/peptide folding and, in many cases, can define specific amphiphilic regions along molecules that are important for interaction with membranes. In order to shed light on how peptide sequence is important for the surface properties of amphiphilic peptides, we designed three pairs of peptides with the following characteristics: (1) all molecules have the same hydrophobic residues; (2) the couples differ from each other in their hydrophilic amino acids: positively, negatively and non-charged; (3) each pair has the same residues (same global molecular hydrophobicity) but the primary structure is reversed in comparison to its partner (retro-isomer), giving a molecule with a hydrophilic N or C-terminus and a hydrophobic C or N-terminus. Using the Langmuir monolayer approach, we observed that sequence reversal has a central role in the lateral stability of peptide monolayers, in the ability of the molecules to partition into the air-water interface and in the rheological properties of peptide films, whereas the peptide's secondary structure, determined by ATR-FTIR, was the same for all peptides. Reversing the sequence also gives a differential way of peptide/lipid interaction when peptides are in the presence of POPC lipid bilayers. Our results show how sequence inversion confers a distinctive peptide surface behaviour and lipid interaction for molecules with a similar structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto E Ambroggio
- CIQUIBIC, CONICET, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Benjamín Caruso
- CIQUIBIC, CONICET, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Marcos A Villarreal
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Físico-Química de Córdoba (INFIQC), CONICET, Departamento de Matemática y Física, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Vincent Raussens
- Centre for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics, Laboratory for Structure and Function of Biological Membranes, Universit é Libre de Bruxelles, CP 206/02, Blvd. du Triomphe, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gerardo D Fidelio
- CIQUIBIC, CONICET, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhou J, Du X, Li J, Yamagata N, Xu B. Taurine Boosts Cellular Uptake of Small D-Peptides for Enzyme-Instructed Intracellular Molecular Self-Assembly. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:10040-3. [PMID: 26235707 PMCID: PMC4544318 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b06181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to their biostability, D-peptides are emerging as an important molecular platform for biomedical applications. Being proteolytically resistant, D-peptides lack interactions with endogenous transporters and hardly enter cells. Here we show that taurine, a natural amino acid, drastically boosts the cellular uptake of small D-peptides in mammalian cells by >10-fold, from 118 μM (without conjugating taurine) to >1.6 mM (after conjugating taurine). The uptake of a large amount of the ester conjugate of taurine and D-peptide allows intracellular esterase to trigger intracellular self-assembly of the D-peptide derivative, further enhancing their cellular accumulation. The study on the mechanism of the uptake reveals that the conjugates enter cells via both dynamin-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis, but likely not relying on taurine transporters. Differing fundamentally from the positively charged cell-penetrating peptides, the biocompatibility, stability, and simplicity of the enzyme-cleavable taurine motif promise new ways to promote the uptake of bioactive molecules for countering the action of efflux pump and contributing to intracellular molecular self-assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Natsuko Yamagata
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kim YM, Kim NH, Lee JW, Jang JS, Park YH, Park SC, Jang MK. Novel chimeric peptide with enhanced cell specificity and anti-inflammatory activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:322-8. [PMID: 26028561 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An antimicrobial peptide (AMP), Hn-Mc, was designed by combining the N-terminus of HPA3NT3 and the C-terminus of melittin. This chimeric AMP exhibited potent antibacterial activity with low minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), ranging from 1 to 2 μM against four drug-susceptible bacteria and ten drug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, the hemolysis and cytotoxicity was reduced significantly compared to those of the parent peptides, highlighting its high cell selectivity. The morphological changes in the giant unilamellar vesicles and bacterial cell surfaces caused by the Hn-Mc peptide suggested that it killed the microbial cells by damaging the membrane envelope. An in vivo study also demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the Hn-Mc peptide in a mouse model infected with drug-resistant bacteria. In addition, the chimeric peptide inhibited the expression of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells by preventing the interaction between LPS and Toll-like receptors. These results suggest that this chimeric peptide is an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate as a pharmaceutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Nam-Hong Kim
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Jong-Wan Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Jin-Sun Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Yung-Hoon Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea
| | - Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea.
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, Jeonnam 540-950, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Moreno M, Giralt E. Three valuable peptides from bee and wasp venoms for therapeutic and biotechnological use: melittin, apamin and mastoparan. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1126-50. [PMID: 25835385 PMCID: PMC4417959 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7041126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While knowledge of the composition and mode of action of bee and wasp venoms dates back 50 years, the therapeutic value of these toxins remains relatively unexploded. The properties of these venoms are now being studied with the aim to design and develop new therapeutic drugs. Far from evaluating the extensive number of monographs, journals and books related to bee and wasp venoms and the therapeutic effect of these toxins in numerous diseases, the following review focuses on the three most characterized peptides, namely melittin, apamin, and mastoparan. Here, we update information related to these compounds from the perspective of applied science and discuss their potential therapeutic and biotechnological applications in biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moreno
- Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Shi J, Du X, Yuan D, Zhou J, Zhou N, Huang Y, Xu B. D-amino acids modulate the cellular response of enzymatic-instructed supramolecular nanofibers of small peptides. Biomacromolecules 2014; 15:3559-68. [PMID: 25230147 PMCID: PMC4195520 DOI: 10.1021/bm5010355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Peptides
made of d-amino acids, as the enantiomer of corresponding l-peptides, are able to resist proteolysis. It is, however,
unclear or much less explored whether or how d-amino acids
affect the cellular response of supramolecular nanofibers formed by
enzyme-triggered self-assembly of d-peptides. In this work,
we choose a cell compatible molecule, Nap-l-Phe-l-Phe-l-pTyr (LLL-1P), and systematically
replace the l-amino acids in this tripeptidic precursor or
its hydrogelator by the corresponding d-amino acid(s). The
replacement of even one d-amino acid in this tripeptidic
precursor increases its proteolytic resistance. The results of static
light scattering and TEM images show the formation of nanostructures
upon the addition of alkaline phosphatase, even at concentrations
below the minimum gelation concentration (mgc). All these isomers
are able to form ordered nanostructures and exhibit different morphologies.
According to the cell viability assay on these stereochemical isomers,
cells exhibit drastically different responses to the enantiomeric
precursors, but almost same responses to the enantiomeric hydrogelators.
Furthermore, the different cellular responses of LLL-1P and DDD-1P largely originate from the ecto-phosphatases
catalyzed self-assembly of DDD-1 on the surface of cells.
Therefore, this report not only illustrates a new way for tailoring
the properties of supramolecular assemblies, but also provides new
insights to answering the fundamental question of how mammalian cells
respond to enzymatic formation of nanoscale supramolecular assemblies
(e.g., nanofibers) of d-peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University , 415 South Street, MS 015, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schmidt NW, Wong GCL. Antimicrobial peptides and induced membrane curvature: geometry, coordination chemistry, and molecular engineering. CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE 2013; 17:151-163. [PMID: 24778573 PMCID: PMC4000235 DOI: 10.1016/j.cossms.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Short cationic, amphipathic antimicrobial peptides are multi-functional molecules that have roles in host defense as direct microbicides and modulators of the immune response. While a general mechanism of microbicidal activity involves the selective disruption and permeabilization of cell membranes, the relationships between peptide sequence and membrane activity are still under investigation. Here, we review the diverse functions that AMPs collectively have in host defense, and show that these functions can be multiplexed with a membrane mechanism of activity derived from the generation of negative Gaussian membrane curvature. As AMPs preferentially generate this curvature in model bacterial cell membranes, the selective generation of negative Gaussian curvature provides AMPs with a broad mechanism to target microbial membranes. The amino acid constraints placed on AMPs by the geometric requirement to induce negative Gaussian curvature are consistent with known AMP sequences. This 'saddle-splay curvature selection rule' is not strongly restrictive so AMPs have significant compositional freedom to multiplex membrane activity with other useful functions. The observation that certain proteins involved in cellular processes which require negative Gaussian curvature contain domains with similar motifs as AMPs, suggests this rule may be applicable to other curvature-generating proteins. Since our saddle-splay curvature design rule is based upon both a mechanism of activity and the existing motifs of natural AMPs, we believe it will assist the development of synthetic antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan W. Schmidt
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Gerard C. L. Wong
- Department of Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wadhwani P, Reichert J, Strandberg E, Bürck J, Misiewicz J, Afonin S, Heidenreich N, Fanghänel S, Mykhailiuk PK, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Stereochemical effects on the aggregation and biological properties of the fibril-forming peptide [KIGAKI]3 in membranes. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2013; 15:8962-71. [PMID: 23652359 DOI: 10.1039/c3cp50896j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Single D-amino acid substitutions can be used to suppress or slow down the aggregation of peptides into β-sheeted assemblies compared to the respective L-amino acids. Here, we investigate the influence of local stereochemistry in the model peptide [KIGAKI]3-NH2, which is known to form amyloid-like fibrils. To find out whether aggregation plays a role in various biologically relevant functions that involve peptide-lipid interactions, we studied the antimicrobial, hemolytic and fusogenic activities of this amphiphilic membrane-active molecule. The stiff and sterically constrained amino acid CF3-Bpg [3-(trifluoromethyl)-bicyclopent-[1,1,1]-1-ylglycine] was incorporated either as an L- or a D-enantiomer at different hydrophobic positions of the KIGAKI sequence. D-Epimers have a higher aggregation threshold than the L-epimers, yet the aggregation of both was confirmed using electron microscopy and circular dichroism. Solid-state (19)F-NMR analysis showed that the peptide aggregated in native membranes from human erythrocytes and bacterial protoplasts in the same way as in synthetic lipid bilayers. We then monitored the effect of the single L- or D-CF3-Bpg substitutions in KIGAKI on its distinct biological activities, which have to be measured at low peptide concentrations where the aggregation threshold cannot be directly assessed. These functional assays showed that the aggregation propensity of KIGAKI does not play a role in its antimicrobial action, but an increased tendency to aggregate promotes other undesirable effects such as hemolysis and membrane fusion. These results confirm the membranolytic and thereby toxic nature of amyloidogenic peptides, and emphasize the unpredictable role of peptide aggregation in the different assays used to study biological activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parvesh Wadhwani
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Xu H, Chen CX, Hu J, Zhou P, Zeng P, Cao CH, Lu JR. Dual modes of antitumor action of an amphiphilic peptide A(9)K. Biomaterials 2013; 34:2731-7. [PMID: 23352040 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Following our recent report of attractive antibacterial properties of a designed amphiphilic peptide, A(9)K, we have investigated its antitumor activities by examining the modes of its action against different mammalian cell types. The peptide strongly inhibited the growth of cancerous HeLa cells and human promyelocytic leukemia HL60 cells whilst remaining benign to the host cells, including Cos 7 cells, mouse fibroblast NIH3T3 cells and human red blood cells. Images from SEM and fluorescence microscopy showed that A(9)K penetrated HeLa cell membranes and disrupted membrane structures, a feature broadly similar to that observed from its bactericidal actions. Further interactions of A(9)K with inner cellular membranes caused mitochondrial dysfunction associated with the F-actin reorganization and the decreased transcription of bcl-2 and c-myc genes, resulting in HeLa cell apoptosis in a mitochondria-induced apoptosis pathway. Thus A(9)K has high selectivity against cancerous cells and kills them by dual modes of action: membrane disruption and cell apoptosis. In addition, the peptide does not induce non-specific immunological effects and is not degraded by proteases. These features are crucial for developing their applications in future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing and the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, China University of Petroleum East China, Qingdao 266555, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mishra B, Wang G. Ab initio design of potent anti-MRSA peptides based on database filtering technology. J Am Chem Soc 2012; 134:12426-9. [PMID: 22803960 DOI: 10.1021/ja305644e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To meet the challenge of antibiotic resistance worldwide, a new generation of antimicrobials must be developed. This communication demonstrates ab initio design of potent peptides against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our idea is that the peptide is very likely to be active when the most probable parameters are utilized in each step of the design. We derived the most probable parameters (e.g., amino acid composition, peptide hydrophobic content, and net charge) from the antimicrobial peptide database by developing a database filtering technology (DFT). Different from classic cationic antimicrobial peptides usually with high cationicity, DFTamP1, the first anti-MRSA peptide designed using this technology, is a short peptide with high hydrophobicity but low cationicity. Such a molecular design made the peptide highly potent. Indeed, the peptide caused bacterial surface damage and killed community-associated MRSA USA300 in 60 min. Structural determination of DFTamP1 by NMR spectroscopy revealed a broad hydrophobic surface, providing a basis for its potency against MRSA known to deploy positively charged moieties on the surface as a mechanism for resistance. Our ab initio design combined with database screening led to yet another peptide with enhanced potency. Because of the simple composition, short length, stability to proteases, and membrane targeting, the designed peptides are attractive leads for developing novel anti-MRSA therapeutics. Our database-derived design concept can be applied to the design of peptide mimicries to combat MRSA as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Mishra
- Department of Microbiology and Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-6495, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pérez BC, Teixeira C, Figueiras M, Gut J, Rosenthal PJ, Gomes JRB, Gomes P. Novel cinnamic acid/4-aminoquinoline conjugates bearing non-proteinogenic amino acids: towards the development of potential dual action antimalarials. Eur J Med Chem 2012; 54:887-99. [PMID: 22683112 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A series of cinnamic acid/4-aminoquinoline conjugates conceived to link, through a proper retro-enantio dipeptide, a heterocyclic core known to prevent hemozoin formation, to a trans-cinnamic acid motif capable of inhibiting enzyme catalytic Cys residues, were synthesized as potential dual-action antimalarials. The effect of amino acid configuration and the absence of the dipeptide spacer were also assessed. The replacement of the D-amino acids by their natural L counterparts led to a decrease in both anti-plasmodial and falcipain-inhibitory activity, suggesting that the former are preferable. Molecules with such spacer were active against blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum, in vitro, and hemozoin formation, implying that the dipeptide has a key role in mediating these two activities. In turn, compounds without spacer were better falcipain-2 inhibitors, likely because these compounds are smaller and have their vinyl bonds in closer vicinity to the catalytic Cys, as suggested by molecular modeling calculations. These novel conjugates constitute promising leads for the development of new antiplasmodials targeted at blood-stage malaria parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bianca C Pérez
- Centro de Investigação em Química da Universidade do Porto, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, R. do Campo Alegre, 687, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Piotto SP, Sessa L, Concilio S, Iannelli P. YADAMP: yet another database of antimicrobial peptides. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2012; 39:346-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 12/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
36
|
Wang G. Post-translational Modifications of Natural Antimicrobial Peptides and Strategies for Peptide Engineering. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 1:72-79. [PMID: 24511461 DOI: 10.2174/2211550111201010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are gene-coded defense molecules discovered in all the three life domains: Eubacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. The latter covers protists, fungi, plants, and animals. It is now recognized that amino acid composition, peptide sequence, and post-translational modifications determine to a large extent the structure and function of AMPs. This article systematically describes post-translational modifications of natural AMPs annotated in the antimicrobial peptide database (http://aps.unmc.edu/AP). Currently, 1147 out of 1755 AMPs in the database are modified and classified into more than 17 types. Through chemical modifications, the peptides fold into a variety of structural scaffolds that target bacterial surfaces or molecules within cells. Chemical modifications also confer desired functions to a particular peptide. Meanwhile, these modifications modulate other peptide properties such as stability. Elucidation of the relationship between AMP property and chemical modification inspires peptide engineering. Depending on the objective of our design, peptides may be modified in various ways so that the desired features can be enhanced whereas unwanted properties can be minimized. Therefore, peptide design plays an essential role in developing natural AMPs into a new generation of therapeutic molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kaminski HM, Feix JB. Effects of D-Lysine Substitutions on the Activity and Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptide CM15. Polymers (Basel) 2011; 3:2088-2106. [PMID: 30405905 DOI: 10.3390/polym3042088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their potent antimicrobial activity, the usefulness of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as antibiotics has been limited by their toxicity to eukaryotic cells and a lack of stability in vivo. In the present study we examined the effects of introducing D-lysine residues into a 15-residue hybrid AMP containing residues 1-7 of cecropin A and residues 2-9 of melittin (designated CM15). Diastereomeric analogs of CM15 containing between two and five D-lysine substitutions were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, lysis of human erythrocytes, toxicity to murine macrophages, ability to disrupt cell membranes, and protease stability. All of the analogs caused rapid permeabilization of the Staphylococcus aureus cell envelope, as indicated by uptake of SYTOX green. CM15 also permeabilized the plasma membrane of RAW264.7 macrophages, but this was substantially diminished for the D-lysine containing analogs. The introduction of D-lysine caused moderate decreases in antimicrobial activity for all analogs studied. However, D-Lys substitution produced a much more pronounced reduction in toxicity to eukaryotic cells, leading to marked improvements in antimicrobial efficacy for some analogs. Circular dichroism studies indicated a progressive loss of helical secondary structure upon introduction of D-lysine residues, and there was a good correspondence between helical content and eukaryotic cell cytotoxicity. Overall, these studies show that the biological activity of CM15 analogs containing D-lysine depends on both the number and position of D-Lys substitutions, and that such substitutions can dramatically lower toxicity to eukaryotic cells with only minimal decreases in antimicrobial activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Kaminski
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
| | - Jimmy B Feix
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Eckert R. Road to clinical efficacy: challenges and novel strategies for antimicrobial peptide development. Future Microbiol 2011; 6:635-51. [PMID: 21707311 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.11.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of magainins, cecropins and defensins 30 years ago, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been hailed as a potential solution to the dearth of novel antibiotic development. AMPs have shown robust activity against a wide variety of pathogens, including drug-resistant bacteria. Unlike small-molecule antibiotics, however, AMPs have failed to translate this success to the clinic. Only the polymyxins, gramicidins, nisin and daptomycin are currently approved for medical use; the latter is the only example to have been developed in the last several decades. Nonetheless, researchers continue to isolate, modify and develop novel AMPs for therapeutic applications. Efforts have focused on increasing stability, reducing cytotoxicity, improving antimicrobial activity and incorporating AMPs in novel formulations, including nanoscale particles. As peptide synthesis and recombinant production methodologies improve, and more relevant bioassays become available, it becomes increasingly likely that AMPs will break the regulatory barrier and enter the marketplace as valuable antimicrobial weapons in the next 10 years.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Randal Eckert
- C3 Jian, Inc., 423 Hindry Ave, Unit D, Inglewood, CA 90301, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lemeshko VV. Permeabilization of mitochondria and red blood cells by polycationic peptides BTM-P1 and retro-BTM-P1. Peptides 2011; 32:2010-20. [PMID: 21907745 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial and plasma membrane permeabilization by polycationic peptides BTM-P1 and retro-BTM-P1 were studied. BTM-P1 was more active than its retro-analog. In the sucrose medium, the capacity of BTM-P1 to permeabilize mitochondria was lower than in salt media. In contrast, retro-BTM-P1 showed the lowest activity in the KCl medium. The efficacy of both peptides to permeabilize red blood cells was higher in the sucrose medium and depended on the nature of salt in high ionic strength media. BTM-P1, but not retro-BTM-P1, induced biphasic change in light dispersion of red blood cells with artificially generated high transmembrane potential: the initial phase of fast cell shrinkage preceded the subsequent phase of cell swelling. The shrunken red blood cells demonstrated increased sensitivity to BTM-P1 that might be explained by the cell suicide mechanism via phosphatidylserine exposure at the cell surface. As a working hypothesis, we assume that some peptide topology characteristics, such as the orientation and values of the total and local electrical dipole moments, interacting with the membrane dipole potential, as well as the asymmetric distribution of polar and non-polar side chains are important factors affecting the membrane-permeabilizing activity of polycationic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor V Lemeshko
- Escuela de Física, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Sede Medellín, Medellín, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Harris F, Dennison SR, Singh J, Phoenix DA. On the selectivity and efficacy of defense peptides with respect to cancer cells. Med Res Rev 2011; 33:190-234. [PMID: 21922503 DOI: 10.1002/med.20252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Here, we review potential determinants of the anticancer efficacy of innate immune peptides (ACPs) for cancer cells. These determinants include membrane-based factors, such as receptors, phosphatidylserine, sialic acid residues, and sulfated glycans, and peptide-based factors, such as residue composition, sequence length, net charge, hydrophobic arc size, hydrophobicity, and amphiphilicity. Each of these factors may contribute to the anticancer action of ACPs, but no single factor(s) makes an overriding contribution to their overall selectivity and toxicity. Differences between the anticancer actions of ACPs seem to relate to different levels of interplay between these peptide and membrane-based factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Harris
- School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pérez-Cordero JJ, Lozano JM, Cortés J, Delgado G. Leishmanicidal activity of synthetic antimicrobial peptides in an infection model with human dendritic cells. Peptides 2011; 32:683-90. [PMID: 21262294 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Revised: 01/07/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Different species of Leishmania are responsible for cutaneous, mucocutaneous or visceral leishmaniasis infections in millions of people around the world [14]. The adverse reactions caused by antileishmanial drugs, emergence of resistance and lack of a vaccine have motivated the search for new therapeutic options to control this disease. Different sources of antimicrobial molecules are under study as antileishmanial agents, including peptides with antimicrobial and/or immunomodulatory activity, which have been considered to be potentially active against diverse species of Leishmania[7,39]. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity on dendritic cells, hemolytic activity, leishmanicidal properties on Leishmania panamensis and Leishmania major promastigotes and effectiveness on parasite intracellular forms (dendritic cells infected with L. panamensis and L. major promastigotes), when each parasite in culture was exposed to different concentrations of a group of synthetic peptides with previously reported antimicrobial properties, which were synthesized based on their naturally occurring reported sequences. Dermaseptin, Pr-2 and Pr-3 showed inhibitory activity on the growth of L. panamensis promastigotes, while Andropin and Cecropin A (with a selectivity index of 4 and 40, respectively) showed specific activity against intracellular forms of this species. The activities of Andropin and Cecropin A were exclusively against the intracellular forms of the parasite, therefore indicating the relevance of these two peptides as potential antileishmanial agents. In the case of L. major promastigotes, Melittin and Dermaseptin showed inhibitory activity, the latter also showed a selectivity index of 8 against intracellular forms. These findings suggest Andropin, Cecropin A and Dermaseptin as potential therapeutic tools to treat New and Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Collapse
|
42
|
Cathelicidins—Therapeutic antimicrobial and antitumor host defense peptides for oral diseases. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
43
|
|
44
|
Nygren P, Lundqvist M, Liedberg B, Jonsson BH, Ederth T. Secondary structure in de novo designed peptides induced by electrostatic interaction with a lipid bilayer membrane. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2010; 26:6437-6448. [PMID: 20349970 DOI: 10.1021/la100027n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We show that it is possible to induce a defined secondary structure in de novo designed peptides upon electrostatic attachment to negatively charged lipid bilayer vesicles without partitioning of the peptides into the membrane, and that the secondary structure can be varied via small changes in the primary amino acid sequence of the peptides. The peptides have a random-coil conformation in solution, and results from far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy demonstrate that the structure induced by the interaction with silica nanoparticles is solely alpha-helical and also strongly pH-dependent. The present study shows that negatively charged vesicles, to which the peptides are electrostatically adsorbed via cationic amino acid residues, induce either alpha-helices or beta-sheets and that the conformation is dependent on both lipid composition and variations in peptide primary structure. The pH-dependence of the vesicle-induced peptide secondary structure is weak, which correlates well with small differences in the vesicles' electrophoretic mobility, and thus the surface charge, as the pH is varied.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Nygren
- Division of Molecular Physics, IFM, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Apetrei A, Asandei A, Park Y, Hahm KS, Winterhalter M, Luchian T. Unimolecular study of the interaction between the outer membrane protein OmpF from E. coli and an analogue of the HP(2–20) antimicrobial peptide. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2010; 42:173-80. [DOI: 10.1007/s10863-010-9273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
46
|
Rai J. Interaction energy analysis of peptide can predict the possibilities of mimetics by its retroinverso isomer. Chem Biol Drug Des 2009; 74:483-7. [PMID: 19811507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-0285.2009.00868.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
It has been previously reported that the retroinverso analog of S peptide cannot mimic the S peptide, whereas the retroinverso analog of foot-and-mouth disease virus antigen can mimic the foot-and-mouth disease virus antigen. The structures of S peptide, foot-and-mouth disease virus antigen, and their retroinverso analogs are known. Here, we have attempted to explain the structural basis of mimetics at the level of atomic interactions by elaborating upon the Guptasarma's hypothesis. Using interaction energy analysis of S peptide and foot-and-mouth disease virus antigen, we propose that if the energy of the CO and NH backbone atoms' non-covalent interactions with all other atoms is negligible as compared with the energy of other non-covalent interactions, then the retroinverso isomer can mimic the original peptide/protein. Previous work has established that the structure of the inverso analog of a protein will be the mirror image of the protein, and it will only recognize the respective mirror image substrate/binding partner. The retro peptide conformation that can be superimposed on all side chains in any conformation of the original peptide does not exist in the conformational space of the peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Rai
- International Centre For Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Schweizer F. Cationic amphiphilic peptides with cancer-selective toxicity. Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 625:190-4. [PMID: 19835863 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2009] [Revised: 07/23/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last two decades cationic amphiphilic peptides and peptide sequences (CAPs) with cancer-selective toxicity have appeared. Based on their spectrum of anticancer activity CAPs can be divided into two major classes. The first class includes peptides that are highly potent against both bacteria and cancer cells, but not against mammalian cells. The second class includes peptides that are toxic to bacteria, and both mammalian cancer and non-cancer cells. Most antimicrobial and anticancer CAPs share a common membranolytic mode of action that results either in the selective disruption of the cancer cell membrane or permeation and swelling of mitochondria. The electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged membrane components of bacterial and cancer cells and CAPs is believed to play a crucial role in the disruption of bacterial and cancer cell membranes. This mode of action appears to bypass established resistance mechanisms. However, it is currently unclear as to why some CAPs kill cancer cells when others do not. In addition, non-membranolytic mode of actions of CAPs is increasingly recognized to contribute significantly to the anticancer activity of certain CAPs. The development of CAP-based chemotherapeutics is complicated due to the traditionally poor pharmacokinetic properties and high manufacturing costs of peptides and the low intrinsic selectivity for cancer cells. Peptidomimetic approaches combined with novel selective delivery devices show promise in overcoming some of these obstacles. Furthermore, the ability of CAPs to bypass established resistance mechanisms provides an attractive strategy to develop novel lead structures for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Schweizer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3T 2N2.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Punitha V, Raman SS, Parthasarathi R, Subramanian V, Rao JR, Nair BU, Ramasami T. Molecular dynamics investigations on the effect of D amino acid substitution in a triple-helix structure and the stability of collagen. J Phys Chem B 2009; 113:8983-92. [PMID: 19518060 DOI: 10.1021/jp808690m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Studies on the structure and stability of peptides and proteins during l-->d configurational change are certainly important for the designing of peptides with new biological activity and protein engineering. The l-->d amino acid (d AA) changes have been observed in aged proteins such as collagen. Hence, in this study, an attempt has been made to explore the effect of the replacement of l amino acid (l AA) in the model collagen-like peptides with d AA and the origin of structural stability (destability) has been traced using the molecular dynamics (MD) method employing the AMBER force field. Our results reveal that the substitution of d AA produces a large local disruption to the triple-helical structure. Formation of a kink (bulge) at the site of substitution is observed from the detailed analysis of MD trajectory. However, this local perturbation of kinked helix changes the direction of the helices and affects the relative orientation of the respective AA residues for helix-helix interaction, enough to affect the overall stability of the model collagen-like peptide. The destabilization energy per d Ala substitution is 7.87 kcal/mol, which is similar to the value for the Gly-->Ala mutation in collagen. Since the Gly-->Ala mutation is involved in genetic disorders such as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), the l-->d configurational change may produce a similar effect on collagen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Punitha
- Chemical Laboratory, Central Leather Research Institute, Council of Scientific Industrial Research, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600 020, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Iwasaki T, Ishibashi J, Tanaka H, Sato M, Asaoka A, Taylor D, Yamakawa M. Selective cancer cell cytotoxicity of enantiomeric 9-mer peptides derived from beetle defensins depends on negatively charged phosphatidylserine on the cell surface. Peptides 2009; 30:660-8. [PMID: 19154767 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Four enantiomeric 9-mer peptides named d-peptide A, B, C and D were designed and synthesized on the basis of 43-mer insect defensins from two beetles. The d-9-mer peptides maintained bacterial membrane disruptive activity similar to the original peptides and also showed various extents of growth inhibitory activity against different cancer cell lines. Of these peptides, d-peptide B exhibited the highest selective cancer cell cytotoxicity against the mouse myeloma cell line, P3-X63-Ag8.653. Flow cytometric and scanning electron microscopic analysis revealed d-peptide B disrupts mouse myeloma membrane construction, whereas no cytotoxic effect on normal leukocytes was observed. Moreover, a strong correlation between negatively charged phosphatidylserine (PS) density in cancer cell membrane surface and sensitivity to d-9-mer peptides were observed in various cancer cell lines. These results suggest that d-9-mer peptides have negative charge-dependent selective cancer cell cytotoxicity targeting PS in the cancer cell membrane. In addition, synergic growth inhibitory activity against mouse myeloma was observed in combinations of d-peptide B and dexamethasone. These results suggest d-9-mer peptides are promising candidates for novel anticancer drugs.
Collapse
|
50
|
Rotem S, Mor A. Antimicrobial peptide mimics for improved therapeutic properties. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2008; 1788:1582-92. [PMID: 19028449 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2008.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The relatively recent recognition of the major role played by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in sustaining an effective host response to immune challenges was greatly influenced by studies of amphibian peptides. AMPs are also widely regarded as a potential source of future antibiotics owing to a remarkable set of advantageous properties ranging from molecular simplicity to low-resistance swift-kill of a broad range of microbial cells. However, the peptide formula per se, represents less than ideal drug candidates, namely because of poor bioavailability issues, potential immunogenicity, optional toxicity and high production costs. To address these issues, synthetic peptides have been designed, reproducing the critical peptide biophysical characteristic in unnatural sequence-specific oligomers. Thus, the use of peptidomimetics to overcome the limitations inherent to peptides physical characteristics is becoming an important and promising approach for improving the therapeutic potential of AMPs. Here, we review most recent advances in the design strategies and the biophysical properties of the main classes of mimics to natural AMPs, emphasizing the importance of structure-activity relationship studies in fine-tuning of their physicochemical attributes for improved antimicrobial properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahar Rotem
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|