1
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Chen J, Yu CG, Zhou MM, Zhang GJ, Su HL, Ding GH, Wei L, Lin ZH, Ma L. An esculentin-1 homolog from a dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) possesses antibacterial and immunoregulatory properties. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:164. [PMID: 38678277 PMCID: PMC11055230 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04013-y] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esculentin-1, initially discovered in the skin secretions of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae), has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, its immunomodulatory properties have received little attention. RESULTS In the present study, esculentin-1 cDNA was identified by analysing the skin transcriptome of the dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Esculentin-1 from this species (esculentin-1PN) encompasses a signal peptide, an acidic spacer peptide, and a mature peptide. Sequence alignments with other amphibian esculentins-1 demonstrated conservation of the peptide, and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed its closest genetic affinity to esculentin-1P, derived from the Fukien gold-striped pond frog (Pelophylax fukienensis). Esculentin-1PN transcripts were observed in various tissues, with the skin exhibiting the highest mRNA levels. Synthetic esculentin-1PN demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens, and esculentin-1PN exhibited bactericidal activity by disrupting cell membrane integrity and hydrolyzing genomic DNA. Esculentin-1PN did not stimulate chemotaxis in RAW264.7, a murine leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line. However, it amplified the respiratory burst and augmented the pro-inflammatory cytokine gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This novel finding highlights the immunomodulatory activity of esculentin-1PN on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Ci-Gang Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min-Min Zhou
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Gao-Jian Zhang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Hai-Long Su
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Ding
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Wei
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
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2
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Mangoni ML, Loffredo MR, Casciaro B, Ferrera L, Cappiello F. An Overview of Frog Skin-Derived Esc Peptides: Promising Multifunctional Weapons against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Pulmonary and Ocular Surface Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4400. [PMID: 38673985 PMCID: PMC11049899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084400] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic harming human health, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacterium responsible for chronic pulmonary and eye infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. In this review, the in vitro/in vivo activities of the frog skin-derived AMP Esc(1-21) are shown. Esc(1-21) rapidly kills both the planktonic and sessile forms of P. aeruginosa and stimulates migration of epithelial cells, likely favoring repair of damaged tissue. However, to undertake preclinical studies, some drawbacks of AMPs (cytotoxicity, poor biostability, and limited delivery to the target site) must be overcome. For this purpose, the stereochemistry of two amino acids of Esc(1-21) was changed to obtain the diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c, which is more stable, less cytotoxic, and more efficient in treating P. aeruginosa-induced lung and cornea infections in mouse models. Incorporation of these peptides (Esc peptides) into nanoparticles or immobilization to a medical device (contact lens) was revealed to be an effective strategy to ameliorate and/or to prolong the peptides' antimicrobial efficacy. Overall, these data make Esc peptides encouraging candidates for novel multifunctional drugs to treat lung pathology especially in patients with cystic fibrosis and eye dysfunctions, characterized by both tissue injury and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Loretta Ferrera
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
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3
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Scotti R, Casciaro B, Stringaro A, Maggi F, Colone M, Gabbianelli R. Fighting Microbial Infections from Escherichia coli O157:H7: The Combined Use of Three Essential Oils of the Cymbopogon Genus and a Derivative of Esculentin-1a Peptide. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:86. [PMID: 38247645 PMCID: PMC10812396 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010086] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The absence of effective therapy against Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections has led to the need to develop new antimicrobial agents. As the use of synergistic combinations of natural antimicrobial compounds is growing as a new weapon in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, here, we have tested new synergistic combinations of natural agents. Notably, we investigated a possible synergistic effect of combinations of essential oils and natural peptides to counteract the formation of biofilm. We chose three essential oils (i.e., Cymbopogon citratus, C. flexuosus and C. martinii) and one peptide already studied in our previous works. We determined the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) by analyzing the combination of the peptide derived from esculentin-1a, Esc(1-21), with the three essential oils. We also studied the effects of combinations by time-kill curves, scanning electron microscopy on biofilm and Sytox Green on cell membrane permeability. Finally, we analyzed the expression of different genes implicated in motility, biofilm formation and stress responses. The results showed a different pattern of gene expression in bacteria treated with the mixtures compared to those treated with the peptide or the single C. citratus essential oil. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the three essential oils used in combination with the peptide showed synergy against the E. coli O157:H7, proving attractive as an alternative strategy against E. coli pathogen infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Scotti
- Biological Service, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annarita Stringaro
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Filippo Maggi
- Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy;
| | - Marisa Colone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy; (A.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Roberta Gabbianelli
- Biological Service, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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4
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Wang X, Liu M, Yu C, Li J, Zhou X. Biofilm formation: mechanistic insights and therapeutic targets. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:49. [PMID: 38097907 PMCID: PMC10721784 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00164-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are complex multicellular communities formed by bacteria, and their extracellular polymeric substances are observed as surface-attached or non-surface-attached aggregates. Many types of bacterial species found in living hosts or environments can form biofilms. These include pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas, which can act as persistent infectious hosts and are responsible for a wide range of chronic diseases as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance, thereby making them difficult to eliminate. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as a model organism for studying biofilm formation. In addition, other Pseudomonas utilize biofilm formation in plant colonization and environmental persistence. Biofilms are effective in aiding bacterial colonization, enhancing bacterial resistance to antimicrobial substances and host immune responses, and facilitating cell‒cell signalling exchanges between community bacteria. The lack of antibiotics targeting biofilms in the drug discovery process indicates the need to design new biofilm inhibitors as antimicrobial drugs using various strategies and targeting different stages of biofilm formation. Growing strategies that have been developed to combat biofilm formation include targeting bacterial enzymes, as well as those involved in the quorum sensing and adhesion pathways. In this review, with Pseudomonas as the primary subject of study, we review and discuss the mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation and current therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the clinical issues associated with biofilm infections and focusing on current and emerging antibiotic biofilm strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanjiang Yu
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xikun Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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5
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Canè C, Casciaro B, Di Somma A, Loffredo MR, Puglisi E, Battaglia G, Mellini M, Cappiello F, Rampioni G, Leoni L, Amoresano A, Duilio A, Mangoni ML. The antimicrobial peptide Esc(1-21)-1c increases susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to conventional antibiotics by decreasing the expression of the MexAB-OprM efflux pump. Front Chem 2023; 11:1271153. [PMID: 37942400 PMCID: PMC10628714 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1271153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The increase in bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics is an alarming problem for human health and could lead to pandemics in the future. Among bacterial pathogens responsible for a large variety of severe infections there is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new molecules with antimicrobial activity or that can act as adjuvants of antibiotics already in use. In this scenario, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold great promise. Recently, we characterized a frog-skin AMP derived from esculentin-1a, namely Esc(1-21)-1c, endowed with antipseudomonal activity without being cytotoxic to human cells. Methods: The combinatorial effect of the peptide and antibiotics was investigated through the checkerboard assay, differential proteomic and transcriptional analysis. Results: Here, we found that Esc(1-21)-1c can synergistically inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa cells with three different antibiotics, including tetracycline. We therefore investigated the underlying mechanism implemented by the peptide using a differential proteomic approach. The data revealed a significant decrease in the production of three proteins belonging to the MexAB-OprM efflux pump upon treatment with sub-inhibitory concentration of Esc(1-21)-1c. Down-regulation of these proteins was confirmed by transcriptional analysis and direct measurement of their relative levels in bacterial cells by tandem mass spectrometry analysis in multiple reaction monitoring scan mode. Conclusion: These evidences suggest that treatment with Esc(1-21)-1c in combination with antibiotics would increase the intracellular drug content making bacteria more susceptible to the antibiotic. Overall, these results highlight the importance of characterizing new molecules able to synergize with conventional antibiotics, paving the way for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies based on AMP/antibiotic formulations to counteract the emergence of resistant bacterial strains and increase the use of "old" antibiotics in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Canè
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Somma
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Puglisi
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Battaglia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Marta Mellini
- Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giordano Rampioni
- Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Leoni
- Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Amoresano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Duilio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructure and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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6
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Pongen YL, Thirumurugan D, Ramasubburayan R, Prakash S. Harnessing actinobacteria potential for cancer prevention and treatment. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106324. [PMID: 37633504 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106324] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Actinobacteria are gram-positive bacteria with high G:C ratio in their genetic makeup. They have been noted and studied for their capacity to produce bioactive substances with a range of uses in human health, and they also exhibit a unique property of adapting to extreme environments quite well. Actinobacteria may play an essential role in cancer prevention and treatment due to their synthesis of anticancer compounds, as indicated by recent studies. The aim of this review is to give a summary of what is currently known about the connection between actinobacteria and different types of cancer. This paper delineates the diverse array of actinobacterial bioactive compounds possessing anticancer properties, elucidates their mechanisms of action and explores potential applications in cancer treatment. Furthermore, this review highlights how the microbiome influences the onset and progression of cancer, as well as the discussing the potential benefits that actinobacteria may bring in terms of controlling the microbiome and contributing to the regulation of the tumour microenvironment to cure or prevent cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimtar L Pongen
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur - 603 203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Durairaj Thirumurugan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur - 603 203, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Ramasamy Ramasubburayan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai - 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Santhiyagu Prakash
- Marine Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Basic Sciences, Institute of Fisheries Post Graduate Studies, (OMR Campus), Tamilnadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University, Vaniyanchavadi, Chennai - 603 103, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Mosallam FM, Abbas HA, Shaker GH, Gomaa SE. Alleviating the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus by ascorbic acid nanoemulsion. Res Microbiol 2023; 174:104084. [PMID: 37247797 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2023.104084] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The high incidence of persistent multidrug resistant bacterial infections is a worldwide public health burden. Alternative strategies are required to deal with such issue including the use of drugs with anti-virulence activity. The application of nanotechnology to develop advanced Nano-materials that target quorum sensing regulated virulence factors is an attractive approach. Synthesis of ascorbic acid Nano-emulsion (ASC-NEs) and assessment of its activity in vitro against the virulence factors and its protective ability against pathogenesis as well as the effect against expression of quorum sensing genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Ascorbic acid Nano-emulsion was characterized by DLS Zetasizer Technique, Zeta potential; Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The antibacterial activity of ASC-NEs was tested by the broth microdilution method and the activity of their sub-MIC against the expression of quorum sensing controlled virulence was investigated using phenotypic experiments and RT-PCR. The protective activity of ASC-NEs against P. aeruginosa as well as S. aureus pathogenesis was tested in vivo. Phenotypically, ASC-NEs had strong virulence inhibitory activity against the tested bacteria. The RT-PCR experiment showed that it exhibited significant QS inhibitory activity. The in vivo results showed that ASC-NEs protected against staphylococcal infection, however, it failed to protect mice against Pseudomonal infection. These results suggest the promising use of nanoformulations against virulence factors in multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. However, further studies are required concerning the potential toxicity, clearance and phamacokinetics of the nanoformulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farag M Mosallam
- Drug Microbiology Lab., Drug Radiation Research Department, Biotechnology Division, National Center for Radiation Research and Technology (NCRRT), Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Hisham A Abbas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology-Faculty of Pharmacy-Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ghada H Shaker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology-Faculty of Pharmacy-Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Salwa E Gomaa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology-Faculty of Pharmacy-Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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8
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Ladewig L, Gloy L, Langfeldt D, Pinnow N, Weiland-Bräuer N, Schmitz RA. Antimicrobial Peptides Originating from Expression Libraries of Aurelia aurita and Mnemiopsis leidyi Prevent Biofilm Formation of Opportunistic Pathogens. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2184. [PMID: 37764028 PMCID: PMC10537229 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092184] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The demand for novel antimicrobial compounds is rapidly growing due to the rising appearance of antibiotic resistance in bacteria; accordingly, alternative approaches are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising, since they are a naturally occurring part of the innate immune system and display remarkable broad-spectrum activity and high selectivity against various microbes. Marine invertebrates are a primary resource of natural AMPs. Consequently, cDNA expression (EST) libraries from the Cnidarian moon jellyfish Aurelia aurita and the Ctenophore comb jelly Mnemiopsis leidyi were constructed in Escherichia coli. Cell-free size-fractionated cell extracts (<3 kDa) of the two libraries (each with 29,952 clones) were consecutively screened for peptides preventing the biofilm formation of opportunistic pathogens using the crystal violet assay. The 3 kDa fraction of ten individual clones demonstrated promising biofilm-preventing activities against Klebsiella oxytoca and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Sequencing the respective activity-conferring inserts allowed for the identification of small ORFs encoding peptides (10-22 aa), which were subsequently chemically synthesized to validate their inhibitory potential. Although the peptides are likely artificial products from a random translation of EST inserts, the biofilm-preventing effects against K. oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus were verified for five synthetic peptides in a concentration-dependent manner, with peptide BiP_Aa_5 showing the strongest effects. The impact of BiP_Aa_2, BiP_Aa_5, and BiP_Aa_6 on the dynamic biofilm formation of K. oxytoca was further validated in microfluidic flow cells, demonstrating a significant reduction in biofilm thickness and volume by BiP_Aa_2 and BiP_Aa_5. Overall, the structural characteristics of the marine invertebrate-derived AMPs, their physicochemical properties, and their promising antibiofilm effects highlight them as attractive candidates for discovering new antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Ladewig
- General Microbiology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Leon Gloy
- General Microbiology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Langfeldt
- General Microbiology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 11, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicole Pinnow
- General Microbiology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Nancy Weiland-Bräuer
- General Microbiology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ruth A. Schmitz
- General Microbiology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1-9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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9
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Varponi I, Ferro S, Menilli L, Grapputo A, Moret F, Mastrotto F, Marin O, Sandrelli F. Fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections: Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of D-Q53 CecB, a Synthetic Analog of a Silkworm Natural Cecropin B Variant. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12496. [PMID: 37569868 PMCID: PMC10419416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium responsible for severe nosocomial infections and is considered a critical pulmonary pathogen for both immunocompromised and cystic fibrosis patients. Planktonic cells of P. aeruginosa possess intrinsic and acquired resistances, inactivating several classes of conventional antibiotics. Additionally, this bacterium can grow, forming biofilms, and complex structures, further hampering the action of multiple antibiotics. Here, we report the biological properties of D-Q53 CecB, an all-D enantiomer of the silkworm natural peptide Q53 CecB. Compared to the L-variant, D-Q53 CecB was resistant to in vitro degradation by humans and P. aeruginosa elastases and showed an enhanced bactericidal activity against P. aeruginosa planktonic bacteria. D-Q53 CecB was thermostable and maintained its antimicrobial activity at high salt concentrations and in the presence of divalent cations or fetal-bovine serum, although at reduced levels. Against different types of human cells, D-Q53 CecB showed cytotoxic phenomena at concentrations several folds higher compared to those active against P. aeruginosa. When L- and D-Q53 CecB were compared for their antibiofilm properties, both peptides were active in inhibiting biofilm formation. However, the D-enantiomer was extremely effective in inducing biofilm degradation, suggesting this peptide as a favorable candidate in an anti-Pseudomonas therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Varponi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.V.); (L.M.); (A.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Stefania Ferro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Luca Menilli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.V.); (L.M.); (A.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Alessandro Grapputo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.V.); (L.M.); (A.G.); (F.M.)
- National Biodiversity Future Centre, Piazza Marina 61, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Moret
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.V.); (L.M.); (A.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Oriano Marin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.F.); (O.M.)
| | - Federica Sandrelli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (I.V.); (L.M.); (A.G.); (F.M.)
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10
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Yang M, Liu S, Zhang C. Antimicrobial peptides with antiviral and anticancer properties and their modification and nanodelivery systems. CURRENT RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.crbiot.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
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11
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Turzańska K, Adesanya O, Rajagopal A, Pryce MT, Fitzgerald Hughes D. Improving the Management and Treatment of Diabetic Foot Infection: Challenges and Research Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043913. [PMID: 36835330 PMCID: PMC9959562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot infection (DFI) management requires complex multidisciplinary care pathways with off-loading, debridement and targeted antibiotic treatment central to positive clinical outcomes. Local administration of topical treatments and advanced wound dressings are often used for more superficial infections, and in combination with systemic antibiotics for more advanced infections. In practice, the choice of such topical approaches, whether alone or as adjuncts, is rarely evidence-based, and there does not appear to be a single market leader. There are several reasons for this, including a lack of clear evidence-based guidelines on their efficacy and a paucity of robust clinical trials. Nonetheless, with a growing number of people living with diabetes, preventing the progression of chronic foot infections to amputation is critical. Topical agents may increasingly play a role, especially as they have potential to limit the use of systemic antibiotics in an environment of increasing antibiotic resistance. While a number of advanced dressings are currently marketed for DFI, here we review the literature describing promising future-focused approaches for topical treatment of DFI that may overcome some of the current hurdles. Specifically, we focus on antibiotic-impregnated biomaterials, novel antimicrobial peptides and photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja Turzańska
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, D09 YD60 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Oluwafolajimi Adesanya
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ashwene Rajagopal
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, D09 YD60 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary T. Pryce
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, D09 V209 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Fitzgerald Hughes
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Education and Research Centre, Beaumont Hospital, D09 YD60 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-8093711
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12
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Pompilio A, Scocchi M, Mangoni ML, Shirooie S, Serio A, Ferreira Garcia da Costa Y, Alves MS, Şeker Karatoprak G, Süntar I, Khan H, Di Bonaventura G. Bioactive compounds: a goldmine for defining new strategies against pathogenic bacterial biofilms? Crit Rev Microbiol 2023; 49:117-149. [PMID: 35313120 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2022.2038082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Most human infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms growing as biofilms. These three-dimensional self-organized communities are embedded in a dense matrix allowing microorganisms to persistently inhabit abiotic and biotic surfaces due to increased resistance to both antibiotics and effectors of the immune system. Consequently, there is an urgent need for novel strategies to control biofilm-associated infections. Natural products offer a vast array of chemical structures and possess a wide variety of biological properties; therefore, they have been and continue to be exploited in the search for potential biofilm inhibitors with a specific or multi-locus mechanism of action. This review provides an updated discussion of the major bioactive compounds isolated from several natural sources - such as plants, lichens, algae, microorganisms, animals, and humans - with the potential to inhibit biofilm formation and/or to disperse established biofilms by bacterial pathogens. Despite the very large number of bioactive products, their exact mechanism of action often remains to be clarified and, in some cases, the identity of the active molecule is still unknown. This knowledge gap should be filled thus allowing development of these products not only as novel drugs to combat bacterial biofilms, but also as antibiotic adjuvants to restore the therapeutic efficacy of current antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Pompilio
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, and Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Scocchi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Samira Shirooie
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Annalisa Serio
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Ygor Ferreira Garcia da Costa
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Bioactivity, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Maria Silvana Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Bioactivity, Pharmaceutical Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gökçe Şeker Karatoprak
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, Talas, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ipek Süntar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Etiler, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Giovanni Di Bonaventura
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, and Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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13
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GC-MS Analysis and Microbiological Evaluation of Caraway Essential Oil as a Virulence Attenuating Agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238532. [PMID: 36500623 PMCID: PMC9741284 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of resistant microbes threatens public health on our planet, and the emergence of resistant bacteria against the most commonly used antibiotics necessitates urgent alternative therapeutic options. One way to fight resistant microbes is to design new antimicrobial agents, however, this approach takes decades of research. An alternative or parallel approach is to target the virulence of bacteria with natural or synthetic agents. Active constituents from medicinal plants represent a wide library to screen for natural anti-virulence agents. Caraway is used as a traditional spice and in some medicinal applications such as carminative, antispasmodic, appetizer, and expectorant. Caraway essential oil is rich in terpenes that were previously reported to have antimicrobial activities. In our study, we tested the caraway essential oil in sub-inhibitory concentration as a virulence agent against the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Caraway essential oil in sub-inhibitory concentration dramatically blocked protease activity, pyocyanin production, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing activity of P. aeruginosa. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) profile of caraway fruit oil identified 13 compounds representing 85.4% of the total oil components with carvone and sylvestrene as the main constituents. In conclusion, caraway essential oil is a promising virulence-attenuating agent that can be used against topical infections caused by P. aeruginosa.
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14
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Casciaro B, Loffredo MR, Cappiello F, O’Sullivan N, Tortora C, Manzer R, Karmakar S, Haskell A, Hasan SK, Mangoni ML. KDEON WK-11: A short antipseudomonal peptide with promising potential. Front Chem 2022; 10:1000765. [PMID: 36465859 PMCID: PMC9713011 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1000765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The plight of antimicrobial resistance continues to limit the availability of antibiotic treatment effective in combating resistant bacterial infections. Despite efforts made to rectify this issue and minimise its effects on both patients and the wider community, progress in this area remains minimal. Here, we de-novo designed a peptide named KDEON WK-11, building on previous work establishing effective residues and structures active in distinguished antimicrobial peptides such as lactoferrin. We assessed its antimicrobial activity against an array of bacterial strains and identified its most potent effect, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC value of 3.12 μM, lower than its counterparts developed with similar residues and chain lengths. We then determined its anti-biofilm properties, potential mechanism of action and in vitro cytotoxicity. We identified that KDEON WK-11 had a broad range of antimicrobial activity and specific capabilities to fight Pseudomonas aeruginosa with low in vitro cytotoxicity and promising potential to express anti-lipopolysaccharide qualities, which could be exploited to expand its properties into an anti-sepsis agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Niamh O’Sullivan
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Tortora
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018–2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rizwan Manzer
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Sougata Karmakar
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Alan Haskell
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Syed K. Hasan
- Iuventis Technologies Inc. (DBA Immunotrex Biologics), Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Uddin Mahamud AGMS, Nahar S, Ashrafudoulla M, Park SH, Ha SD. Insights into antibiofilm mechanisms of phytochemicals: Prospects in the food industry. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 64:1736-1763. [PMID: 36066482 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2119201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The recalcitrance of microbial aggregation or biofilm in the food industry underpins the emerging antimicrobial resistance among foodborne pathogens, exacerbating the phenomena of food spoilage, processing and safety management failure, and the prevalence of foodborne illnesses. The challenges of growing tolerance to current chemical and disinfectant-based antibiofilm strategies have driven the urgency in finding a less vulnerable to bacterial resistance, effective alternative antibiofilm agent. To address these issues, various novel strategies are suggested in current days to combat bacterial biofilm. Among the innovative approaches, phytochemicals have already demonstrated their excellent performance in preventing biofilm formation and bactericidal actions against resident bacteria within biofilms. However, the diverse group of phytochemicals and their different modes of action become a barrier to applying them against specific pathogenic biofilm-formers. This phenomenon mandates the need to elucidate the multi-mechanistic actions of phytochemicals to design an effective novel antibiofilm strategy. Therefore, this review critically illustrates the structure - activity relationship, functional sites of actions, and target molecules of diverse phytochemicals regarding multiple major antibiofilm mechanisms and reversal mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. The implementation of the in-depth knowledge will hopefully aid future studies for developing phytochemical-based next-generation antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G M Sofi Uddin Mahamud
- School of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Shamsun Nahar
- School of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Ashrafudoulla
- School of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hong Park
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Sang-Do Ha
- School of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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16
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Abo-Dya NE, Agha KA, Abbas HA, Abu-Kull ME, Alahmdi MI, Osman NA. Hybrid N-Acylcysteines as Dual-Acting Matrix Disruptive and Anti-Quorum Sensing Agents Fighting Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms: Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking Studies, and In Vitro Assays. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:19879-19891. [PMID: 35721927 PMCID: PMC9202021 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Biofilms facilitate the pathogenesis of life-threatening Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections by coating mucosal surfaces or invasive devices and offer protection from antimicrobial therapy and the host immune response, thus increasing mortality rates and financial burden. Herein, new hybrid N-acylcysteines (NAC) incorporating selected acyl groups from organic acids and their derivatives, which are capable of quenching pathogen quorum sensing (QS) systems, were designed and their antibiofilm activity and anti-QS were evaluated. N-acylcysteines (4a-h) were synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR, and their purity was confirmed by elemental analyses. N-(4-Hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzoyl)-l-cysteine (4d) and N-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-l-cysteine (4h) showed a higher antibiofilm activity against PAO1 biofilms than the rest of the targets and the standard NAC. They showed 83 and 82% inhibition of biofilms at 5 mM and eradicated mature biofilms at 20 mM concentrations (NAC biofilm inhibition = 66% at 10 mM and minimum biofilm eradication concentration = 40 mM). This was confirmed via visualizing adherent biofilm cells on catheter pieces using scanning electron microscopy. In the same vein, both 4d and 4h showed the highest docking score with the QS signal receptor protein LasR (-7.8), which was much higher than that of NAC (-5) but less than the score of the natural agonist N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-l-homoserine (OdDHL) (-8.5). Target 4h (5 mM) decreased the expression of quorum sensing encoding genes in P. aeruginosa PAO1 strain by 53% for pslA, 47% for lasI and lasR, and 29% for filC, lowered PAO1 pyocyanin production by 76.43%, completely blocked the proteolytic activity of PAO1, and did not affect PAO1 cell viability. Targets 4d and 4h may find applications for the prevention and treatment of biofilm-mediated P. aeruginosa local infections of the skin, eye, and wounds. N-(4-Methoxybenzoyl)-l-cysteine 4h is a promising dual-acting matrix disruptive and anti-QS antibiofilm agent for further investigation and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader E. Abo-Dya
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
- ,
| | - Khalid A. Agha
- Department
of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Fayoum University, Fayoum 63514, Egypt
| | - Hisham A. Abbas
- Department
of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mansour E. Abu-Kull
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Issa Alahmdi
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University
of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nermine A. Osman
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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17
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Knocking down Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence by oral hypoglycemic metformin nano emulsion. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:119. [PMID: 35644864 PMCID: PMC9148876 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03302-8] [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: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Long-term antibiotic treatment results in the spread of multi-drug resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that complicates treatment. Anti-virulence agents can be viewed as alternative options that cripple virulence factors of the bacteria to facilitate their elimination by the host immunity. The use of nanoparticles in the inhibition of P. aeruginosa virulence factors is a promising strategy. This study aims to study the effect of metformin (MET), metformin nano emulsions (MET-NEs), silver metformin nano emulsions (Ag-MET-NEs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on P. aeruginosa virulence factors’ expression. The phenotypic results showed that MET-NEs had the highest virulence inhibitory activity. However, concerning RT-PCR results, all tested agents significantly decreased the expression of quorum sensing regulatory genes of P. aeruginosa; lasR, lasI, pqsA, fliC, exoS and pslA, with Ag-MET-NEs being the most potent one, however, it failed to protect mice from P. aeruginosa pathogenesis. MET-NEs showed the highest protective activity against pseudomonal infection in vivo. Our findings support the promising use of nano formulations particularly Ag-MET-NEs as an alternative against multidrug resistant pseudomonal infections via inhibition of virulence factors and quorum sensing gene expression.
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18
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Derivatives of Esculentin-1 Peptides as Promising Candidates for Fighting Infections from Escherichia coli O157:H7. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050656. [PMID: 35625300 PMCID: PMC9137543 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
New strategies are needed to fight the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria caused by an overuse of antibiotics in medical and veterinary fields. Due to the importance of biofilms in clinical infections, antibiofilm peptides have a great potential to treat infections. In recent years, an increased interest has emerged in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). One of the richest sources of AMPs is represented by amphibian skin. In the present work, we investigated the effects of two peptides derived from the frog skin AMP esculentin-1, namely, Esc(1-21) and Esc(1-18), on the growth, biofilm formation, and gene expression of the non-pathogenic Escherichia coli strain K12 and of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7. Both peptides showed minimal bactericidal concentrations ranging from 4 to 8 µM for Esc(1-21) and from 32 to 64 µM for Esc(1-18). They also, at sub-MIC doses, reduced the formation of biofilm, as supported by both microbiological assays and scanning electron microscopy, while they displayed no marked activity against the planktonic form of the bacteria. Transcriptional analysis in E. coli O157:H7 showed that both AMPs induced the expression of several genes involved in the regulation of formation and dispersal of biofilm, as well as in the stress response. In conclusion, we demonstrated that these AMPs affect E. coli O157:H7 growth and biofilm formation, thus suggesting a great potential to be developed as novel therapeutics against infections caused by bacterial biofilms.
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19
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Aflakian F, Rad M, Hashemitabar G, Lagzian M, Ramezani M. Design and assessment of novel synthetic peptides to inhibit quorum sensing-dependent biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. BIOFOULING 2022; 38:131-146. [PMID: 35067121 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2022.2028280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common biofilm-producing bacteria, often leading to long-term and chronic infections. The LasR regulator protein acts as the central regulator of the quorum sensing (QS) system and coordinates the expression of some virulence and biofilm genes. In this study, novel peptides (WSF, FASK, YDVD) were designed for binding to the domain of the transcriptional activator of the LasR protein and interfere with LasR in the QS system of P. aeruginosa. The effects of these peptides on biofilm production, expression of biofilm-related genes (AlgC, PslA, PelA), and growth of planktonic P. aeruginosa were investigated. All three peptides inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa planktonic cells at 1600 µg ml-1 and exhibited anti-biofilm effects at sub-inhibitory concentrations (800 µg ml-1). Measurements of the mRNA levels of biofilm-related genes at sub-inhibitory concentrations of the designed peptides showed a significant decrease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Aflakian
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Rad
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Hashemitabar
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Milad Lagzian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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20
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Lin Q, Pilewski JM, Di YP. Acidic Microenvironment Determines Antibiotic Susceptibility and Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:747834. [PMID: 34867864 PMCID: PMC8640179 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.747834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most prevalent bacterial species that contribute to cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory failure. The impaired function of CF transmembrane conductance regulator leads to abnormal epithelial Cl-/HCO3 - transport and acidification of airway surface liquid. However, it remains unclear why the CF lung is most commonly infected by Pseudomonas aeruginosa versus other pathogens. We carried out studies to investigate if lower pH helps Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapt and thrive in the CF-like acidic lung environment. Our results revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa generally forms more biofilm, induces antibiotic resistance faster in acidic conditions, and can be reversed by returning the acidic environment to physiologically neutral conditions. Pseudomonas aeruginosa appears to be highly adaptive to the CF-like acidic pH environment. By studying the effects of an acidic environment on bacterial response, we may provide a new therapeutic option in preventing chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joseph M Pilewski
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Y Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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21
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Gong T, Fu J, Shi L, Chen X, Zong X. Antimicrobial Peptides in Gut Health: A Review. Front Nutr 2021; 8:751010. [PMID: 34660671 PMCID: PMC8514777 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.751010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), known as broad-spectrum and high-efficiency antibacterial activity, are important effector molecules in innate immune system. AMPs not only have antimicrobial, antiviral and antitumor effects but also exhibit important effects in vivo, such as anti-inflammatory response, recruiting immune cells, promoting epithelial damage repair, and promoting phagocytosis of bacteria. However, research on the application of AMPs is incomplete and controversial. This review mainly introduces the classification of AMPs, biological functions, as well as the mechanisms of action, expression rules, and nutrition regulation from three perspectives, aiming to provide important information for the application of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lexuan Shi
- Guangzhou Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Chen
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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22
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Miao F, Li Y, Tai Z, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Hu M, Zhu Q. Antimicrobial Peptides: The Promising Therapeutics for Cutaneous Wound Healing. Macromol Biosci 2021; 21:e2100103. [PMID: 34405955 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wound infections have caused an increasing number of deaths and economic burden, which necessitates wound treatment options. Hitherto, the development of functional wound dressings has achieved reasonable progress. Antibacterial agents, growth factors, and miRNAs are incorporated in different wound dressings to treat various types of wounds. As an effective antimicrobial agent and emerging wound healing therapeutic, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted significant attention. The present study focuses on the application of AMPs in wound healing and discusses the types, properties and formulation strategies of AMPs used for wound healing. In addition, the clinical trial and the current status of studies on "antimicrobial peptides and wound healing" are elaborated through bibliometrics. Also, the challenges and opportunities for further development and utilization of AMP formulations in wound healing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengze Miao
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Ying Li
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Zongguang Tai
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Yue Gao
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Menghong Hu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Aquaculture, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Quangang Zhu
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200443, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center for Topical Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China
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23
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Abstract
The activity of many antibiotics depends on the initial density of cells used in bacterial growth inhibition assays. This phenomenon, termed the inoculum effect, can have important consequences for the therapeutic efficacy of the drugs, because bacterial loads vary by several orders of magnitude in clinically relevant infections. Antimicrobial peptides are a promising class of molecules in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria because they act mainly by perturbing the cell membranes rather than by inhibiting intracellular targets. Here, we report a systematic characterization of the inoculum effect for this class of antibacterial compounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were measured for 13 peptides (including all-D enantiomers) and peptidomimetics, covering more than seven orders of magnitude in inoculated cell density. In most cases, the inoculum effect was significant for cell densities above the standard inoculum of 5 × 105 cells/mL, while for lower densities the active concentrations remained essentially constant, with values in the micromolar range. In the case of membrane-active peptides, these data can be rationalized by considering a simple model, taking into account peptide-cell association, and hypothesizing that a threshold number of cell-bound peptide molecules is required in order to cause bacterial killing. The observed effect questions the clinical utility of activity and selectivity determinations performed at a fixed, standardized cell density. A routine evaluation of the dependence of the activity of antimicrobial peptides and peptidomimetics on the inoculum should be considered.
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Prevalence of the Genes Associated with Biofilm and Toxins Synthesis amongst the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Strains. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030241. [PMID: 33670887 PMCID: PMC7997207 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most commonly isolated bacteria from clinical specimens, with an increasing isolation frequency in nosocomial outbreaks. The hypothesis tested was whether carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains display an altered carriage of the virulence factor genes, depending on the type of carbapenem resistance. The aim of the study was to investigate, by PCR, the frequency of 10 chosen virulence factors genes (phzM, phzS, exoT, exoY, exoU, toxA, exoS, algD, pilA and pilB) and the genotype distribution in 107 non-duplicated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates. P. aeruginosa genes involved in phenazine dyes and exoenzyme T synthesis were noted with the highest frequency (100%). Fimbriae-encoding genes were detected with the lowest incidence: 15.9% and 4.7% for pilin A and B, respectively. The differences observed between the exoS gene prevalence amongst the carbapenemase-positive and the carbapenemase-negative strains and the pilA gene prevalence amongst the strains of different origins were statistically significant. Virulence genes’ prevalence and the genotype distribution vary amongst P. aeruginosa strains resistant to carbapenems, especially in terms of their carbapenemase synthesis ability and the strain origin.
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Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Verrusio W, Cacciafesta M, Mangoni ML. Antimicrobial Peptides and their Multiple Effects at Sub-Inhibitory Concentrations. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:1264-1273. [PMID: 32338221 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200427090912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The frequent occurrence of multidrug-resistant strains to conventional antimicrobials has led to a clear decline in antibiotic therapies. Therefore, new molecules with different mechanisms of action are extremely necessary. Due to their unique properties, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a valid alternative to conventional antibiotics and many of them have been characterized for their activity and cytotoxicity. However, the effects that these peptides cause at concentrations below the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) have yet to be fully analyzed along with the underlying molecular mechanism. In this mini-review, the ability of AMPs to synergize with different antibiotic classes or different natural compounds is examined. Furthermore, data on microbial resistance induction are reported to highlight the importance of antibiotic resistance in the fight against infections. Finally, the effects that sub-MIC levels of AMPs can have on the bacterial pathogenicity are summarized while showing how signaling pathways can be valid therapeutic targets for the treatment of infectious diseases. All these aspects support the high potential of AMPs as lead compounds for the development of new drugs with antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Center For Life Nano Science @ Sapienza, Italian Institute of Technology, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Walter Verrusio
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Mauro Cacciafesta
- Department of Clinical Internal, Anesthesiological and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
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Scutera S, Argenziano M, Sparti R, Bessone F, Bianco G, Bastiancich C, Castagnoli C, Stella M, Musso T, Cavalli R. Enhanced Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Effect of New Colistin-Loaded Human Albumin Nanoparticles. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:57. [PMID: 33430076 PMCID: PMC7827731 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), such as Acinetobacter and Klebsiella, are responsible for severe hospital-acquired infections. Colistin, despite its toxicity and low tissue penetration, is considered the last resort antibiotic against these microorganisms. Of concern, the use of Colistin has recently been compromised by the emergence of Colistin resistance. Herein, we developed a new formulation consisting of multifunctional chitosan-coated human albumin nanoparticles for the delivery of Colistin (Col/haNPs). Col/haNPs were in vitro characterized for encapsulation efficiency, drug release, stability and cytotoxicity and were evaluated for antibacterial activity against MDR GNB (Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Col/haNPs showed sizes lower than 200 nm, high encapsulation efficiency (98.65%) and prolonged in vitro release of Colistin. The safety of the nanoformulation was demonstrated by a negligible cytotoxicity on human fibroblasts and hemolytic activity. Col/haNPs evidenced a high antibacterial effect with a significant decrease in MIC values compared to free Colistin, in particular against Col-resistant strains with a pronounced decline of bacterial growth over time. Moreover, Col/haNPs exhibited an inhibitory effect on biofilm formation that was 4 and 60 fold higher compared to free Colistin, respectively for Colistin susceptible and resistant A. baumannii. Our findings suggest that Col/haNPs could represent a promising Colistin nanocarrier with high antimicrobial activity on MDR GNB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Scutera
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Monica Argenziano
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosaria Sparti
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Federica Bessone
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
| | - Gabriele Bianco
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Chiara Bastiancich
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
- Institute Neurophysiopathol, INP, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Carlotta Castagnoli
- Skin Bank, Department of General and Specialized Surgery, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Stella
- Burn Center, CTO Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Musso
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy; (S.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.B.); (R.C.)
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Development of Antimicrobial Peptides from Amphibians. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110772. [PMID: 33158031 PMCID: PMC7692786 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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28
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Kopeikin PM, Zharkova MS, Kolobov AA, Smirnova MP, Sukhareva MS, Umnyakova ES, Kokryakov VN, Orlov DS, Milman BL, Balandin SV, Panteleev PV, Ovchinnikova TV, Komlev AS, Tossi A, Shamova OV. Caprine Bactenecins as Promising Tools for Developing New Antimicrobial and Antitumor Drugs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:552905. [PMID: 33194795 PMCID: PMC7604311 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.552905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PR-AMPs) having a potent antimicrobial activity predominantly toward Gram-negative bacteria and negligible toxicity toward host cells, are attracting attention as new templates for developing antibiotic drugs. We have previously isolated and characterized several bactenecins that are promising in this respect, from the leukocytes of the domestic goat Capra hircus: ChBac5, miniChBac7.5N-α, and -β, as well as ChBac3.4. Unlike the others, ChBac3.4 shows a somewhat unusual pattern of activities for a mammalian PR-AMP: it is more active against bacterial membranes as well as tumor and, to the lesser extent, normal cells. Here we describe a SAR study of ChBac3.4 (RFRLPFRRPPIRIHPPPFYPPFRRFL-NH2) which elucidates its peculiarities and evaluates its potential as a lead for antimicrobial or anticancer drugs based on this peptide. A set of designed structural analogues of ChBac3.4 was explored for antibacterial activity toward drug-resistant clinical isolates and antitumor properties. The N-terminal region was found to be important for the antimicrobial action, but not responsible for the toxicity toward mammalian cells. A shortened variant with the best selectivity index toward bacteria demonstrated a pronounced synergy in combination with antibiotics against Gram-negative strains, albeit with a somewhat reduced ability to inhibit biofilm formation compared to native peptide. C-terminal amidation was examined for some analogues, which did not affect antimicrobial activity, but somewhat altered the cytotoxicity toward host cells. Interestingly, non-amidated peptides showed a slight delay in their impact on bacterial membrane integrity. Peptides with enhanced hydrophobicity showed increased toxicity, but in most cases their selectivity toward tumor cells also improved. While most analogues lacked hemolytic properties, a ChBac3.4 variant with two additional tryptophan residues demonstrated an appreciable activity toward human erythrocytes. The variant demonstrating the best tumor/nontumor cell selectivity was found to more actively initiate apoptosis in target cells, though its action was slower than that of the native ChBac3.4. Its antitumor effectiveness was successfully verified in vivo in a murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of structural modification to manage caprine bactenecins’ selectivity and activity spectrum and confirm that they are promising prototypes for antimicrobial and anticancer drugs design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel M Kopeikin
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria S Zharkova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander A Kolobov
- Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry, State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria P Smirnova
- Laboratory of Peptide Chemistry, State Research Institute of Highly Pure Biopreparations, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maria S Sukhareva
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina S Umnyakova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir N Kokryakov
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Dmitriy S Orlov
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris L Milman
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey V Balandin
- Science-Educational Center, M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel V Panteleev
- Science-Educational Center, M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ovchinnikova
- Science-Educational Center, M.M. Shemyakin & Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Biotechnology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksey S Komlev
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alessandro Tossi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Olga V Shamova
- Laboratory of Design and Synthesis of Biologically Active Peptides, Department of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, FSBSI Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Shao X, Xie Y, Zhang Y, Liu J, Ding Y, Wu M, Wang X, Deng X. Novel therapeutic strategies for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1403-1423. [PMID: 32880507 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1803274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Persistent infections caused by the superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents are huge threats to patients with cystic fibrosis as well as those with compromised immune systems. Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa has posed a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches, which show limited efficacy and cause serious side effects. The public demand for new antibiotics is enormous; yet, drug development pipelines have started to run dry with limited targets available for inventing new antibacterial drugs. Consequently, it is important to uncover potential therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED The authors review the current state of drug development strategies that are promising in terms of the development of novel and potent drugs to treat P. aeruginosa infection. EXPERT OPINION The prevention of P. aeruginosa infection is increasingly challenging. Furthermore, targeting key virulence regulators has great potential for developing novel anti-P. aeruginosa drugs. Additional promising strategies include bacteriophage therapy, immunotherapies, and antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, the authors believe that in the coming years, the overall network of molecular regulatory mechanism of P. aeruginosa virulence will be fully elucidated, which will provide more novel and promising drug targets for treating P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Shao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingpeng Xie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yingchao Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jingui Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yiqing Ding
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota , Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong SAR, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, City University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen, China
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30
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Zhu J, Huang Y, Hu C, Huang Y, Chen M, He X, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y. Inhibitory Effects and Mechanism of the Combined Use of α-Helical Peptides HPRP-A1/HPRP-A2 and Chlorhexidine Acetate Against Bacterial and Fungal Biofilms. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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31
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Casciaro B, Mangiardi L, Cappiello F, Romeo I, Loffredo MR, Iazzetti A, Calcaterra A, Goggiamani A, Ghirga F, Mangoni ML, Botta B, Quaglio D. Naturally-Occurring Alkaloids of Plant Origin as Potential Antimicrobials against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25163619. [PMID: 32784887 PMCID: PMC7466045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25163619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is now considered a worldwide problem that puts public health at risk. The onset of bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics and the scarcity of new drugs have prompted scientific research to re-evaluate natural products as molecules with high biological and chemical potential. A class of natural compounds of significant importance is represented by alkaloids derived from higher plants. In this review, we have collected data obtained from various research groups on the antimicrobial activities of these alkaloids against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains. In addition, the structure–function relationship was described and commented on, highlighting the high potential of alkaloids as antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (L.M.); (I.R.)
| | - Laura Mangiardi
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (L.M.); (I.R.)
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (M.R.L.)
| | - Isabella Romeo
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (L.M.); (I.R.)
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (M.R.L.)
| | - Antonia Iazzetti
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
| | - Andrea Calcaterra
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
| | - Antonella Goggiamani
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (B.C.); (L.M.); (I.R.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.L.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (M.R.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.L.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
- Correspondence: (F.G.); (M.L.M.); (B.B.)
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.I.); (A.C.); (A.G.); (D.Q.)
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The Revaluation of Plant-Derived Terpenes to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060325
expr 928323768 + 816400131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics has revolutionized the medicine and treatment of microbial infections. However, the current scenario has highlighted the difficulties in marketing new antibiotics and an exponential increase in the appearance of resistant strains. On the other hand, research in the field of drug-discovery has revaluated the potential of natural products as a unique source for new biologically active molecules and scaffolds for the medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first contextualized the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance and the importance that natural products of plant origin acquire as a source of new lead compounds. We then focused on terpenes and their potential development as antimicrobials, highlighting those studies that showed an activity against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains.
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33
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The Revaluation of Plant-Derived Terpenes to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060325. [PMID: 32545761 PMCID: PMC7344648 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics has revolutionized the medicine and treatment of microbial infections. However, the current scenario has highlighted the difficulties in marketing new antibiotics and an exponential increase in the appearance of resistant strains. On the other hand, research in the field of drug-discovery has revaluated the potential of natural products as a unique source for new biologically active molecules and scaffolds for the medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first contextualized the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance and the importance that natural products of plant origin acquire as a source of new lead compounds. We then focused on terpenes and their potential development as antimicrobials, highlighting those studies that showed an activity against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains.
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Cappiello F, Loffredo MR, Del Plato C, Cammarone S, Casciaro B, Quaglio D, Mangoni ML, Botta B, Ghirga F. The Revaluation of Plant-Derived Terpenes to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:325. [PMID: 32545761 PMCID: PMC7344648 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060325&set/a 898859781+915895989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics has revolutionized the medicine and treatment of microbial infections. However, the current scenario has highlighted the difficulties in marketing new antibiotics and an exponential increase in the appearance of resistant strains. On the other hand, research in the field of drug-discovery has revaluated the potential of natural products as a unique source for new biologically active molecules and scaffolds for the medicinal chemistry. In this review, we first contextualized the worldwide problem of antibiotic resistance and the importance that natural products of plant origin acquire as a source of new lead compounds. We then focused on terpenes and their potential development as antimicrobials, highlighting those studies that showed an activity against conventional antibiotic-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (M.R.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (M.R.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Cristina Del Plato
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.P.); (S.C.); (B.B.)
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Cammarone
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.P.); (S.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (D.Q.)
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.P.); (S.C.); (B.B.)
- Correspondence: (B.C.); (D.Q.)
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (M.R.L.); (M.L.M.)
| | - Bruno Botta
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, “Department of Excellence 2018−2022”, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.D.P.); (S.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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Casciaro B, Cappiello F, Loffredo MR, Ghirga F, Mangoni ML. The Potential of Frog Skin Peptides for Anti-Infective Therapies: The Case of Esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1405-1419. [PMID: 31333082 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190722095408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) are the key effectors of the innate immunity and represent promising molecules for the development of new antibacterial drugs. However, to achieve this goal, some problems need to be overcome: (i) the cytotoxic effects at high concentrations; (ii) the poor biostability and (iii) the difficulty in reaching the target site. Frog skin is one of the richest natural storehouses of AMPs, and over the years, many peptides have been isolated from it, characterized and classified into several families encompassing temporins, brevinins, nigrocins and esculentins. In this review, we summarized how the isolation/characterization of peptides belonging to the esculentin-1 family drove us to the design of an analogue, i.e. esculentin-1a(1-21)NH2, with a powerful antimicrobial action and immunomodulatory properties. The peptide had a wide spectrum of activity, especially against the opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We described the structural features and the in vitro/in vivo biological characterization of this peptide as well as the strategies used to improve its biological properties. Among them: (i) the design of a diastereomer carrying Damino acids in order to reduce the peptide's cytotoxicity and improve its half-life; (ii) the covalent conjugation of the peptide to gold nanoparticles or its encapsulation into poly(lactide- co-glycolide) nanoparticles; and (iii) the peptide immobilization to biomedical devices (such as silicon hydrogel contact lenses) to obtain an antibacterial surface able to reduce microbial growth and attachment. Summing up the best results obtained so far, this review traces all the steps that led these frog-skin AMPs to the direction of peptide-based drugs for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nano Science@ Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@ Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Casciaro B, Ghirga F, Quaglio D, Mangoni ML. Inorganic Gold and Polymeric Poly(Lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticles as Novel Strategies to Ameliorate the Biological Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:429-438. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203720666191203101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an interesting class of gene-encoded molecules
endowed with a broad-spectrum of anti-infective activity and immunomodulatory properties. They
represent promising candidates for the development of new antibiotics, mainly due to their membraneperturbing
mechanism of action that very rarely induces microbial resistance. However, bringing
AMPs into the clinical field is hampered by some intrinsic limitations, encompassing low peptide
bioavailability at the target site and high peptide susceptibility to proteolytic degradation. In this regard,
nanotechnologies represent an innovative strategy to circumvent these issues. According to the
literature, a large variety of nanoparticulate systems have been employed for drug-delivery, bioimaging,
biosensors or nanoantibiotics. The possibility of conjugating different types of molecules, including
AMPs, to these systems, allows the production of nanoformulations able to enhance the biological
profile of the compound while reducing its cytotoxicity and prolonging its residence time. In this minireview,
inorganic gold nanoparticles (NPs) and biodegradable polymeric NPs made of poly(lactide-coglycolide)
are described with particular emphasis on examples of the conjugation of AMPs to them, to
highlight the great potential of such nanoformulations as alternative antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Casciaro
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Department of Chemistry and Technology of Drugs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Yaghoubzadeh Z, Kaboosi H, Peyravii Ghadikolaii F, Safari R, Fattahi E. The Half Maximal Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) Effect of Protein Hydrolysates from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Skin on Enterotoxin A Gene Expression in Staphylococcus aureus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Afonin S, Babii O, Reuter A, Middel V, Takamiya M, Strähle U, Komarov IV, Ulrich AS. Light-controllable dithienylethene-modified cyclic peptides: photoswitching the in vivo toxicity in zebrafish embryos. Beilstein J Org Chem 2020; 16:39-49. [PMID: 31976015 PMCID: PMC6964649 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.16.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study evaluates the embryotoxicity of dithienylethene-modified peptides upon photoswitching, using 19 analogues based on the β-hairpin scaffold of the natural membranolytic peptide gramicidin S. We established an in vivo assay in two variations (with ex vivo and in situ photoisomerization), using larvae of the model organism Danio rerio, and determined the toxicities of the peptides in terms of 50% lethal doses (LD50). This study allowed us to: (i) demonstrate the feasibility of evaluating peptide toxicity with D. rerio larvae at 3–4 days post fertilization, (ii) determine the phototherapeutic safety windows for all peptides, (iii) demonstrate photoswitching of the whole-body toxicity for the dithienylethene-modified peptides in vivo, (iv) re-analyze previous structure–toxicity relationship data, and (v) select promising candidates for potential clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergii Afonin
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Oleg Babii
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Aline Reuter
- Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC), KIT, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Volker Middel
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), KIT, POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Masanari Takamiya
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), KIT, POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Uwe Strähle
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), KIT, POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Igor V Komarov
- Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, vul. Volodymyrska 60, 1601 Kyiv, Ukraine.,Lumobiotics GmbH, Auerstr. 2, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anne S Ulrich
- Institute of Biological Interfaces (IBG-2), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), POB 3640, 76021 Karlsruhe, Germany.,Institute of Organic Chemistry (IOC), KIT, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Lin Q, Di YP. Determination and Quantification of Bacterial Virulent Gene Expression Using Quantitative Real-Time PCR. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2102:177-193. [PMID: 31989555 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0223-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) plays significant roles in modern molecular biology. However, it is relatively cumbersome and less accurate to use the traditional PCR method in quantifying gene expression because it requires first generating a standard curve with multiple input controls showing linearity with amplified control PCR products on a electrophoresis gel to compare with the abundance of the to-be-determined gene transcript PCR amplicons. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a time-efficient and reliable tool for accurate quantification and comparison of gene (RNA transcript) expression from various biological samples. Current technology has simplified and expedited the qPCR process significantly. However, proper techniques and standard protocols are required in eliminating potentially erroneous experimental outcome. Here, we provide an example from a drug-treated bacterial gene expression study with detailed protocols to demonstrate real-time qPCR with SYBR™ Green and TaqMan®, two of the most adapted and well-established qPCR technologies. Relative quantification of gene (RNA transcript) expression using qRT-PCR is demonstrated in detail from sample preparations to data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Y Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Khan F, Pham DTN, Oloketuyi SF, Kim YM. Regulation and controlling the motility properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 104:33-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-10201-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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