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Giving a Hand: Synthetic Peptides Boost the Antifungal Activity of Itraconazole against Cryptococcus neoformans. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020256. [PMID: 36830167 PMCID: PMC9952215 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020256] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a multidrug-resistant pathogen responsible for infections in immunocompromised patients. Here, itraconazole (ITR), a commercial antifungal drug with low effectiveness against C. neoformans, was combined with different synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs), Mo-CBP3-PepII, RcAlb-PepII, RcAlb-PepIII, PepGAT, and PepKAA. The Mo-CBP3-PepII was designed based on the sequence of MoCBP3, purified from Moringa oleifera seeds. RcAlb-PepII and RcAlb-PepIII were designed using Rc-2S-Alb, purified from Ricinus communis seed cakes. The putative sequence of a chitinase from Arabidopsis thaliana was used to design PepGAT and PepKAA. All SAMPs have a positive liquid charge and a hydrophobic potential ranging from 41-65%. The mechanisms of action responsible for the combined effect were evaluated for the best combinations using fluorescence microscopy (FM). The synthetic peptides enhanced the activity of ITR by 10-fold against C. neoformans. Our results demonstrated that the combinations could induce pore formation in the membrane and the overaccumulation of ROS on C. neoformans cells. Our findings indicate that our peptides successfully potentialize the activity of ITR against C. neoformans. Therefore, synthetic peptides are potential molecules to assist antifungal agents in treating Cryptococcal infections.
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Branco LAC, Souza PFN, Neto NAS, Aguiar TKB, Silva AFB, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Mesquita FP, Lima LB, Freitas CDT. New Insights into the Mechanism of Antibacterial Action of Synthetic Peptide Mo-CBP 3-PepI against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121753. [PMID: 36551410 PMCID: PMC9774128 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121753] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic human pathogen related to various infections. As such, synthetic peptides have emerged as potential alternative molecules. Mo-CBP3-PepI has presented great activity against K. pneumoniae by presenting an MIC50 at a very low concentration (31.25 µg mL-1). Here, fluorescence microscopy and proteomic analysis revealed the alteration in cell membrane permeability, ROS overproduction, and protein profile of K. pneumoniae cells treated with Mo-CBP3-PepI. Mo-CBP3-PepI led to ROS overaccumulation and membrane pore formation in K. pneumoniae cells. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis highlighted changes in essential metabolic pathways. For example, after treatment of K. pneumoniae cells with Mo-CBP3-PepI, a reduction in the abundance of protein related to DNA and protein metabolism, cytoskeleton and cell wall organization, redox metabolism, regulation factors, ribosomal proteins, and resistance to antibiotics was seen. The reduction in proteins involved in vital processes for cell life, such as DNA repair, cell wall turnover, and protein turnover, results in the accumulation of ROS, driving the cell to death. Our findings indicated that Mo-CBP3-PepI might have mechanisms of action against K. pneumoniae cells, mitigating the development of resistance and thus being a potent molecule to be employed in producing new drugs against K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi A. C. Branco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F. Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S. Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Luina B. Lima
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
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Neto NAS, Oliveira JTA, Aguiar TKB, Bezerra LP, Branco LAC, Mesquita FP, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. Synergistic Antibiofilm Activity between Synthetic Peptides and Ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090995. [PMID: 36145427 PMCID: PMC9505254 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090995] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen known to be resistant to antibiotics since the mid-20th century and is constantly associated with hospital-acquired infections. S. aureus forms biofilms, which are complex surface-attached communities of bacteria held together by a self-produced polymer matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides. Biofilms are resistance structures responsible for increasing bacterial resistance to drugs by 1000 times more than the planktonic lifestyle. Therefore, studies have been conducted to discover novel antibacterial molecules to prevent biofilm formation and/or degrade preformed biofilms. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) have appeared as promising alternative agents to overcome increasing antibiotic resistance. Here, the antibiofilm activity of eight SAMPs, in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, was investigated in vitro. Biofilm formation by S. aureus was best inhibited (76%) by the combination of Mo-CBP3-PepIII (6.2 µg mL−1) and ciprofloxacin (0.39 µg mL−1). In contrast, the highest reduction (60%) of the preformed biofilm mass was achieved with RcAlb-PepII (1.56 µg mL−1) and ciprofloxacin (0.78 µg mL−1). Fluorescence microscopy analysis reinforced these results. These active peptides formed pores in the cellular membrane of S. aureus, which may be related to the enhanced ciprofloxacin’s antibacterial activity. Our findings indicated that these peptides may act with ciprofloxacin and are powerful co-adjuvant agents for the treatment of S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.T.A.O.); (P.F.N.S.)
| | - Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Leandro P. Bezerra
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Levi A. C. Branco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.T.A.O.); (P.F.N.S.)
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Silva AL, Bezerra LP, Freitas CDT, Silva AFB, Mesquita FP, Neto NAS, Oliveira JPB, Aguiar TKB, Nagano CS, Carneiro RF, Oliveira JTA, Albuquerque CC, Souza PFN. Luffa operculata seed proteins: Identification by LC-ESI-MS/MS and biotechnological potential against Candida albicans and C. krusei. Anal Biochem 2022; 655:114851. [PMID: 35977597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
L: operculata is a plant commonly found in the North and Northeast of Brazil. Although the regional population knows its medicinal potential, there are few scientific studies about its antimicrobial potential. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteins from L. operculata seeds extracted using different solutions and evaluate their antimicrobial potentials. The protein extracts obtained with NaCl and sodium acetate buffer presented the best inhibitory activities against Candida albicans and C. krusei. The study of the mechanism of action revealed proteins from L. operculata seeds induced pore formation on the membrane and ROS overaccumulation. Scanning Electron Microscopy images also showed severe morphological changes in Candida albicans and C. krusei. Proteins from L.operculata seeds did not show antibacterial activity. The enzymatic assays revealed the presence of proteolytic enzymes, serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, and chitinases in both protein extracts. Proteomic analysis by LC-ESI-MS/MS identified 57 proteins related to many biological processes, such as defense to (a)biotic stress, energetic metabolism, protein folding, and nucleotide metabolism. In conclusion, the L. operculata seed proteins have biotechnological potential against the human pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and C. krusei.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L Silva
- Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, State University of Rio Grande of North, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Leandro P Bezerra
- Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, State University of Rio Grande of North, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - João P B Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K B Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cynthia C Albuquerque
- Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, State University of Rio Grande of North, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Fishing Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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Bezerra LP, Silva AF, Santos-Oliveira R, Alencar LM, Amaral JL, Neto NA, Silva RG, Belém MO, de Andrade CR, Oliveira JT, Freitas CD, Souza PF. Combined antibiofilm activity of synthetic peptides and antifungal drugs against Candida spp. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:1133-1146. [PMID: 35880557 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Candida krusei and Candida albicans are biofilm-forming drug-resistant yeasts that cause bloodstream infections that can lead to death. Materials & methods: nystatin and itraconazole were combined with two synthetic peptides, PepGAT and PepKAA, to evaluate the synergistic effect against Candida biofilms. Additionally, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies were employed to understand the mechanism behind the synergistic activity. Results: Peptides enhanced the action of drugs to inhibit the biofilm formation of C. krusei and C. albicans and the degradation of mature biofilms of C. krusei. In combination with antifungal drugs, peptides' mechanism of action involved cell wall and membrane damage and overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, in combination, the peptides reduced the toxicity of drugs to red blood cells. Conclusion: These results reveal that the synthetic peptides enhanced the antibiofilm activity of drugs, in addition to reducing their toxicity. Thus, these peptides have strong potential as adjuvants and to decrease the toxicity of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro P Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Ayrles Fb Silva
- Department of Physic, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Nanoradiopharmaceuticals & Radiopharmacy, Zona Oeste State University, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200, Brazil
| | - Luciana Mr Alencar
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics & Nanosystems, Federal University of Maranhao, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil.,Department of Physic, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Nilton As Neto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Rafael Gg Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Mônica O Belém
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60192, Brazil
| | - Claudia R de Andrade
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60192, Brazil
| | - Jose Ta Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Cleverson Dt Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fn Souza
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil.,Drug Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-275, Brazil
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Bezerra LP, Freitas CDT, Silva AFB, Amaral JL, Neto NAS, Silva RGG, Parra ALC, Goldman GH, Oliveira JTA, Mesquita FP, Souza PFN. Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Synthetic Peptides and Antifungal Drugs against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050553. [PMID: 35625197 PMCID: PMC9138075 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
C. albicans and C. parapsilosis are biofilm-forming yeasts responsible for bloodstream infections that can cause death. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) are considered to be new weapons to combat these infections, alone or combined with drugs. Here, two SAMPs, called Mo-CBP3-PepI and Mo-CBP3-PepIII, were tested alone or combined with nystatin (NYS) and itraconazole (ITR) against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis biofilms. Furthermore, the mechanism of antibiofilm activity was evaluated by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. When combined with SAMPs, the results revealed a 2- to 4-fold improvement of NYS and ITR antibiofilm activity. Microscopic analyses showed cell membrane and wall damage and ROS overproduction, which caused leakage of internal content and cell death. Taken together, these results suggest the potential of Mo-CBP3-PepI and Mo-CBP3-PepIII as new drugs and adjuvants to increase the activity of conventional drugs for the treatment of clinical infections caused by C. albicans and C. parapsilosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro P. Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.D.T.F.); (P.F.N.S.)
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Jackson L. Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Rafael G. G. Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil;
| | - Aura L. C. Parra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo P.O. Box 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel, Nunes de Melo 100, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil;
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel, Nunes de Melo 100, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (C.D.T.F.); (P.F.N.S.)
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Lima PG, Freitas CDT, Oliveira JTA, Neto NAS, Amaral JL, Silva AFB, Sousa JS, Franco OL, Souza PFN. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides control Penicillium digitatum infection in orange fruits. Food Res Int 2021; 147:110582. [PMID: 34399551 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fungal contamination is among the main reasons for food spoilage, affecting food safety and the economy. Among fungi, Penicillium digitatum is a major agent of this problem. Here, the in vitro activity of eight synthetic antimicrobial peptides was assessed against P. digitatum, and their action mechanisms were evaluated. All peptides were able to inhibit fungal growth. Furthermore, atomic force and fluorescence microscopies revealed that all peptides targeted the fungal membrane leading to pore formation, loss of internal content, and death. The induction of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also a mechanism employed by some peptides. Interestingly, only three peptides (PepGAT, PepKAA, and Mo-CBP3-PepI) effectively control P. digitatum colonization in orange fruits, at a concentration (50 µg mL-1) 20-fold lower than the commercial food preservative (sodium propionate). Altogether, PepGAT, PepKAA, and Mo-CBP3-PepI showed high biotechnological potential as new food preservatives to control food infection by P. digitatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil; Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil; Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil; Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790160, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil.
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Souza PFN. The forgotten 2S albumin proteins: Importance, structure, and biotechnological application in agriculture and human health. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:4638-4649. [PMID: 32937155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.09.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
2S albumin proteins are a group of important seed storage proteins (SSPs) essential to seeds at early and late developmental stages, by providing amino acids and other nutrients during germination and for seed defense. 2S albumins possess a well-conserved cysteine supporting the stability of temperature, pH, and proteolysis. The 3D structure rich in alpha-helices and positively charged is particularly suited for antibacterial and antifungal activity, which is presented by many 2S albumins. However, the hypervariable region present in 2S albumins induces allergenic reactions. Because of that, 2S albumins have never been recognized for their biotechnological potential. However, the development of servers used for the rational design of antimicrobial molecules has now brought a new application to 2S albumins, acting as a model to design antimicrobial molecules without the toxic or allergenic effects of 2S albumins. Therefore, this review is focused on discussing the importance of 2S albumins to seed development and defense and the biochemical, structural and functional properties of these proteins thought to play a role in their antimicrobial activity. Additionally, the application of 2S albumins to design synthetic antimicrobial peptides is discussed, potentially bringing new functions to these forgotten proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F N Souza
- Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil.
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Cieśluk M, Deptuła P, Piktel E, Fiedoruk K, Suprewicz Ł, Paprocka P, Kot P, Pogoda K, Bucki R. Physics Comes to the Aid of Medicine-Clinically-Relevant Microorganisms through the Eyes of Atomic Force Microscope. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9110969. [PMID: 33233696 PMCID: PMC7699805 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9110969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the hope that was raised with the implementation of antibiotics to the treatment of infections in medical practice, the initial enthusiasm has substantially faded due to increasing drug resistance in pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, there is a need for novel analytical and diagnostic methods in order to extend our knowledge regarding the mode of action of the conventional and novel antimicrobial agents from a perspective of single microbial cells as well as their communities growing in infected sites, i.e., biofilms. In recent years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been mostly used to study different aspects of the pathophysiology of noninfectious conditions with attempts to characterize morphological and rheological properties of tissues, individual mammalian cells as well as their organelles and extracellular matrix, and cells’ mechanical changes upon exposure to different stimuli. At the same time, an ever-growing number of studies have demonstrated AFM as a valuable approach in studying microorganisms in regard to changes in their morphology and nanomechanical properties, e.g., stiffness in response to antimicrobial treatment or interaction with a substrate as well as the mechanisms behind their virulence. This review summarizes recent developments and the authors’ point of view on AFM-based evaluation of microorganisms’ response to applied antimicrobial treatment within a group of selected bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The AFM potential in development of modern diagnostic and therapeutic methods for combating of infections caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Cieśluk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland; (M.C.); (P.D.); (E.P.); (K.F.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Piotr Deptuła
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland; (M.C.); (P.D.); (E.P.); (K.F.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland; (M.C.); (P.D.); (E.P.); (K.F.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland; (M.C.); (P.D.); (E.P.); (K.F.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Łukasz Suprewicz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland; (M.C.); (P.D.); (E.P.); (K.F.); (Ł.S.)
| | - Paulina Paprocka
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, PL-25317 Kielce, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Patrycja Kot
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Medical Science, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, PL-25317 Kielce, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Pogoda
- Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, PL-31342 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Robert Bucki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Bialystok, PL-15222 Bialystok, Poland; (M.C.); (P.D.); (E.P.); (K.F.); (Ł.S.)
- Correspondence:
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