1
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Zhang K, Yang N, Teng D, Mao R, Hao Y, Wang J. Expression and characterization of the new antimicrobial peptide AP138L-arg26 anti Staphylococcus aureus. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:111. [PMID: 38229298 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12947-w] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The low activity and yield of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are pressing problems. The improvement of activity and yield through modification and heterologous expression, a potential way to solve the problem, is a research hot-pot. In this work, a new plectasin-derived variant L-type AP138 (AP138L-arg26) was constructed for the study of recombination expression and druggablity. As a result, the total protein concentration of AP138L-arg26 was 3.1 mg/mL in Pichia pastoris X-33 supernatant after 5 days of induction expression in a 5-L fermenter. The recombinant peptide AP138L-arg26 has potential antibacterial activity against selected standard and clinical Gram-positive bacteria (G+, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 2-16 µg/mL) and high stability under different conditions (temperature, pH, ion concentration) and 2 × MIC of AP138L-arg26 could rapidly kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (> 99.99%) within 1.5 h. It showed a high safety in vivo and in vivo and a long post-antibiotic effect (PAE, 1.91 h) compared with vancomycin (1.2 h). Furthermore, the bactericidal mechanism was revealed from two dimensions related to its disruption of the cell membrane resulting in intracellular potassium leakage (2.5-fold higher than control), and an increase in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS), the decrease of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and further intervening metabolism in S. aureus. These results indicate that AP138L-arg26 as a new peptide candidate could be used for more in-depth development in the future. KEY POINTS: • The AP138L-arg26 was expressed in the P. pastoris expression system with high yield • The AP138 L-arg26 showed high stability and safety in vitro and in vivo • The AP138L-arg26 killed S. aureus by affecting cell membranes and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Zhang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Yang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Da Teng
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Hao
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie St., Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Innovative Team of Antimicrobial Peptides and Alternatives to Antibiotics, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Pinho JO, Ferreira M, Coelho M, Pinto SN, Aguiar SI, Gaspar MM. Liposomal Rifabutin-A Promising Antibiotic Repurposing Strategy against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:470. [PMID: 38675432 PMCID: PMC11053623 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040470] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (M RSA) infections, in particular biofilm-organized bacteria, remain a clinical challenge and a serious health problem. Rifabutin (RFB), an antibiotic of the rifamycins class, has shown in previous work excellent anti-staphylococcal activity. Here, we proposed to load RFB in liposomes aiming to promote the accumulation of RFB at infected sites and consequently enhance the therapeutic potency. Two clinical isolates of MRSA, MRSA-C1 and MRSA-C2, were used to test the developed formulations, as well as the positive control, vancomycin (VCM). RFB in free and liposomal forms displayed high antibacterial activity, with similar potency between tested formulations. In MRSA-C1, minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Free RFB and liposomal RFB were 0.009 and 0.013 μg/mL, respectively. Minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations able to inhibit 50% biofilm growth (MBIC50) for Free RFB and liposomal RFB against MRSA-C1 were 0.012 and 0.008 μg/mL, respectively. Confocal microscopy studies demonstrated the rapid internalization of unloaded and RFB-loaded liposomes in the bacterial biofilm matrix. In murine models of systemic MRSA-C1 infection, Balb/c mice were treated with RFB formulations and VCM at 20 and 40 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. The in vivo results demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial burden and growth index in major organs of mice treated with RFB formulations, as compared to Control and VCM (positive control) groups. Furthermore, the VCM therapeutic dose was two fold higher than the one used for RFB formulations, reinforcing the therapeutic potency of the proposed strategy. In addition, RFB formulations were the only formulations associated with 100% survival. Globally, this study emphasizes the potential of RFB nanoformulations as an effective and safe approach against MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta O. Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Magda Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mariana Coelho
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences and Associate Laboratory i4HB−Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Department of Bioengineering, Instituto SuperiorTécnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Sandra I. Aguiar
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (J.O.P.); (M.F.); (M.C.)
- IBEB, Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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3
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Hussaini IM, Oyewole OA, Sulaiman MA, Dabban AI, Sulaiman AN, Tarek R. Microbial anti-biofilms: types and mechanism of action. Res Microbiol 2024; 175:104111. [PMID: 37844786 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms have been recognized as a serious threat to public health as it protects microbes from antimicrobials, immune defence mechanisms, chemical treatments and nutritional stress. Biofilms are also a source of concern in industries and water treatment because their presence compromises the integrity of equipment. To overcome these problems, it is necessary to identify novel anti-biofilm compounds. Products of microorganisms have been identified as promising broad-spectrum anti-biofilm agents. These natural products include biosurfactants, antimicrobial peptides, enzymes and bioactive compounds. Anti-biofilm products of microbial origin are chemically diverse and possess a broad spectrum of activities against biofilms. The objective of this review is to give an overview of the different types of microbial anti-biofilm products and their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oluwafemi Adebayo Oyewole
- Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; African Center of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety, Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria.
| | | | | | - Asmau Nna Sulaiman
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Reham Tarek
- Department of Biotechnology, Cairo University, Egypt
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4
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Dias S, Pinto SN, Silva-Herdade AS, Cavaco M, Neves V, Tavares L, Oliveira M, Andreu D, Coutinho A, Castanho MARB, Veiga AS. Quantitative Imaging of the Action of vCPP2319, an Antimicrobial Peptide from a Viral Scaffold, against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms of a Clinical Isolate. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:1889-1900. [PMID: 37669146 PMCID: PMC10580319 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00195] [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: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The formation of biofilms is a common virulence factor that makes bacterial infections difficult to treat and a major human health problem. Biofilms are bacterial communities embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In this work, we show that vCPP2319, a polycationic peptide derived from the capsid protein of Torque teno douroucouli virus, is active against preformed Staphylococcus aureus biofilms produced by both a reference strain and a clinical strain isolated from a diabetic foot infection, mainly by the killing of biofilm-embedded bacteria. The direct effect of vCPP2319 on bacterial cells was imaged using atomic force and confocal laser scanning microscopy, showing that the peptide induces morphological changes in bacterial cells and membrane disruption. Importantly, vCPP2319 exhibits low toxicity toward human cells and high stability in human serum. Since vCPP2319 has a limited effect on the biofilm EPS matrix itself, we explored a combined effect with α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), an EPS matrix-degrading enzyme. In fact, α-amylase decreases the density of S. aureus biofilms by 2.5-fold. Nonetheless, quantitative analysis of bioimaging data shows that vCPP2319 partially restores biofilm compactness after digestion of the polysaccharides, probably due to electrostatic cross-bridging of the matrix nucleic acids, which explains why α-amylase fails to improve the antibacterial action of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana
A. Dias
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB-Institute
for Bioengineering and Biosciences and Associate Laboratory i4HB −
Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de
Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S. Silva-Herdade
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marco Cavaco
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís Tavares
- CIISA
− Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em
Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade
de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade
Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório
Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- CIISA
− Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em
Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade
de Lisboa, Av. da Universidade
Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Laboratório
Associado para Ciência Animal e Veterinária (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department
of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra
University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Dr. Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Coutinho
- iBB-Institute
for Bioengineering and Biosciences and Associate Laboratory i4HB −
Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de
Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento
de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto
de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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5
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Quendera AP, Pinto SN, Pobre V, Antunes W, Bonifácio VDB, Arraiano CM, Andrade JM. The ribonuclease PNPase is a key regulator of biofilm formation in Listeria monocytogenes and affects invasion of host cells. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:34. [PMID: 37286543 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00397-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms provide an environment that protects microorganisms from external stresses such as nutrient deprivation, antibiotic treatments, and immune defences, thereby creating favorable conditions for bacterial survival and pathogenesis. Here we show that the RNA-binding protein and ribonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) is a positive regulator of biofilm formation in the human pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, a major responsible for food contamination in food-processing environments. The PNPase mutant strain produces less biofilm biomass and exhibits an altered biofilm morphology that is more susceptible to antibiotic treatment. Through biochemical assays and microscopical analysis, we demonstrate that PNPase is a previously unrecognized regulator of the composition of the biofilm extracellular matrix, greatly affecting the levels of proteins, extracellular DNA, and sugars. Noteworthy, we have adapted the use of the fluorescent complex ruthenium red-phenanthroline for the detection of polysaccharides in Listeria biofilms. Transcriptomic analysis of wild-type and PNPase mutant biofilms reveals that PNPase impacts many regulatory pathways associated with biofilm formation, particularly by affecting the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates (e.g., lmo0096 and lmo0783, encoding PTS components), of amino acids (e.g., lmo1984 and lmo2006, encoding biosynthetic enzymes) and in the Agr quorum sensing-like system (lmo0048-49). Moreover, we show that PNPase affects mRNA levels of the master regulator of virulence PrfA and PrfA-regulated genes, and these results could help to explain the reduced bacterial internalization in human cells of the ΔpnpA mutant. Overall, this work demonstrates that PNPase is an important post-transcriptional regulator for virulence and adaptation to the biofilm lifestyle of Gram-positive bacteria and highlights the expanding role of ribonucleases as critical players in pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Patrícia Quendera
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sandra Nunes Pinto
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) and Associate Laboratory-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy (i4HB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Wilson Antunes
- Laboratório de Imagem, Nanomorfologia e Espectroscopia de Raios-X (Linx) da Unidade Militar Laboratorial de Defesa Biológica e Química (UMLDBQ), Instituto Universitário Militar, Centro de Investigação, Inovação e Desenvolvimento da Academia Militar, Av. Dr Alfredo Bensaúde, 1100-471, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vasco D B Bonifácio
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) and Associate Laboratory-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy (i4HB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
- Bioengineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cecília Maria Arraiano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - José Marques Andrade
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (ITQB NOVA), Avenida da República, 2780-901, Oeiras, Portugal.
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6
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Condinho M, Carvalho B, Cruz A, Pinto SN, Arraiano CM, Pobre V. The role of RNA regulators, quorum sensing and c-di-GMP in bacterial biofilm formation. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:975-991. [PMID: 35234364 PMCID: PMC10240345 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms provide an ecological advantage against many environmental stressors, such as pH and temperature, making it the most common life-cycle stage for many bacteria. These protective characteristics make eradication of bacterial biofilms challenging. This is especially true in the health sector where biofilm formation on hospital or patient equipment, such as respirators, or catheters, can quickly become a source of anti-microbial resistant strains. Biofilms are complex structures encased in a self-produced polymeric matrix containing numerous components such as polysaccharides, proteins, signalling molecules, extracellular DNA and extracellular RNA. Biofilm formation is tightly controlled by several regulators, including quorum sensing (QS), cyclic diguanylate (c-di-GMP) and small non-coding RNAs (sRNAs). These three regulators in particular are fundamental in all stages of biofilm formation; in addition, their pathways overlap, and the significance of their role is strain-dependent. Currently, ribonucleases are also of interest for their potential role as biofilm regulators, and their relationships with QS, c-di-GMP and sRNAs have been investigated. This review article will focus on these four biofilm regulators (ribonucleases, QS, c-di-GMP and sRNAs) and the relationships between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Condinho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Beatriz Carvalho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Adriana Cruz
- iBB‐Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB)Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboaPortugal
- i4HB‐Institute for Health and BioeconomyInstituto Superior TécnicoLisboaPortugal
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB‐Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB)Instituto Superior TécnicoLisboaPortugal
- i4HB‐Institute for Health and BioeconomyInstituto Superior TécnicoLisboaPortugal
| | - Cecília M. Arraiano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
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7
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Babar TK, Glare TR, Hampton JG, Hurst MRH, Narciso J, Sheen CR, Koch B. Linocin M18 protein from the insect pathogenic bacterium Brevibacillus laterosporus isolates. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s00253-023-12563-8. [PMID: 37204448 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Brevibacillus laterosporus (Bl) is a Gram-positive and spore-forming bacterium. Insect pathogenic strains have been characterised in New Zealand, and two isolates, Bl 1821L and Bl 1951, are under development for use in biopesticides. However, growth in culture is sometimes disrupted, affecting mass production. Based on previous work, it was hypothesised that Tectiviridae phages might be implicated. While investigating the cause of the disrupted growth, electron micrographs of crude lysates showed structural components of putative phages including capsid and tail-like structures. Sucrose density gradient purification yielded a putative self-killing protein of ~30 kDa. N-terminal sequencing of the ~30 kDa protein identified matches to a predicted 25 kDa hypothetical and a 31.4 kDa putative encapsulating protein homologs, with the genes encoding each protein adjacent in the genomes. BLASTp analysis of the homologs of 31.4 kDa amino acid sequences shared 98.6% amino acid identity to the Linocin M18 bacteriocin family protein of Brevibacterium sp. JNUCC-42. Bioinformatic tools including AMPA and CellPPD defined that the bactericidal potential originated from a putative encapsulating protein. Antagonistic activity of the ~30 kDa encapsulating protein of Bl 1821L and Bl 1951during growth in broth exhibited bacterial autolytic activity. LIVE/DEAD staining of Bl 1821L cells after treatment with the ~30 kDa encapsulating protein of Bl 1821L substantiated the findings by showing 58.8% cells with the compromised cell membranes as compared to 37.5% cells in the control. Furthermore, antibacterial activity of the identified proteins of Bl 1821L was validated through gene expression in a Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis WB800N. KEY POINTS: • Gene encoding the 31.4 kDa antibacterial Linocin M18 protein was identified • It defined the autocidal activity of Linocin M18 (encapsulating) protein • Identified the possible killing mechanism of the encapsulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tauseef K Babar
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand.
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, 60000, Pakistan.
| | - Travis R Glare
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - John G Hampton
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Mark R H Hurst
- Resilient Agriculture, AgResearch, Lincoln Research Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Josefina Narciso
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, 7647, New Zealand
| | - Campbell R Sheen
- Protein Science and Engineering, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Barbara Koch
- Protein Science and Engineering, Callaghan Innovation, Christchurch, New Zealand
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8
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Pedro NA, Fontebasso G, Pinto SN, Alves M, Mira NP. Acetate modulates the inhibitory effect of Lactobacillus gasseri against the pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. MICROBIAL CELL (GRAZ, AUSTRIA) 2023; 10:88-102. [PMID: 37009625 PMCID: PMC10054710 DOI: 10.15698/mic2023.04.795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
The exploration of the interference prompted by commensal bacteria over fungal pathogens is an interesting alternative to develop new therapies. In this work we scrutinized how the presence of the poorly studied vaginal species Lactobacillus gasseri affects relevant pathophysiological traits of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. L. gasseri was found to form mixed biofilms with C. albicans and C. glabrata resulting in pronounced death of the yeast cells, while bacterial viability was not affected. Reduced viability of the two yeasts was also observed upon co-cultivation with L. gasseri under planktonic conditions. Either in planktonic cultures or in biofilms, the anti-Candida effect of L. gasseri was augmented by acetate in a concentration-dependent manner. During planktonic co-cultivation the two Candida species counteracted the acidification prompted by L. gasseri thus impacting the balance between dissociated and undissociated organic acids. This feature couldn't be phenocopied in single-cultures of L. gasseri resulting in a broth enriched in acetic acid, while in the co-culture the non-toxic acetate prevailed. Altogether the results herein described advance the design of new anti-Candida therapies based on probiotics, in particular, those based on vaginal lactobacilli species, helping to reduce the significant burden that infections caused by Candida have today in human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno A. Pedro
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico – Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Fontebasso
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico – Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico – Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Alves
- CQE-Centro Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno P. Mira
- iBB, Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico – Department of Bioengineering, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
- * Corresponding Author: Nuno P Mira, Instituto Superior Técnico, Department of Bioengineering, University of Lisbon, Portugal; E-mail:
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9
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Vieira-da-Silva B, Castanho MARB. The structure and matrix dynamics of bacterial biofilms as revealed by antimicrobial peptides' diffusion. J Pept Sci 2022; 29:e3470. [PMID: 36537560 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
From the biological point of view, bacterial biofilms are communities of bacteria embedded in a self-produced gel matrix composed of polysaccharides, DNA, and proteins. Considering the biophysical point of view, the biofilm matrix is a highly dense, crowded medium that imposes constraints to solute diffusion, depending on the size, conformational dynamics, and net charge. From the pharmacological point of view, biofilms are additional difficulties to drug development as heterogeneity in oxygen and nutrient distribution, and consequently, heterogeneity in bacterial metabolic status leads to recalcitrance. For peptide scientists, biofilms are both a challenge and an opportunity. Biofilms can be intruded by peptides, revealing important biological, biophysical, and pharmacological insights. Peptides can be engineered for different sizes, flexibilities, and net charges, unravelling the determinants of diffusion; they kill bacteria by lysis, overcoming the hurdles of metabolic status heterogeneity, and they are able to kill bacteria in the biofilm core, leaving the matrix intact, that is, without causing bacterial biofilm dispersion as side effect. This concise review addresses the knowledge reached while interrogating bacterial biofilms with peptides and other reporter molecules, and the advances therefrom in biology, biophysics, and drug development.
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10
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Wang L, Liu H, Li X, Yao C. Assessment of New Strategies to Improve the Performance of Antimicrobial Peptides. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:3691. [PMID: 36296881 PMCID: PMC9610275 DOI: 10.3390/nano12203691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In this research, we constructed a novel engineered tripeptide modified with lipoic acid (LA-RWR), followed by crosslinking of lipoic acid to form nanoparticles (c-LA-RWR). LA-RWR was also modified with phenethylamine (PEA) on the C-terminus to achieve better antibacterial activities. The as-prepared c-LA-RWR and LA-RWR-PEA were effective against E.coli, S.aureus, C.albicans, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 2 to 16 µg/mL, which greatly improved the performance of LA-RWR. Similar antibacterial activities were demonstrated in anti-biofilm activity; there was no matter on the biofilm that was already established or forming. Moreover, c-LA-RWR/LA-RWR-PEA remarkably induced cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and outer membrane permeabilization, resulting in varying degrees of damage to the bacterial morphology, which were consistent with the results obtained via electron microscopy. Thus, our results show that c-LA-RWR/LA-RWR-PEA exhibited excellent efficacy against a variety of microorganisms with good biosafety, providing new strategies by which to improve the performance of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chen Yao
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-138-1386-1022
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11
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Dias SA, Pinto SN, Silva-Herdade AS, Cheneval O, Craik DJ, Coutinho A, Castanho MARB, Henriques ST, Veiga AS. A designed cyclic analogue of gomesin has potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. J Antimicrob Chemother 2022; 77:3256-3264. [PMID: 36171717 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkac309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections caused by bacterial biofilms are very difficult to treat. The use of currently approved antibiotics even at high dosages often fails, making the treatment of these infections very challenging. Novel antimicrobial agents that use distinct mechanisms of action are urgently needed. OBJECTIVES To explore the use of [G1K,K8R]cGm, a designed cyclic analogue of the antimicrobial peptide gomesin, as an alternative approach to treat biofilm infections. METHODS We studied the activity of [G1K,K8R]cGm against biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen associated with several biofilm-related infections. A combination of atomic force and real-time confocal laser scanning microscopies was used to study the mechanism of action of the peptide. RESULTS The peptide demonstrated potent activity against 24 h-preformed biofilms through a concentration-dependent ability to kill biofilm-embedded cells. Mechanistic studies showed that [G1K,K8R]cGm causes morphological changes on bacterial cells and permeabilizes their membranes across the biofilm with a half-time of 65 min. We also tested an analogue of [G1K,K8R]cGm without disulphide bonds, and a linear unfolded analogue, and found both to be inactive. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the 3D structure of [G1K,K8R]cGm and its stabilization by disulphide bonds are essential for its antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Moreover, our findings support the potential application of this stable cyclic antimicrobial peptide to fight bacterial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana A Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra N Pinto
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S Silva-Herdade
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia
| | - Ana Coutinho
- iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.,Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Brisbane, QLD, 4102 Australia
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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12
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Visperas A, Santana D, Klika AK, Higuera‐Rueda CA, Piuzzi NS. Current treatments for biofilm-associated periprosthetic joint infection and new potential strategies. J Orthop Res 2022; 40:1477-1491. [PMID: 35437846 PMCID: PMC9322555 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a devastating complication after total joint arthroplasty. Bacteria involved in these infections are notorious for adhering to foreign implanted surfaces and generating a biofilm matrix. These biofilms protect the bacteria from antibiotic treatment and the immune system making eradication difficult. Current treatment strategies including debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention, and one- and two-stage revisions still present a relatively high overall failure rate. One of the main shortcomings that has been associated with this high failure rate is the lack of a robust approach to treating bacterial biofilm. Therefore, in this review, we will highlight new strategies that have the potential to combat PJI by targeting biofilm integrity, therefore giving antibiotics and the immune system access to the internal network of the biofilm structure. This combination antibiofilm/antibiotic therapy may be a new strategy for PJI treatment while promoting implant retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabelle Visperas
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Daniel Santana
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Alison K. Klika
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
| | | | - Nicolas S. Piuzzi
- Department of Orthopaedic SurgeryCleveland Clinic FoundationClevelandOhioUSA
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13
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van Gent ME, van der Reijden TJK, Lennard PR, de Visser AW, Schonkeren-Ravensbergen B, Dolezal N, Cordfunke RA, Drijfhout JW, Nibbering PH. Synergism between the Synthetic Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Peptide (SAAP)-148 and Halicin. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050673. [PMID: 35625317 PMCID: PMC9137631 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, using a deep learning approach, the novel antibiotic halicin was discovered. We compared the antibacterial activities of two novel bactericidal antimicrobial agents, i.e., the synthetic antibacterial and antibiofilm peptide (SAAP)-148 with this antibiotic halicin. Results revealed that SAAP-148 was more effective than halicin in killing planktonic bacteria of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus, especially in biologically relevant media, such as plasma and urine, and in 3D human infection models. Surprisingly, SAAP-148 and halicin were equally effective against these bacteria residing in immature and mature biofilms. As their modes of action differ, potential favorable interactions between SAAP-148 and halicin were investigated. For some specific strains of AMR E. coli and S. aureus synergism between these agents was observed, whereas for other strains, additive interactions were noted. These favorable interactions were confirmed for AMR E. coli in a 3D human bladder infection model and AMR S. aureus in a 3D human epidermal infection model. Together, combinations of these two novel antimicrobial agents hold promise as an innovative treatment for infections not effectively treatable with current antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam E. van Gent
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.J.K.v.d.R.); (P.R.L.); (A.W.d.V.); (B.S.-R.); (P.H.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tanny J. K. van der Reijden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.J.K.v.d.R.); (P.R.L.); (A.W.d.V.); (B.S.-R.); (P.H.N.)
| | - Patrick R. Lennard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.J.K.v.d.R.); (P.R.L.); (A.W.d.V.); (B.S.-R.); (P.H.N.)
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Adriëtte W. de Visser
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.J.K.v.d.R.); (P.R.L.); (A.W.d.V.); (B.S.-R.); (P.H.N.)
| | - Bep Schonkeren-Ravensbergen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.J.K.v.d.R.); (P.R.L.); (A.W.d.V.); (B.S.-R.); (P.H.N.)
| | - Natasja Dolezal
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.); (R.A.C.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Robert A. Cordfunke
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.); (R.A.C.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Jan Wouter Drijfhout
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.); (R.A.C.); (J.W.D.)
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (T.J.K.v.d.R.); (P.R.L.); (A.W.d.V.); (B.S.-R.); (P.H.N.)
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14
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Barbosa M, Simões H, Pinto SN, Macedo AS, Fonte P, Prazeres DMF. Fusions of a Carbohydrate Binding Module with the Small Cationic Hexapeptide RWRWRW Confer Antimicrobial Properties to Cellulose-based Materials. Acta Biomater 2022; 143:216-232. [PMID: 35257951 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a critical worldwide healthcare problem. In the specific case of wound care, new and effective alternatives to currently available solutions are urgently needed. Cellulose-based dressings, for example, could be made more attractive if rendered antimicrobial. This work proposes a new strategy to modify cellulose-based materials with the short antimicrobial hexapeptide MP196 (RWRWRW-NH2) that relies on a biomolecular recognition approach based on carbohydrate binding modules (CBMs). Specifically, we focused on the modification of hydrogels, paper, and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with fusions of the CBM3 from Clostridium thermocellum (C. thermocellum) with derivatives of MP196. The fusions are prepared by promoting the formation of a disulfide bond between Cys-terminated derivatives of MP196 and a CBM3 that is pre-anchored in the materials. The CBM3-MP196-modified materials displayed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that was significantly higher when compared with the activity of materials prepared by physical adsorption of MP196. The biomolecular strategy provides a more favorable orientation, exposure, and distancing of the peptide from the matrix. This versatile concept provides a toolbox for the functionalization of cellulose materials of different origins and architectures with a broad choice in peptides. Functionalization under mild biological conditions avoids further purification steps, allowing for translational research and multiple applications as drug delivery systems, scaffolds for tissue engineering and biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a critical worldwide healthcare problem. In the specific case of wound care, new and effective alternatives to currently available solutions are urgently needed. This work proposes a new strategy to modify cellulose-based materials with a short antimicrobial hexapeptide that relies on a biomolecular recognition approach based on carbohydrate binding modules. The modified materials displayed antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The biomolecular strategy provides a favorable orientation, exposure, and distancing of the peptide from the matrix. This versatile concept offers a toolbox for the functionalization of different cellulose materials with a broad choice in peptides. Functionalization under mild biological conditions avoids further purification steps, allowing for translational research and multiple applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barbosa
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hélvio Simões
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra N Pinto
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana S Macedo
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Department of Chemical Sciences - Applied Chemistry Lab, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Fonte
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - D Miguel F Prazeres
- iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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15
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Four temporin-derived peptides exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities against methicillin-resistant. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:350-360. [PMID: 35538042 PMCID: PMC9828137 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin-GHa (GHa) was cloned from , showing a weak antimicrobial activity. In order to improve its bactericidal efficacy, GHaR6R, GHaR7R, GHaR8R and GHaR9W were designed and synthesized. Compared to the parent peptide, the GHa-derived peptides show potent antimicrobial activities against methicillin-resistant (MRSA), which is the main pathogen with high morbidity and mortality that causes various infections in humans. These peptides exert bactericidal actions on MRSA by permeabilizing the cytoplasmic membranes and damaging membrane integrity. All of the four peptides exhibit excellent stability under harsh conditions, including extreme temperature and salts. Furthermore, they inhibit the formation of biofilm and eradicate mature biofilm of MRSA. The GHa-derived peptides decrease bacterial surface hydrophobicity, autoaggregation and polysaccharide intercellular adhesion synthesis in concentration-dependent manner. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis revealed that the peptides downregulate the expression of adhesion genes involved in biofilm formation. Except for GHaR7R, the other three peptides have low hemolytic toxicity against human erythrocytes. In the presence of human erythrocytes, GHaR7R, GHaR8R and GHaR9W interact with MRSA preferentially. GHaR6R, GHaR8R and GHaR9W show less toxicity toward normal cells HL-7702 and hFOB1.19. These results suggest that the GHa-derived peptides may be promising antimicrobial candidates against MRSA infections.
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16
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Qi M, Liu Q, Liu Y, Yan H, Zhang Y, Yuan Y. Staphylococcus aureus biofilm inhibition by high voltage prick electrostatic field (HVPEF) and the mechanism investigation. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 362:109499. [PMID: 34906789 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The study was to investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of high voltage prick electrostatic field (HVPEF) on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Results showed that HVPEF effectively inactivated 24-h and 48-h established S. aureus biofilms, and the effect was verified on different food-contact materials. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis suggested that HVPEF disintegrated the established biofilms by killing the embedded bacteria, but it hardly reduced the bacteria adhesion. HVPEF also effectively inhibit the formation of S. aureus biofilms, the effects varied with electric voltage, treatment time and biofilm culture conditions. The direct effect of HVPEF on planktonic S. aureus was a possible mode of biofilm formation inhibition. HVPEF also suppressed biofilm formation by reducing the release of key compositions of extracellular polymeric substance, including extracellular DNA (eDNA), protein and polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA), and regulating the expression of biofilm formation related genes (icaA, ebh, cidA, sarA, icaR and sigB). We propose HVPEF as a novel method to inhibit bacteria biofilm, based on the results, HVPEF has positive effects to prevent biofilm-associated contamination of S. aureus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Qi
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Qingyan Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Ying Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Haiyang Yan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
| | - Yuan Yuan
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China.
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17
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Cruz A, Condinho M, Carvalho B, Arraiano CM, Pobre V, Pinto SN. The Two Weapons against Bacterial Biofilms: Detection and Treatment. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1482. [PMID: 34943694 PMCID: PMC8698905 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial biofilms are defined as complex aggregates of bacteria that grow attached to surfaces or are associated with interfaces. Bacteria within biofilms are embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix made of polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and proteins. It is recognized that bacterial biofilms are responsible for the majority of microbial infections that occur in the human body, and that biofilm-related infections are extremely difficult to treat. This is related with the fact that microbial cells in biofilms exhibit increased resistance levels to antibiotics in comparison with planktonic (free-floating) cells. In the last years, the introduction into the market of novel compounds that can overcome the resistance to antimicrobial agents associated with biofilm infection has slowed down. If this situation is not altered, millions of lives are at risk, and this will also strongly affect the world economy. As such, research into the identification and eradication of biofilms is important for the future of human health. In this sense, this article provides an overview of techniques developed to detect and imaging biofilms as well as recent strategies that can be applied to treat biofilms during the several biofilm formation steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Cruz
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
- i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manuel Condinho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Beatriz Carvalho
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Cecília M. Arraiano
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Vânia Pobre
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal; (M.C.); (B.C.); (C.M.A.)
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- iBB—Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
- i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
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18
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Current strategies in inhibiting biofilm formation for combating urinary tract infections: Special focus on peptides, nano-particles and phytochemicals. BIOCATALYSIS AND AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2021.102209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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19
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Wu H, Xu P, Huang Y, Wang L, Ye X, Huang X, Ma L, Zhou C. PCL-1, a Trypsin-Resistant Peptide, Exerts Potent Activity Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 13:1467-1480. [PMID: 34037941 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-021-09801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which hold tremendous promise in overcoming the emergence of drug resistance, are limited in wide clinical applications due to their instability, especially against trypsin. Herein, we designed six peptide mutants based on the cathelicidin CATHPb2, followed by screening. Pb2-1, which showed the best activity against drug-resistant bacteria among these mutants, was selected to be combined with the trypsin inhibitory loop ORB-C to obtain two hybrid peptides: PCL-1 and Pb2-1TI. Notably, both of the hybrid peptides exhibited a remarkable enhancement in trypsin resistance compared with Pb2-1. The tests showed that PCL-1 displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that was superior to that of Pb2-1TI. In addition, PCL-1 had relatively lower cytotoxicity than Pb2-1TI towards the L02 and HaCaT cell lines and negligible hemolysis, as well as tolerance to high concentrations of salt, extreme pH, and temperature variations. In vivo, PCL-1 effectively improved the survival rate of mice that were systemically infected with drug-resistant Escherichia coli through efficient bacterial clearance from the blood and organs. With regard to mode of action, PCL-1 damaged the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane and attached to the membrane surface while bound to bacterial genomic DNA to eventually kill the bacteria. Altogether, the trypsin-resistant peptide PCL-1 is expected to be a candidate for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haomin Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pengfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liping Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyue Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaowei Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingman Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China.
| | - ChangLin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, Jiangsu, China.
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20
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Ferreira M, Pinto SN, Aires-da-Silva F, Bettencourt A, Aguiar SI, Gaspar MM. Liposomes as a Nanoplatform to Improve the Delivery of Antibiotics into Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13030321. [PMID: 33801281 PMCID: PMC7999762 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus biofilm-associated infections are a major public health concern. Current therapies are hampered by reduced penetration of antibiotics through biofilm and low accumulation levels at infected sites, requiring prolonged usage. To overcome these, repurposing antibiotics in combination with nanotechnological platforms is one of the most appealing fast-track and cost-effective approaches. In the present work, we assessed the potential therapeutic benefit of three antibiotics, vancomycin, levofloxacin and rifabutin (RFB), through their incorporation in liposomes. Free RFB displayed the utmost antibacterial effect with MIC and MBIC50 below 0.006 µg/mL towards a methicillin susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). RFB was selected for further in vitro studies and the influence of different lipid compositions on bacterial biofilm interactions was evaluated. Although positively charged RFB liposomes displayed the highest interaction with MSSA biofilms, RFB incorporated in negatively charged liposomes displayed lower MBIC50 values in comparison to the antibiotic in the free form. Preliminary safety assessment on all RFB formulations towards osteoblast and fibroblast cell lines demonstrated that a reduction on cell viability was only observed for the positively charged liposomes. Overall, negatively charged RFB liposomes are a promising approach against biofilm S. aureus infections and further in vivo studies should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Ferreira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (F.A.-d.-S.)
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Sandra N. Pinto
- Department of Bioengineering, iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Frederico Aires-da-Silva
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (F.A.-d.-S.)
| | - Ana Bettencourt
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Sandra I. Aguiar
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade de Lisboa, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.F.); (F.A.-d.-S.)
- Correspondence: (S.I.A.); (M.M.G.)
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Correspondence: (S.I.A.); (M.M.G.)
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21
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Portelinha J, Angeles-Boza AM. The Antimicrobial Peptide Gad-1 Clears Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms under Cystic Fibrosis Conditions. Chembiochem 2021; 22:1646-1655. [PMID: 33428273 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are an emerging health issue and lead to a premature death. CF is a hereditary disease that creates a thick mucus in the lungs that is prone to bacterial biofilm formation, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. These biofilms are very difficult to treat because many of them have antibiotic resistance that is worsened by the presence of extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA helps to stabilize biofilms and can bind antimicrobial compounds to lessen their effects. The metallo-antimicrobial peptide Gaduscidin-1 (Gad-1) eradicates established P. aeruginosa biofilms through a combination of modes of action that includes nuclease activity that can cleave eDNA in biofilms. In addition, Gad-1 exhibits synergistic activity when used with the antibiotics kanamycin and ciprofloxacin, thus making Gad-1 a new lead compound for the potential treatment of bacterial biofilms in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Portelinha
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 N. Eagleville Road Storrs, Connecticut, CT 06269, USA
| | - Alfredo M Angeles-Boza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 N. Eagleville Road Storrs, Connecticut, CT 06269, USA.,Institute of Material Science, University of Connecticut, 97 N. Eagleville Road Storrs, Connecticut, CT 06269, USA
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22
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Anti-Biofilm Effects of Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides Against Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Planktonic Cells and Biofilm. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244560. [PMID: 31842508 PMCID: PMC6943720 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-associated infections are difficult to manage or treat as biofilms or biofilm-embedded bacteria are difficult to eradicate. Antimicrobial peptides have gained increasing attention as a possible alternative to conventional drugs to combat drug-resistant microorganisms because they inhibit the growth of planktonic bacteria by disrupting the cytoplasmic membrane. The current study investigated the effects of synthetic peptides (PS1-2, PS1-5, and PS1-6) and conventional antibiotics on the growth, biofilm formation, and biofilm reduction of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects of PS1-2, PS1-5, and PS1-6 were also tested in vivo using a mouse model. All peptides inhibited planktonic cell growth and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. They also reduced preformed biofilm masses by removing the carbohydrates, extracellular DNA, and lipids that comprised extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) but did not affect proteins. In vivo, PS1-2 showed the greatest efficacy against preformed biofilms with no cytotoxicity. Our findings indicate that the PS1-2 peptide has potential as a next-generation therapeutic drug to overcome multidrug resistance and to regulate inflammatory response in biofilm-associated infections.
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23
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Cao Y, Yin H, Wang W, Pei P, Wang Y, Wang X, Jiang J, Luo SZ, Chen L. Killing Streptococcus mutans in mature biofilm with a combination of antimicrobial and antibiofilm peptides. Amino Acids 2019; 52:1-14. [PMID: 31797056 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02804-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Biofilm poses a serious challenge for the treatment of bacterial infections, as it endows bacteria a pronounced resistance to traditional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered potential substitutes for antibiotics. Combinational use of AMPs with other compounds to exert antibiofilm effects has been proved to be an effective means to reduce their toxicity and maximize their antimicrobial activity. However, the combination of various AMPs with different action mechanisms is rarely investigated. A newly designed lytic AMP ZXR-2.3 combined with antibiofilm peptide IDR-1018 or KT2 was tested for the antibiofilm effect on mature Streptococcus mutans biofilms. In general, the combination of ZXR-2.3 + IDR-1018 displayed synergistic effect on both biofilm eradication and bacterial killing, while ZXR-2.3 + KT2 showed no obvious synergism. The confocal images of preformed S. mutans biofilms confirmed the effective bactericidal activity of ZXR-2.3 + IDR-1018. A tube system was applied to investigate the biofilm infection under a flow of medium and SEM images indicated the biofilm disruption and bacterial killing effects of ZXR-2.3 + IDR-1018. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that IDR-1018 induced dramatic changes in the mRNA expressions of the quorum sensing (QS) related genes comC, comD, vicR, and vicK of S. mutans in mature biofilms, whereas the other peptides and ciprofloxacin did not cause obvious changes in these genes. This might explain the better synergism of ZXR-2.3 and IDR-1018. The results of this study provide a potential application using the combination of different AMPs in the treatment of mature biofilm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiwei Yin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Wujun Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Pei
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Jiang
- Engineering Laboratory of Chemical Resources Utilization in South Xinjiang of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, College of Life Sciences, Tarim University, Alar, Xinjiang, 843300, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Long Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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24
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Vernen F, Harvey PJ, Dias SA, Veiga AS, Huang YH, Craik DJ, Lawrence N, Troeira Henriques S. Characterization of Tachyplesin Peptides and Their Cyclized Analogues to Improve Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4184. [PMID: 31455019 PMCID: PMC6747087 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tachyplesin I, II and III are host defense peptides from horseshoe crab species with antimicrobial and anticancer activities. They have an amphipathic β-hairpin structure, are highly positively-charged and differ by only one or two amino acid residues. In this study, we compared the structure and activity of the three tachyplesin peptides alongside their backbone cyclized analogues. We assessed the peptide structures using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, then compared the activity against bacteria (both in the planktonic and biofilm forms) and a panel of cancerous cells. The importance of peptide-lipid interactions was examined using surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence spectroscopy methodologies. Our studies showed that tachyplesin peptides and their cyclic analogues were most potent against Gram-negative bacteria and melanoma cell lines, and showed a preference for binding to negatively-charged lipid membranes. Backbone cyclization did not improve potency, but improved peptide stability in human serum and reduced toxicity toward human red blood cells. Peptide-lipid binding affinity, orientation within the membrane, and ability to disrupt lipid bilayers differed between the cyclized peptide and the parent counterpart. We show that tachyplesin peptides and cyclized analogues have similarly potent antimicrobial and anticancer properties, but that backbone cyclization improves their stability and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Vernen
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Susana A Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia.
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
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