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Mhlongo JT, Waddad AY, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. Antimicrobial Peptide Synergies for Fighting Infectious Diseases. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300472. [PMID: 37407512 PMCID: PMC10502873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising candidates for combating multidrug resistance. Thecombined use of AMPs with other antimicrobial agents provides a new arsenal ofdrugs with synergistic action, thereby overcoming the drawback of monotherapiesduring infections. AMPs kill microbes via pore formation, thus inhibitingintracellular functions. This mechanism of action by AMPs is an advantage overantibiotics as it hinders the development of drug resistance. The synergisticeffect of AMPs will allow the repurposing of conventional antimicrobials andenhance their clinical outcomes, reduce toxicity, and, most significantly,prevent the development of resistance. In this review, various synergies ofAMPs with antimicrobials and miscellaneous agents are discussed. The effect ofstructural diversity and chemical modification on AMP properties is firstaddressed and then different combinations that can lead to synergistic action,whether this combination is between AMPs and antimicrobials, or AMPs andmiscellaneous compounds, are attended. This review can serve as guidance whenredesigning and repurposing the use of AMPs in combination with other antimicrobialagents for enhanced clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica T. Mhlongo
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Ayman Y. Waddad
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Peptide Science LaboratorySchool of Chemistry and PhysicsUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalWestvilleDurban4000South Africa
- CIBER‐BBNNetworking Centre on BioengineeringBiomaterials and Nanomedicineand Department of Organic ChemistryUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelona08028Spain
| | - Beatriz G. de la Torre
- KwaZulu‐Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical SciencesCollege of Health SciencesUniversity of KwaZulu‐NatalDurban4041South Africa
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S100 Proteins as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Psoriasis and Other Autoimmune Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196640. [PMID: 36235175 PMCID: PMC9572071 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases affecting about 1-3% of the population. One of the characteristic abnormalities in psoriasis is the excessive production of antimicrobial peptides and proteins, which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins can be expressed differently in normal and diseased skin, reflecting their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, due to their very important functions in innate immunity, members of host defense peptides and proteins are currently considered to be promising new therapeutic targets for many inflammatory diseases. Koebnerisin (S100A15) belongs to an S100 family of antimicrobial proteins, which constitute the multigenetic group of calcium-binding proteins involved in ion-dependent cellular functions and regulation of immune mechanisms. S100A15 was first discovered to be overexpressed in 'koebnerized' psoriatic skin, indicating its involvement in the disease phenotype and the same promising potential as a new therapeutic target. This review describes the involvement of antimicrobial peptides and proteins in inflammatory diseases' development and therapy. The discussion focuses on S100 proteins, especially koebnerisin, which may be involved in the underlying mechanism of the Köebner phenomenon in psoriasis, as well as other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases described in the last decade.
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Synthetic Low-Molecular-Mass Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Staphylococcus Aureus Adhesion in Experiment. Pharm Chem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11094-022-02570-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Lin X, He J, Li W, Qi Y, Hu H, Zhang D, Xu F, Chen X, Zhou M. Lung-Targeting Lysostaphin Microspheres for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia Treatment and Prevention. ACS NANO 2021; 15:16625-16641. [PMID: 34582183 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional antimicrobial strategies are urgently needed to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) caused pneumonia due to its increasing resistance, enhanced virulence, and high pathogenicity. Here, we report that lysostaphin, a bacteriolytic enzyme, encapsulated within poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres (LyIR@MS) specially treats planktonic MRSA bacteria, mature biofilms, and related pneumonia. Optimized LyIR@MS with suitable diameters could deliver a sufficient amount of lysostaphin to the lung without a decrease in survival rate after intravenous injection. Furthermore, the degradable properties of the carrier make it safe for targeted release of lysostaphin to eliminate MRSA, repressing the expression of virulence genes and improving the sensitivity of biofilms to host neutrophils. In the MRSA pneumonia mouse model, treatment or prophylaxis with LyIR@MS significantly improved survival rate and relieved inflammatory injury without introducing adverse events. These findings suggest the clinical translational potential of LyIR@MS for the treatment of MRSA-infected lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhui Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Jian He
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wanlin Li
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yuchen Qi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Huiqun Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Dongxiao Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- State Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Instrumentations, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
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Park JS, Chung B, Lee WH, Lee J, Suh Y, Oh DC, Oh KB, Shin J. Sortase A-Inhibitory Coumarins from the Folk Medicinal Plant Poncirus trifoliata. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:3004-3011. [PMID: 32996318 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Thirteen coumarins (1-13), including five new compounds (1-5), were isolated from the folk medicinal plant Poncirus trifoliata. Combined spectroscopic analyses revealed that coumarins 1-4 are bis-isoprenylated coumarins with diverse oxidation patterns, while 5 is an enantiomeric di-isoprenylated coumarin. The absolute configurations of the stereogenic centers in the isoprenyl chains were assigned through MTPA and MPA methods, and those of the known compounds triphasiol (6) and ponciol (7) were also assigned using similar methods. These coumarins inhibited significantly Staphylococcus aureus-derived sortase A (SrtA), a transpeptidase responsible for anchoring surface proteins to the peptidoglycan cell wall in Gram-positive bacteria. The present results obtained indicated that the bioactivity and underlying mechanism of action of these coumarins are associated with the inhibition of SrtA-mediated S. aureus adhesion to eukaryotic cell matrix proteins including fibrinogen and fibronectin, thus potentially serving as SrtA inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Sung Park
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Beomkoo Chung
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Hee Lee
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jayho Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbae Suh
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chan Oh
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Bong Oh
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongheon Shin
- Natural Products Research Institute, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, San 56-1, Sillim, Gwanak, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea
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Toor HG, Banerjee DI, Chauhan JB. In Silico Evaluation of Human Cathelicidin LL-37 as a Novel Therapeutic Inhibitor of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Toxin of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Microb Drug Resist 2020; 27:602-615. [PMID: 33983855 DOI: 10.1089/mdr.2020.0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence of drug resistance in clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is attributed to its diverse repertoire of virulence factors. Of these virulence determinants, Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL) has been experimentally validated as a prospective drug target due to its conspicuous and comprehensive role in nosocomial infections. This study encompassed an in silico approach to elucidate the antimicrobial potentiality of human cathelicidin LL-37 against PVL toxin of MRSA. Molecular docking studies of LL-37 and its segments with the PVL toxin subunits LukS and LukF were carried out using PatchDock server and the results were refined using FireDock server. The paramount ligand-receptor combination was selected and analyzed based on diverse parametric attributes and compared with the commercial inhibitors of PVL viz. Andrimid, Beclobrate, Beta-sitosterol, Diathymosulfone, and Probucol to determine the most potent inhibitor among them. Our results elucidated that the interaction of LL-37 with the LukS subunit of PVL toxin (minimum global energy of -61.82 kcal/mol) depicted 34 molecular interactions, while the commercial PVL inhibitors depicted fewer and insubstantial interactions. SWISS-ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) and ToxinPred analysis of LL-37 further corroborated its null potency of toxicity in systemic milieu. The results obtained may credit this study as basis for the development of LL-37 as a potential inhibitor against virulent MRSA toxins, thereby exalting the treatment regimes for nosocomial infections in health care facilities worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu G Toor
- P.G. Department of Genetics, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences (ARIBAS), Sardar Patel University, Anand, India
| | - Devjani I Banerjee
- Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, India
| | - Jenabhai B Chauhan
- P.G. Department of Genetics, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Integrated Study and Research in Biotechnology and Allied Sciences (ARIBAS), Sardar Patel University, Anand, India
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Jaudzems K, Kurbatska V, Je̅kabsons A, Bobrovs R, Rudevica Z, Leonchiks A. Targeting Bacterial Sortase A with Covalent Inhibitors: 27 New Starting Points for Structure-Based Hit-to-Lead Optimization. ACS Infect Dis 2020; 6:186-194. [PMID: 31724850 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Because of its essential role as a bacterial virulence factor, enzyme sortase A (SrtA) has become an attractive target for the development of new antivirulence drugs against Gram-positive infections. Here we describe 27 compounds identified as covalent inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus SrtA by screening a library of approximately 50 000 compounds using a FRET assay followed by NMR-based validation and binding reversibility analysis. Nineteen of these compounds displayed only moderate to weak cytotoxicity, with CC50 against NIH 3T3 mice fibroblast cells ranging from 12 to 740 μM. Analysis using covalent docking suggests that the inhibitors initially associate via hydrophobic interactions, followed by covalent bond formation between the SrtA active site cysteine and an electrophilic center of the inhibitor. The compounds represent good starting points that have the potential to be developed into broad spectrum antivirulence agents as exemplified by hit-to-lead optimization of one of the compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristaps Jaudzems
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Viktorija Kurbatska
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Atis Je̅kabsons
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Raitis Bobrovs
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Zhanna Rudevica
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Ainars Leonchiks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
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Wang J, Qu Q, Liu X, Cui W, Yu F, Chen X, Xing X, Zhou Y, Yang Y, Bello-Onaghise G, Chen X, Li X, Li Y. 1-Hydroxyanthraquinone exhibited antibacterial activity by regulating glutamine synthetase of Staphylococcus xylosus as a virulence factor. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 123:109779. [PMID: 31918211 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus xylosus (S. xylosus) is one of the emerging pathogens causing bovine mastitis with high rate of isolation in most of the reported clinical and field cases. To verify the role of glutamine synthetase (GS) in the pathogenesis of S. xylosus, we evaluated the virulence level of the wild-type strain and its glnA mutant strain in biofilm assays in vitro and murine infection model in vivo. From the results, it was observed that the glnA mutant strain was attenuated and could reduce tissue damage. 1-Hydroxyanthraquinone (1-HAQ) is a kind of anthraquinones, it exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of S. xylosus and biofilm formation in vitro and provided anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. In addition, the rate at which it inhibits the biofilm, inflammatory factors, and CFU of wild-type strains were significantly higher than that of the mutant strains, indicating that 1-hAQ might have pharmacological effects against S. xylosus through the regulation of GS protein. The effect of 1-hAQ on GS was further confirmed by the down-regulation of glnA expression, reduced GS activity, Gln content and the results of molecular docking. Taken together, these findings suggest that 1-hAQ facilitated a significant attenuation of S. xylosus pathogenicity by regulating the GS protein: a vital virulence factor. Therefore, it can be inferred that 1-hAQ may serve as a potential source of organic compound for the development of novel alternative drugs in mitigating the menace of bovine mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Qianwei Qu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Xin Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Basic Medical School, Gui Zhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gui Zhou 550000, China
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Fei Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Xingru Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Xiaoxu Xing
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yonghui Zhou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yanbei Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - God'spower Bello-Onaghise
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Xueying Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Xiubo Li
- Feed Research Institute Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150030, China.
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Subramanian D, Bhasuran B, Natarajan J. Genomic analysis of RNA-Seq and sRNA-Seq data identifies potential regulatory sRNAs and their functional roles in Staphylococcus aureus. Genomics 2019; 111:1431-1446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2018.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Ciandrini E, Morroni G, Cirioni O, Kamysz W, Kamysz E, Brescini L, Baffone W, Campana R. Synergistic combinations of antimicrobial peptides against biofilms of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on polystyrene and medical devices. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2019; 21:203-210. [PMID: 31678322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antimicrobial research is being focused to look for more effective therapeutics against antibiotic-resistant infections such as those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this regard, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear to be a promising solution. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential activity of temporin A, citropin 1.1, CA(1-7)M(2-9)NH2 and Pal-KGK-NH2 in synergistic activity against MRSA biofilms developed on polystyrene surface (PSS) and central venous catheter (CVC). METHODS The study was subdivided into distinct phases to assess the ability of AMPs to inhibit biofilm formation, to identify possible synergy between AMPs, and to eradicate preformed biofilms on PSS and CVC using AMPs alone or in combination. RESULTS Activity of the AMPs was particularly evident in the inhibition of biofilm formation on PSS and CVC, whilst the eradication of preformed biofilms was more difficult and was reached only after 24h of contact. The synergistic activity of AMP combinations, selected by their fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), led to an improvement in the performance of all of the molecules in the removal of different biofilms. CONCLUSION Overall, AMPs could represent the next generation of antimicrobial agents for a prophylactic or therapeutic tool to control biofilms of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and/or biofilm-associated infections on different medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Ciandrini
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Division of Toxicological, Hygiene and Environmental Science, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Gianluca Morroni
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Oscar Cirioni
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Wojciech Kamysz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Lucia Brescini
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Wally Baffone
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Division of Toxicological, Hygiene and Environmental Science, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Raffaella Campana
- Department of Biomolecular Science, Division of Toxicological, Hygiene and Environmental Science, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Via S. Chiara 27, 61029 Urbino, Italy.
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Ghilini F, Pissinis DE, Miñán A, Schilardi PL, Diaz C. How Functionalized Surfaces Can Inhibit Bacterial Adhesion and Viability. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 5:4920-4936. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiorela Ghilini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP − CONICET, CC16 Suc 4 (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego E. Pissinis
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP − CONICET, CC16 Suc 4 (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Miñán
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP − CONICET, CC16 Suc 4 (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricia L. Schilardi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP − CONICET, CC16 Suc 4 (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina Diaz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP − CONICET, CC16 Suc 4 (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Structural studies of Staphylococcus aureus Sortase inhibiton via Conus venom peptides. Arch Biochem Biophys 2019; 671:87-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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13
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Liu Y, Bai P, Woischnig AK, Charpin-El Hamri G, Ye H, Folcher M, Xie M, Khanna N, Fussenegger M. Immunomimetic Designer Cells Protect Mice from MRSA Infection. Cell 2018; 174:259-270.e11. [PMID: 29937224 PMCID: PMC6057273 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many community- and hospital-acquired bacterial infections are caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) predisposes humans to invasive infections that are difficult to eradicate. We designed a closed-loop gene network programming mammalian cells to autonomously detect and eliminate bacterial infections. The genetic circuit contains human Toll-like receptors as the bacterial sensor and a synthetic promoter driving reversible and adjustable expression of lysostaphin, a bacteriolytic enzyme highly lethal to S. aureus. Immunomimetic designer cells harboring this genetic circuit exhibited fast and robust sense-and-destroy kinetics against live staphylococci. When tested in a foreign-body infection model in mice, microencapsulated cell implants prevented planktonic MRSA infection and reduced MRSA biofilm formation by 91%. Notably, this system achieved a 100% cure rate of acute MRSA infections, whereas conventional vancomycin treatment failed. These results suggest that immunomimetic designer cells could offer a therapeutic approach for early detection, prevention, and cure of pathogenic infections in the post-antibiotic era. Video Abstract
A closed-loop gene network with bacterial sense-and-destroy actuation Direct diagnosis of implant-associated infections through blood biomarkers Early prevention of MRSA infection, as well as biofilm formation, in vivo Curing acute MRSA infections as an alternative to antibiotic therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peng Bai
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Kathrin Woischnig
- Laboratory of Infection Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Haifeng Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Dongchuan Road 500, 200241 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Marc Folcher
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mingqi Xie
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nina Khanna
- Laboratory of Infection Biology, Department of Biomedicine, University and University Hospital Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital of Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
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14
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Hibbitts A, O'Leary C. Emerging Nanomedicine Therapies to Counter the Rise of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E321. [PMID: 29473883 PMCID: PMC5849018 DOI: 10.3390/ma11020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In a recent report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) classified antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats to global health, food security, and development. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains at the core of this threat, with persistent and resilient strains detectable in up to 90% of S. aureus infections. Unfortunately, there is a lack of novel antibiotics reaching the clinic to address the significant morbidity and mortality that MRSA is responsible for. Recently, nanomedicine strategies have emerged as a promising therapy to combat the rise of MRSA. However, these approaches have been wide-ranging in design, with few attempts to compare studies across scientific and clinical disciplines. This review seeks to reconcile this discrepancy in the literature, with specific focus on the mechanisms of MRSA infection and how they can be exploited by bioactive molecules that are delivered by nanomedicines, in addition to utilisation of the nanomaterials themselves as antibacterial agents. Finally, we discuss targeting MRSA biofilms using nano-patterning technologies and comment on future opportunities and challenges for MRSA treatment using nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Hibbitts
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Trinity Centre of Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Cian O'Leary
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Trinity Centre of Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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15
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The Road from Host-Defense Peptides to a New Generation of Antimicrobial Drugs. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020311. [PMID: 29389911 PMCID: PMC6017364 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Host-defense peptides, also called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), whose protective action has been used by animals for millions of years, fulfill many requirements of the pharmaceutical industry, such as: (1) broad spectrum of activity; (2) unlike classic antibiotics, they induce very little resistance; (3) they act synergically with conventional antibiotics; (4) they neutralize endotoxins and are active in animal models. However, it is considered that many natural peptides are not suitable for drug development due to stability and biodisponibility problems, or high production costs. This review describes the efforts to overcome these problems and develop new antimicrobial drugs from these peptides or inspired by them. The discovery process of natural AMPs is discussed, as well as the development of synthetic analogs with improved pharmacological properties. The production of these compounds at acceptable costs, using different chemical and biotechnological methods, is also commented. Once these challenges are overcome, a new generation of versatile, potent and long-lasting antimicrobial drugs is expected.
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16
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Zapotoczna M, Forde É, Hogan S, Humphreys H, O'Gara JP, Fitzgerald-Hughes D, Devocelle M, O'Neill E. Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Infections Using Synthetic Antimicrobial Peptides. J Infect Dis 2017; 215:975-983. [PMID: 28453851 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we demonstrate that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an effective antibiofilm treatment when applied as catheter lock solutions (CLSs) against S. aureus biofilm infections. The activity of synthetic AMPs (Bac8c, HB43, P18, Omiganan, WMR, Ranalexin, and Polyphemusin) was measured against early and mature biofilms produced by methicillin-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus isolates from patients with device-related infections grown under in vivo-relevant biofilm conditions. The cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of the AMPs against human cells and their immunomodulatory potential in human blood were also characterized. The D-Bac8c2,5Leu variant emerged as the most effective AMP during in vitro studies and was also highly effective in eradicating S. aureus biofilm infection when used in a CLS rat central venous catheter infection model. These data support the potential use of D-Bac8c2,5Leu, alone or in combination with other AMPs, in the treatment of S. aureus intravenous catheter infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zapotoczna
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Ireland
| | - Éanna Forde
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Ireland.,Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
| | - Siobhan Hogan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Ireland
| | - Hilary Humphreys
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Ireland.,Department of Microbiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin, Ireland
| | - James P O'Gara
- Department of Microbiology, Connolly Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Marc Devocelle
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland
| | - Eoghan O'Neill
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Education and Research Centre at Beaumont Hospital, Ireland.,Department of Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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17
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Niyonsaba F, Kiatsurayanon C, Chieosilapatham P, Ogawa H. Friends or Foes? Host defense (antimicrobial) peptides and proteins in human skin diseases. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:989-998. [PMID: 28191680 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Host defense peptides/proteins (HDPs), also known as antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs), are key molecules in the cutaneous innate immune system. AMPs/HDPs historically exhibit broad-spectrum killing activity against bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and several parasites. Recently, AMPs/HDPs were shown to have important biological functions, including inducing cell proliferation, migration and differentiation; regulating inflammatory responses; controlling the production of various cytokines/chemokines; promoting wound healing; and improving skin barrier function. Despite the fact that AMPs/HDPs protect our body, several studies have hypothesized that these molecules actively contribute to the pathogenesis of various skin diseases. For example, AMPs/HDPs play crucial roles in the pathological processes of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, acne vulgaris, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Thus, AMPs/HDPs may be a double-edged sword, promoting cutaneous immunity while simultaneously initiating the pathogenesis of some skin disorders. This review will describe the most common skin-derived AMPs/HDPs (defensins, cathelicidins, S100 proteins, ribonucleases and dermcidin) and discuss the biology and both the positive and negative aspects of these AMPs/HDPs in skin inflammatory/infectious diseases. Understanding the regulation, functions and mechanisms of AMPs/HDPs may offer new therapeutic opportunities in the treatment of various skin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Niyonsaba
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chanisa Kiatsurayanon
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Medical Services, Institute of Dermatology, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panjit Chieosilapatham
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideoki Ogawa
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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18
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Thänert R, Goldmann O, Beineke A, Medina E. Host-inherent variability influences the transcriptional response of Staphylococcus aureus during in vivo infection. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14268. [PMID: 28155859 PMCID: PMC5296661 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise of antibiotic resistance calls for alternative strategies to treat bacterial infections. One attractive strategy is to directly target bacterial virulence factors with anti-virulence drugs. The expression of virulence traits by pathogens is, however, not constitutive but rather induced by the level of stress encountered within the host. Here we use dual RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to show that intrinsic variability in the level of host resistance greatly affects the pathogen's transcriptome in vivo. Through analysis of the transcriptional profiles of host and pathogen during Staphylococcus aureus infection of two mouse strains, shown to be susceptible (A/J) or resistant (C57BL/6) to the pathogen, we demonstrate that the expression of virulence factors is dependent on the encountered host resistance. We furthermore provide evidence that this dependence strongly influences the efficacy of anti-virulence strategies, highlighting a potential limitation for the implementation of these strategies. Drugs inhibiting virulence factors of bacterial pathogens are under development. Here, Thänert et al. analyse the transcriptomes of host and pathogen during Staphylococcus aureus infection of two mouse strains, and show that virulence determinants are differentially expressed in different mouse strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Thänert
- Infection Immunology Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Oliver Goldmann
- Infection Immunology Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andreas Beineke
- Institute for Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Eva Medina
- Infection Immunology Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstrasse 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
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19
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Kattke MD, Chan AH, Duong A, Sexton DL, Sawaya MR, Cascio D, Elliot MA, Clubb RT. Crystal Structure of the Streptomyces coelicolor Sortase E1 Transpeptidase Provides Insight into the Binding Mode of the Novel Class E Sorting Signal. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167763. [PMID: 27936128 PMCID: PMC5148588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Many species of Gram-positive bacteria use sortase transpeptidases to covalently affix proteins to their cell wall or to assemble pili. Sortase-displayed proteins perform critical and diverse functions for cell survival, including cell adhesion, nutrient acquisition, and morphological development, among others. Based on their amino acid sequences, there are at least six types of sortases (class A to F enzymes); however, class E enzymes have not been extensively studied. Class E sortases are used by soil and freshwater-dwelling Actinobacteria to display proteins that contain a non-canonical LAXTG sorting signal, which differs from 90% of known sorting signals by substitution of alanine for proline. Here we report the first crystal structure of a class E sortase, the 1.93 Å resolution structure of the SrtE1 enzyme from Streptomyces coelicolor. The active site is bound to a tripeptide, providing insight into the mechanism of substrate binding. SrtE1 possesses β3/β4 and β6/β7 active site loops that contact the LAXTG substrate and are structurally distinct from other classes. We propose that SrtE1 and other class E sortases employ a conserved tyrosine residue within their β3/β4 loop to recognize the amide nitrogen of alanine at position P3 of the sorting signal through a hydrogen bond, as seen here. Incapability of hydrogen-bonding with canonical proline-containing sorting signals likely contributes to class E substrate specificity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that surface anchoring of proteins involved in aerial hyphae formation requires an N-terminal segment in SrtE1 that is presumably positioned within the cytoplasm. Combined, our results reveal unique features within class E enzymes that enable them to recognize distinct sorting signals, and could facilitate the development of substrate-based inhibitors of this important enzyme family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele D. Kattke
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Albert H. Chan
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Andrew Duong
- Department of Biology and Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle L. Sexton
- Department of Biology and Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael R. Sawaya
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Duilio Cascio
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Marie A. Elliot
- Department of Biology and Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert T. Clubb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- UCLA-DOE Institute of Genomics and Proteomics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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20
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Niyonsaba F, Kiatsurayanon C, Ogawa H. The role of human β-defensins in allergic diseases. Clin Exp Allergy 2016; 46:1522-1530. [PMID: 27790779 DOI: 10.1111/cea.12843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also referred to as host defence peptides (HDPs), comprise a large family of small molecules broadly distributed throughout the animal and plant kingdom, historically serving as natural antibiotics. In mammals, there are two major families of AMPs/HDPs, the defensins and the cathelicidins. These peptides have evolved to protect against a wide range of infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi and some parasites. However, in addition to their broad-spectrum killing activities, AMPs/HDPs also possess various biological functions. They activate a variety of cell types, such as keratinocytes, airway epithelial cells and mast cells, among others, and regulate cytokine/chemokine production, cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, the wound healing process and maintenance of the skin barrier function. Recently, it has become clear that alterations in the level of AMPs/HDPs are associated with the initiation and development of various inflammatory and allergic diseases. In this review, we will discuss the regulation and functions of human β-defensins and outline the current evidence supporting the role of these peptides in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Understanding the functions and mechanisms of human β-defensins may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Niyonsaba
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - C Kiatsurayanon
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Dermatology, Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - H Ogawa
- Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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21
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Acacetin Protects Mice from Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infection by Inhibiting the Activity of Sortase A. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21101285. [PMID: 27681715 PMCID: PMC6272931 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21101285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a major cause of infection in hospitals and communities. Widespread dissemination of multi-drug resistant S. aureus is a serious threat to the health of humans and animals. An anti-virulence strategy has been widely considered as an alternative therapeutic approach. Inhibitors of virulence factors are able to treat S. aureus infections without influencing the growth or viability of bacteria and rarely lead to bacterial resistance. Sortase A (SrtA) is a membrane-associated cysteine transpeptidase that catalyzes up to 25 surface proteins that covalently bind to cell wall peptidoglycans. In S. aureus, most of these surface proteins have been identified as important virulence factors that are vital in bacterial pathogenesis. In the present study, we show that acacetin, a natural flavonoid compound, inhibits the activity of SrtA in S. aureus (IC50 = 36.46 ± 4.69 μg/mL, 128 μM) which affects the assembly of protein A (SpA) to cell walls and reduces the binding of S. aureus to fibrinogen (Fg). The mechanism of the interaction between acacetin and SrtA were preliminarily discussed using molecular dynamics simulations. The results suggested that acacetin adopted a compact conformation binding at the pocket of the SrtA via residues Arg-139 and Lys-140. By performing an animal infection model, we demonstrated that acacetin was able to protect mice from renal abscess formation induced by S. aureus and significantly increased survival rates. Taken together, these findings suggest that acacetin may be a promising candidate for the development of anti-S. aureus drugs.
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22
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Si L, Li P, Liu X, Luo L. Chinese herb medicine against Sortase A catalyzed transformations, a key role in gram-positive bacterial infection progress. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2016; 31:184-196. [PMID: 27162091 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2016.1178639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many Gram-positive bacteria can anchor their surface proteins to the cell wall peptidoglycan covalently by a common mechanism with Sortase A (SrtA), thus escaping from the host's identification of immune cells. SrtA can complete this anchoring process by cleaving LPXTG motif conserved among these surface proteins and thus these proteins anchor on the cell wall. Moreover, those SrtA mutants lose this capability to anchor these relative proteins, with these bacteria no longer infectious. Therefore, SrtA inhibitors can be promising anti-infective agents to cure bacterial infections. Chinese herb medicines (CHMs) (chosen from Science Citation Index) have exhibited inhibition on SrtA of Gram-positive pathogens irreversibly or reversibly. In general, CHMs are likely to have important long-term impact as new antibacterial compounds and sought after by academia and the pharmaceutical industry. This review mainly focuses on SrtA inhibitors from CHMs and the potential inhibiting mechanism related to chemical structures of compounds in CHMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Si
- a School of Bioscience & Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou University Town , Panyu , Guangzhou , China
| | - Pan Li
- a School of Bioscience & Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou University Town , Panyu , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xiong Liu
- a School of Bioscience & Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou University Town , Panyu , Guangzhou , China
| | - Lixin Luo
- a School of Bioscience & Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou University Town , Panyu , Guangzhou , China
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23
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Lopez BC, de Lourenço C, Alves D, Machado D, Lancellotti M, Sawaya A. Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of red propolis: an alert for its safe use. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:677-87. [DOI: 10.1111/jam.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B.G.-C. Lopez
- Bioscience and Technology of Bioactive Products Postgraduate Program; Pharmacy Course; Department of Plant Biology; Institute of Biology; State University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - C.C. de Lourenço
- Plant Biology Postgraduate Program; Department of Plant Biology; Institute of Biology - State University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - D.A. Alves
- Bioscience and Technology of Bioactive Products Postgraduate Program; Pharmacy Course; Department of Plant Biology; Institute of Biology; State University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas São Paulo Brazil
- LABIOTEC - Biotechnology Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - D. Machado
- LABIOTEC - Biotechnology Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - M. Lancellotti
- Bioscience and Technology of Bioactive Products Postgraduate Program; Pharmacy Course; Department of Plant Biology; Institute of Biology; State University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas São Paulo Brazil
- LABIOTEC - Biotechnology Laboratory; Department of Biochemistry; Institute of Biology; University of Campinas - UNICAMP; Campinas São Paulo Brazil
| | - A.C.H.F. Sawaya
- Bioscience and Technology of Bioactive Products Postgraduate Program; Pharmacy Course; Department of Plant Biology; Institute of Biology; State University of Campinas (UNICAMP); Campinas São Paulo Brazil
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24
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Monteiro C, Pinheiro M, Fernandes M, Maia S, Seabra CL, Ferreira-da-Silva F, Reis S, Gomes P, Martins MCL. A 17-mer Membrane-Active MSI-78 Derivative with Improved Selectivity toward Bacterial Cells. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:2904-11. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Monteiro
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação
e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marina Pinheiro
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Fernandes
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação
e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Maia
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica,
Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo
Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina L. Seabra
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação
e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências
Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge
Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Frederico Ferreira-da-Silva
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação
e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Celular e Molecular, Unidade
de Produção e Purificação de Proteínas, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Salette Reis
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica,
Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo
Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - M. Cristina L. Martins
- I3S, Instituto de Investigação
e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- INEB, Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 823, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências
Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge
Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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25
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Wang L, Bi C, Wang T, Xiang H, Chen F, Hu J, Liu B, Cai H, Zhong X, Deng X, Wang D. A coagulase-negative and non-haemolytic strain of Staphylococcus aureus for investigating the roles of SrtA in a murine model of bloodstream infection. Pathog Dis 2015; 73:ftv042. [PMID: 26054573 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftv042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sortase A (SrtA) is a cysteine transpeptidase and virulence factor from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) that catalyses the attachment and display of surface proteins on the cell wall, thereby mediating bacterial adhesion to host tissues, host-cell entry and evasion of the immune response. As a result, SrtA has become an important target in the development of therapies for S. aureus infections. In this study, we used the new reference strain S. aureus Newman D2C to investigate the role of SrtA in a murine model of bloodstream infection, when the impact of coagulase and haemolysin is excluded. The results suggested that deletion of SrtA reduced the bacterial burden on the heart, liver and kidneys by blunting the host proinflammatory cytokine response at an early point in infection. Kidneys, but not heart or liver, formed abscesses on the sixth day following non-lethal infection, and this effect was diminished by SrtA mutation. These findings indicate that SrtA is a determining virulence factor in lethality and formation of renal abscesses in mice followed by S. aureus bloodstream infection. We have thus established a convenient in vitro and mouse model for developing SrtA-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Chongwei Bi
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Tiedong Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Hua Xiang
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Fuguang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Jinping Hu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Bingrun Liu
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Hongjun Cai
- The College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Xiaobo Zhong
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Xuming Deng
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education/Institute of Zoonosis/College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
| | - Dacheng Wang
- College of Animal Science, Jilin University, Changchun 130062, China
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26
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Monteiro C, Fernandes M, Pinheiro M, Maia S, Seabra CL, Ferreira-da-Silva F, Costa F, Reis S, Gomes P, Martins MCL. Antimicrobial properties of membrane-active dodecapeptides derived from MSI-78. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:1139-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Forde E, Devocelle M. Pro-moieties of antimicrobial peptide prodrugs. Molecules 2015; 20:1210-27. [PMID: 25591121 PMCID: PMC6272668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20011210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of antimicrobial agents that have been garnering increasing attention as resistance renders many conventional antibiotics ineffective. Extensive research has resulted in a large library of highly-active AMPs. However, several issues serve as an impediment to their clinical development, not least the issue of host toxicity. An approach that may allow otherwise cytotoxic AMPs to be used is to deliver them as a prodrug, targeting antimicrobial activity and limiting toxic effects on the host. The varied library of AMPs is complemented by a selection of different possible pro-moieties, each with their own characteristics. This review deals with the different pro-moieties that have been used with AMPs and discusses the merits of each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eanna Forde
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| | - Marc Devocelle
- Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Cascioferro S, Totsika M, Schillaci D. Sortase A: An ideal target for anti-virulence drug development. Microb Pathog 2014; 77:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Heffernan DS, Fox ED. Advancing technologies for the diagnosis and management of infections. Surg Clin North Am 2014; 94:1163-74. [PMID: 25440117 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Infections remain a significant problem among surgical patients. Technological advances, especially in the arena of nano-technology, have markedly improved the ability to detect, prevent and treat surgical infections. No longer limited to culture-based methods of pathogen detection or standard antimicrobial therapies, options for management of surgical infections are rapidly expanding. Such advances are critical in this era of rapidly developing resistant and virulent strains of organisms. Further, our understanding of the host pathogen interaction grows exponentially with the development of computer-based modeling, aiding in expediting research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daithi S Heffernan
- Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 435 APC Building, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - Elizabeth D Fox
- Department of Surgery, Alpert Medical School Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 429 APC Building, 593 Eddy Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Cascioferro S, Cusimano MG, Schillaci D. Antiadhesion agents against Gram-positive pathogens. Future Microbiol 2014; 9:1209-20. [DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT A fundamental step of Gram-positive pathogenesis is the bacterial adhesion to the host tissue involving interaction between bacterial surface molecules and host ligands. This review is focused on antivirulence compounds that target Gram-positive adhesins and on their potential development as therapeutic agents alternative or complementary to conventional antibiotics in the contrast of pathogens. In particular, compounds that target the sortase A, wall theicoic acid inhibitors, carbohydrates able to bind bacterial proteins and proteins capable of influencing the bacterial adhesion, were described. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this strategy in the development of novel antimicrobials and the future perspective of this research field still at its first steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Cascioferro
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science & Technology (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cusimano
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science & Technology (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, Italy
| | - Domenico Schillaci
- Department of Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science & Technology (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, Palermo, Italy
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Costa HPS, Oliveira JTA, Sousa DOB, Morais JKS, Moreno FB, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Viegas RA, Vasconcelos IM. JcTI-I: a novel trypsin inhibitor from Jatropha curcas seed cake with potential for bacterial infection treatment. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:5. [PMID: 24523715 PMCID: PMC3906595 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Jatropha curcas seed cake is a low-value by-product resulting from biodiesel production. The seed cake is highly toxic, but it has great potential for biotechnology applications as it is a repository of biomolecules that could be important in agriculture, medicine, and industry. To explore this potential, a novel trypsin inhibitor called JcTI-I was purified by fractionation of the crude extract with trichloroacetic acid (2.5%, v/v) followed by affinity chromatography (Trypsin-Sepharose 4B) and molecular exclusion (Sephacryl S-200). Non-reducing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration showed that JcTI-I has approximately 20.0~kDa. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the intact molecular mass of JcTI-I is 10.252~kDa. Moreover, JcTI-I is a glycoprotein with 6.4% (m/m) carbohydrates, pI of 6.6, N-terminal sequence similarity around 60% to plant albumins and high stability to heat, pH, and salinity. JcTI-I presented antibacterial activity against the human pathogenic bacteria Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration less than 5~μg/mL. Furthermore, JcTI-I did have inhibitory activity against the serine proteases from the tested bacteria. Otherwise, no hemolytic activity of human erythrocytes and signs of acute toxicity to mice were observed for JcTI-I. The results demonstrate the benefits of J. curcas seed cake as a source of trypsin inhibitor with potential for biotechnological application as a new antimicrobial agent against human pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen P. S. Costa
- Laboratory of Plant Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of CearaFortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Laboratory of Plant Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of CearaFortaleza, Brazil
| | - Daniele O. B. Sousa
- Laboratory of Plant Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of CearaFortaleza, Brazil
| | - Janne K. S. Morais
- Laboratory of Plant Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of CearaFortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo A. Viegas
- Department of Forestry Engineering, Federal University of Campina GrandePatos, Brazil
| | - Ilka M. Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Plant Toxins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of CearaFortaleza, Brazil
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Potential of host defense peptide prodrugs as neutrophil elastase-dependent anti-infective agents for cystic fibrosis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2013; 58:978-85. [PMID: 24277028 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01167-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are short antimicrobial peptides of the innate immune system. Deficiencies in HDPs contribute to enhanced susceptibility to infections, e.g., in cystic fibrosis (CF). Exogenous HDPs can compensate for these deficiencies, but their development as antimicrobials is limited by cytotoxicity. Three HDP prodrugs were designed so their net positive charge is masked by a promoiety containing a substrate for the enzyme neutrophil elastase (NE). This approach can confine activation to sites with high NE levels. Enzyme-labile peptides were synthesized, and their activation was investigated using purified NE. Susceptibilities of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to parent and prodrug peptides in the presence and absence of NE-rich CF human bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and different NaCl concentrations were compared. The effect of the HDP promoiety on cytotoxicity was determined with cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial (CFBE41o-) cells. NE in CF BAL fluids activated the HDP prodrugs, restoring bactericidal activity against reference and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. However, activation also required the addition of 300 mM NaCl. Under these conditions, the bactericidal activity levels of the HDP prodrugs differed, with pro-P18 demonstrating the greatest activity (90% to 100% of that of the parent, P18, at 6.25 μg/ml). Cytotoxic effects on CFBE41o- cells were reduced by the addition of the promoiety to HDPs. We demonstrate here for the first time the selective activation of novel HDP prodrugs by a host disease-associated enzyme at in vivo concentrations of the CF lung. This approach may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents with low toxicity that are active under the challenging conditions of the CF lung.
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Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and the Eye: Current Concepts and Management Strategies. CURRENT OPHTHALMOLOGY REPORTS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s40135-013-0030-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Castelhano Santos N, Pereira MO, Lourenço A. Pathogenicity phenomena in three model systems: from network mining to emerging system-level properties. Brief Bioinform 2013; 16:169-82. [PMID: 24106130 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbt071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the interconnections of microbial pathogenicity phenomena, such as biofilm formation, quorum sensing and antimicrobial resistance, is a tremendous open challenge for biomedical research. Progress made by wet-lab researchers and bioinformaticians in understanding the underlying regulatory phenomena has been significant, with converging evidence from multiple high-throughput technologies. Notably, network reconstructions are already of considerable size and quality, tackling both intracellular regulation and signal mediation in microbial infection. Therefore, it stands to reason that in silico investigations would play a more active part in this research. Drug target identification and drug repurposing could take much advantage of the ability to simulate pathogen regulatory systems, host-pathogen interactions and pathogen cross-talking. Here, we review the bioinformatics resources and tools available for the study of the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus and the fungal species Candida albicans. The choice of these three microorganisms fits the rationale of the review converging into pathogens of great clinical importance, which thrive in biofilm consortia and manifest growing antimicrobial resistance.
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Torcato IM, Huang YH, Franquelim HG, Gaspar DD, Craik DJ, Castanho MARB, Henriques ST. The antimicrobial activity of Sub3 is dependent on membrane binding and cell-penetrating ability. Chembiochem 2013; 14:2013-22. [PMID: 24038773 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201300274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Because of their high activity against microorganisms and low cytotoxicity, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been explored as the next generation of antibiotics. Although they have common structural features, the modes of action of AMPs are extensively debated, and a single mechanism does not explain the activity of all AMPs reported so far. Here we investigated the mechanism of action of Sub3, an AMP previously designed and optimised from high-throughput screening with bactenecin as the template. Sub3 has potent activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria as well as against fungi, but its mechanism of action has remained elusive. By using AFM imaging, ζ potential, flow cytometry and fluorescence methodologies with model membranes and bacterial cells, we found that, although the mechanism of action involves membrane targeting, Sub3 internalises inside bacteria at lethal concentrations without permeabilising the membrane, thus suggesting that its antimicrobial activity might involve both the membrane and intracellular targets. In addition, we found that Sub3 can be internalised into human cells without being toxic. As some bacteria are able to survive intracellularly and consequently evade host defences and antibiotic treatment, our findings suggest that Sub3 could be useful as an intracellular antimicrobial agent for infections that are notoriously difficult to treat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Torcato
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisbon (Portugal)
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