1
|
Cometta S, Hutmacher DW, Chai L. In vitro models for studying implant-associated biofilms - A review from the perspective of bioengineering 3D microenvironments. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122578. [PMID: 38692146 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Biofilm research has grown exponentially over the last decades, arguably due to their contribution to hospital acquired infections when they form on foreign body surfaces such as catheters and implants. Yet, translation of the knowledge acquired in the laboratory to the clinic has been slow and/or often it is not attempted by research teams to walk the talk of what is defined as 'bench to bedside'. We therefore reviewed the biofilm literature to better understand this gap. Our search revealed substantial development with respect to adapting surfaces and media used in models to mimic the clinical settings, however many of the in vitro models were too simplistic, often discounting the composition and properties of the host microenvironment and overlooking the biofilm-implant-host interactions. Failure to capture the physiological growth conditions of biofilms in vivo results in major differences between lab-grown- and clinically-relevant biofilms, particularly with respect to phenotypic profiles, virulence, and antimicrobial resistance, and they essentially impede bench-to-bedside translatability. In this review, we describe the complexity of the biological processes at the biofilm-implant-host interfaces, discuss the prerequisite for the development and characterization of biofilm models that better mimic the clinical scenario, and propose an interdisciplinary outlook of how to bioengineer biofilms in vitro by converging tissue engineering concepts and tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cometta
- Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling, and Manufacturing (M3D Innovation), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
| | - Dietmar W Hutmacher
- Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Multiscale 3D Imaging, Modelling, and Manufacturing (M3D Innovation), Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; Australian Research Council Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia.
| | - Liraz Chai
- Max Planck Queensland Centre, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia; The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Institute of Chemistry, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel; The Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 9190401, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hansen KH, Byeon CH, Liu Q, Drace T, Boesen T, Conway JF, Andreasen M, Akbey Ü. Structure of biofilm-forming functional amyloid PSMα1 from Staphylococcus aureus. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2406775121. [PMID: 39116134 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2406775121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-protected pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus causes chronic infections that are difficult to treat. An essential building block of these biofilms are functional amyloid fibrils that assemble from phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs). PSMα1 cross-seeds other PSMs into cross-β amyloid folds and is therefore a key element in initiating biofilm formation. However, the paucity of high-resolution structures hinders efforts to prevent amyloid assembly and biofilm formation. Here, we present a 3.5 Å resolution density map of the major PSMα1 fibril form revealing a left-handed cross-β fibril composed of two C2-symmetric U-shaped protofilaments whose subunits are unusually tilted out-of-plane. Monomeric α-helical PSMα1 is extremely cytotoxic to cells, despite the moderate toxicity of the cross-β fibril. We suggest mechanistic insights into the PSM functional amyloid formation and conformation transformation on the path from monomer-to-fibril formation. Details of PSMα1 assembly and fibril polymorphism suggest how S. aureus utilizes functional amyloids to form biofilms and establish a framework for developing therapeutics against infection and antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Holst Hansen
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Chang Hyeock Byeon
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Taner Drace
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Thomas Boesen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - James F Conway
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Maria Andreasen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Ümit Akbey
- Department of Structural Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Y, Jiang X, Cao W, Wang H, Yuan R. N vacancy and self-enhancement induced high anodic electrochemiluminescence of 3D g-C 3N 4 for sensitive staphylococcus aureus analysis. Talanta 2024; 275:126144. [PMID: 38663062 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Here, 3D g-C3N4 with dense N vacancy in its 3D porous interconnected open-framework was synthesized, and the co-reactive 3-(dibutylamino)propylamine (DBAPA) was further covalently coupled onto the surface, resulting in a strong self-enhanced anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Through introduction of high-density N vacancy, for the obtained 3D g-C3N4-NV, the band gap was broadened and the electrical conductivity was enhanced, realizing an obvious ECL improvement. Moreover, after the covalent binding of co-reactive DBAPA, the obtained 3D g-C3N4-NV-DBAPA exhibited a more intensive self-enhanced ECL signal due to the higher co-reaction efficiency originated from shorter electron transfer distance and lower energy loss. Based on the high initial signal of the proposed 3D g-C3N4-NV-DBAPA, a sensitive ECL biosensor with signal "on-off" was fabricated in assistance with multiple horizontal ordered hybridization chain reaction (HO-HCR). Through orderly fixing the reacted DNA chains on the Y-shape DNA structure on the electrode could effectively decrease diffusion process and improve the reaction efficiency of HCR process, resulting in the formation of numerous long horizontal double-strand DNA that could immobilize abundant ferrocene-doxorubicin (Fc-Dox) with ECL quenching effect. Meanwhile, compared to the traditional vertical HCR, the HO-HCR could make the quench reagent closer to the ECL emitter on the electrode surface and obtain a more effective quenching effect to enhance the sensing sensitivity. As a result, the proposed ECL biosensor archived the sensitive measurement of staphylococcus aureus with a detection limit of 10.3 aM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xinya Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Inorganic Special Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangtze Normal University, Fuling, Chongqing, 408100, China.
| | - Weiwei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Haijun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang D, Liu Y, Nussinov R, Zheng J. Exploring pathological link between antimicrobial and amyloid peptides. Chem Soc Rev 2024. [PMID: 39041297 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00878a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid peptides (AMYs) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as the two distinct families of peptides, characterized by their unique sequences, structures, biological functions, and specific pathological targets. However, accumulating evidence has revealed intriguing pathological connections between these peptide families in the context of microbial infection and neurodegenerative diseases. Some AMYs and AMPs share certain structural and functional characteristics, including the ability to self-assemble, the presence of β-sheet-rich structures, and membrane-disrupting mechanisms. These shared features enable AMYs to possess antimicrobial activity and AMPs to acquire amyloidogenic properties. Despite limited studies on AMYs-AMPs systems, the cross-seeding phenomenon between AMYs and AMPs has emerged as a crucial factor in the bidirectional communication between the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and host defense against microbial infections. In this review, we examine recent developments in the potential interplay between AMYs and AMPs, as well as their pathological implications for both infectious and neurodegenerative diseases. By discussing the current progress and challenges in this emerging field, this account aims to inspire further research and investments to enhance our understanding of the intricate molecular crosstalk between AMYs and AMPs. This knowledge holds great promise for the development of innovative therapies to combat both microbial infections and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Tang
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, The University of Akron, Ohio 44325, USA.
| | - Yanxian Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Dong Zhang
- The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA
| | - Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, The University of Akron, Ohio 44325, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Myers C, Cornwall GA. Host defense amyloids: Biosensors of the immune system? Andrology 2024; 12:973-980. [PMID: 37963844 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
There is considerable evidence showing that highly ordered aggregate structures known as amyloids carry out essential biological roles in species ranging from bacteria to humans. Indeed, many antimicrobial peptides/proteins form amyloids to carry out their host defense functions and many amyloids are antimicrobial. The similarity of host defense amyloids from bacterial biofilms to the mammalian epididymal amyloid matrix implies highly conserved host defense structures/functions. With an emphasis on the epididymal amyloid matrix, here we review the common properties of host defense amyloids including unique traits that would allow them to function as powerful biosensors of the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Myers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gail A Cornwall
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jain N. The molecular interplay between human and bacterial amyloids: Implications in neurodegenerative diseases. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:141018. [PMID: 38641088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2024.141018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's diseases (AD) are linked with the assembly and accumulation of proteins into structured scaffold called amyloids. These diseases pose significant challenges due to their complex and multifaceted nature. While the primary focus has been on endogenous amyloids, recent evidence suggests that bacterial amyloids may contribute to the development and exacerbation of such disorders. The gut-brain axis is emerging as a communication pathway between bacterial and human amyloids. This review delves into the novel role and potential mechanism of bacterial amyloids in modulating human amyloid formation and the progression of AD and PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Jain
- Department of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, NH 62, Surpura Bypass, Karwar, 342030, Rajasthan, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Behbahanipour M, Navarro S, Bárcenas O, Garcia-Pardo J, Ventura S. Bioengineered self-assembled nanofibrils for high-affinity SARS-CoV-2 capture and neutralization. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 674:753-765. [PMID: 38955007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.175] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spurred intense research efforts to develop new materials with antiviral activity. In this study, we genetically engineered amyloid-based nanofibrils for capturing and neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. Building upon the amyloid properties of a short Sup35 yeast prion sequence, we fused it to SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) capturing proteins, LCB1 and LCB3. By tuning the reaction conditions, we achieved the spontaneous self-assembly of the Sup35-LCB1 fusion protein into a highly homogeneous and well-dispersed amyloid-like fibrillar material. These nanofibrils exhibited high affinity for the SARS-CoV-2 RBD, effectively inhibiting its interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the primary entry point for the virus into host cells. We further demonstrate that this functional nanomaterial entraps and neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles (VLPs), with a potency comparable to that of therapeutic antibodies. As a proof of concept, we successfully fabricated patterned surfaces that selectively capture SARS-CoV-2 RBD protein on wet environments. Collectively, these findings suggest that these protein-only nanofibrils hold promise as disinfecting coatings endowed with selective SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing properties to combat viral spread or in the development of sensitive viral sampling and diagnostic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molood Behbahanipour
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
| | - Susanna Navarro
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
| | - Oriol Bárcenas
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
| | - Javier Garcia-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bonnecaze L, Jumel K, Vial A, Khemtemourian L, Feuillie C, Molinari M, Lecomte S, Mathelié-Guinlet M. N-Formylation modifies membrane damage associated with PSMα3 interfacial fibrillation. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2024; 9:1175-1189. [PMID: 38689531 DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00088a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The virulence of Staphylococcus aureus, a multi-drug resistant pathogen, notably depends on the expression of the phenol soluble modulins α3 (PSMα3) peptides, able to self-assemble into amyloid-like cross-α fibrils. Despite remarkable advances evidencing the crucial, yet insufficient, role of fibrils in PSMα3 cytotoxic activities towards host cells, the relationship between its molecular structures, assembly propensities, and modes of action remains an open intriguing problem. In this study, combining atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging and infrared spectroscopy, we first demonstrated in vitro that the charge provided by the N-terminal capping of PSMα3 alters its interactions with model membranes of controlled lipid composition without compromising its fibrillation kinetics or morphology. N-formylation eventually dictates PSMα3-membrane binding via electrostatic interactions with the lipid head groups. Furthermore, PSMα3 insertion within the lipid bilayer is favoured by hydrophobic interactions with the lipid acyl chains only in the fluid phase of membranes and not in the gel-like ordered domains. Strikingly, our real-time AFM imaging emphasizes how intermediate protofibrillar entities, formed along PSMα3 self-assembly and promoted at the membrane interface, likely disrupt membrane integrity via peptide accumulation and subsequent membrane thinning in a peptide concentration and lipid-dependent manner. Overall, our multiscale and multimodal approach sheds new light on the key roles of N-formylation and intermediate self-assembling entities, rather than mature fibrils, in dictating deleterious interactions of PSMα3 with membrane lipids, likely underscoring its ultimate cellular toxicity in vivo, and in turn S. aureus pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bonnecaze
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Katlyn Jumel
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Anthony Vial
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | | | - Cécile Feuillie
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Michael Molinari
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | - Sophie Lecomte
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kalitnik A, Szefczyk M, Wojciechowska AW, Wojciechowski JW, Gąsior-Głogowska M, Olesiak-Bańska J, Kotulska M. Cytotoxic Staphylococcus aureus PSMα3 inhibits the aggregation of human insulin in vitro. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024; 26:15587-15599. [PMID: 38757742 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp00669k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are extracellular short amphipathic peptides secreted by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). They play an essential role in the bacterial lifecycle, biofilm formation, and stabilisation. From the PSM family, PSMα3 has been of special interest recently due to its cytotoxicity and highly stable α-helical conformation, which also remains in its amyloid fibrils. In particular, PSMα3 fibrils were shown to be composed of self-associating "sheets" of α-helices oriented perpendicular to the fibril axis, mimicking the architecture of canonical cross-β fibrils. Therefore, they were called cross-α-fibrils. PSMα3 was synthesised and verified for identity with wild-type sequences (S. aureus). Then, using several experimental techniques, we evaluated its propensity for in vitro aggregation. According to our findings, synthetic PSMα3 (which lacks the N-terminal formyl groups found in bacteria) does not form amyloid fibrils and maintains α-helical conformation in a soluble monomeric form for several days of incubation. We also evaluated the influence of PSMα3 on human insulin fibrillation in vitro, using a variety of experimental approaches in combination with computational molecular studies. First, it was shown that PSMα3 drastically inhibits the fibrillation of human insulin. The anti-fibrillation effect of PSMα3 was concentration-dependent and required a concentration ratio of PSMα3: insulin equal to or above 1 : 100. Molecular modelling revealed that PSMα3 most likely inhibits the production of insulin primary nuclei by competing for residues involved in its dimerization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Kalitnik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Monika Szefczyk
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alicja W Wojciechowska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Jakub W Wojciechowski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Marlena Gąsior-Głogowska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Joanna Olesiak-Bańska
- Institute of Advanced Materials, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kotulska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yin S, Mi X, Shukla D. Leveraging machine learning models for peptide-protein interaction prediction. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:401-417. [PMID: 38725911 PMCID: PMC11078210 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00208j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides play a pivotal role in a wide range of biological activities through participating in up to 40% protein-protein interactions in cellular processes. They also demonstrate remarkable specificity and efficacy, making them promising candidates for drug development. However, predicting peptide-protein complexes by traditional computational approaches, such as docking and molecular dynamics simulations, still remains a challenge due to high computational cost, flexible nature of peptides, and limited structural information of peptide-protein complexes. In recent years, the surge of available biological data has given rise to the development of an increasing number of machine learning models for predicting peptide-protein interactions. These models offer efficient solutions to address the challenges associated with traditional computational approaches. Furthermore, they offer enhanced accuracy, robustness, and interpretability in their predictive outcomes. This review presents a comprehensive overview of machine learning and deep learning models that have emerged in recent years for the prediction of peptide-protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Yin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana 61801 Illinois USA
| | - Xuenan Mi
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana 61801 Illinois USA
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu R, Stone T, Wang Y. The role of shear rates on amyloid formation from biofilm peptide phenol-soluble modulins. Biophys J 2024; 123:1106-1115. [PMID: 38549371 PMCID: PMC11079943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Biofilms, microbial communities enclosed in the self-produced extracellular matrix, have a significant impact on human health, environment, and industry. The pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is recognized as one of the most frequent causes of biofilm-related infections. Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) serve as a crucial component, fortifying S. aureus biofilm matrix through self-assembly into amyloid fibrils, which enhances S. aureus colonization and resistance to antibiotics. However, the role of shear rate, one of the critical physiological factors within blood vessels, on the formation of PSM amyloids remains poorly understood. In this work, using a combination of thioflavin T fluorescence kinetic studies, circular dichroism spectrometry, and electron microscopy, we demonstrated that shear rates ranging from 150 to 300 s-1 accelerate fibrillation of PSMα1, α3, and α4 into amyloids, resulting in elongated amyloid structures. Furthermore, PSMα1, α3, and α4 predominantly self-assembled into amyloid fibers with a cross-α structure under shear conditions, deviating from the typical β-sheet configuration of PSM amyloids. These findings imply the role of shear rates within the bloodstream on enhancing PSM self-assembly that is associated with S. aureus biofilm formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Runyao Zhu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Trevor Stone
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Yichun Wang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gopikrishnan M, Haryini S, C GPD. Emerging strategies and therapeutic innovations for combating drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains: A comprehensive review. J Basic Microbiol 2024; 64:e2300579. [PMID: 38308076 DOI: 10.1002/jobm.202300579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, antibiotic therapy has encountered significant challenges due to the rapid emergence of multidrug resistance among bacteria responsible for life-threatening illnesses, creating uncertainty about the future management of infectious diseases. The escalation of antimicrobial resistance in the post-COVID era compared to the pre-COVID era has raised global concern. The prevalence of nosocomial-related infections, especially outbreaks of drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, have been reported worldwide, with India being a notable hotspot for such occurrences. Various virulence factors and mutations characterize nosocomial infections involving S. aureus. The lack of proper alternative treatments leading to increased drug resistance emphasizes the need to investigate and examine recent research to combat future pandemics. In the current genomics era, the application of advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), machine learning (ML), and quantum computing (QC) for genomic analysis and resistance prediction has significantly increased the pace of diagnosing drug-resistant pathogens and insights into genetic intricacies. Despite prompt diagnosis, the elimination of drug-resistant infections remains unattainable in the absence of effective alternative therapies. Researchers are exploring various alternative therapeutic approaches, including phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, photodynamic therapy, vaccines, host-directed therapies, and more. The proposed review mainly focuses on the resistance journey of S. aureus over the past decade, detailing its resistance mechanisms, prevalence in the subcontinent, innovations in rapid diagnosis of the drug-resistant strains, including the applicants of NGS and ML application along with QC, it helps to design alternative novel therapeutics approaches against S. aureus infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohanraj Gopikrishnan
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sree Haryini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C
- Department of Integrative Biology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jayawardena BM, Azzi A, Jones CE. Investigating the role of phenylalanine residues for amyloid formation of the neuropeptide neurokinin B. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 705:149732. [PMID: 38447390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Neurokinin B (NKB) is a tachykinin peptide that has diverse roles in biology, including in human reproductive development. Cellular processing of this peptide is thought to involve formation of a dense core vesicle during transit through the regulated secretory pathway. The ability of NKB to rapidly form an amyloid can contribute to formation of the secretory granule but features that support amyloid formation of NKB are not well understood. NKB contains a diphenylalanine sequence well recognised as an important motif for self-assembly of other peptides including amyloid β. Using mutations of the diphenylalanine motif we show that this motif in NKB is necessary for amyloid formation, and it is the unique combination of aromaticity and hydrophobicity of phenylalanine that is crucial for aggregation. Using disulfide cross-linking we propose that phenylalanine at sequence position 6 is important for stabilising inter-sheet interactions in the NKB amyloid fibril. Although having a highly conserved sequence, the NKB peptide from zebrafish only contains a single phenylalanine and does not fibrillise as extensively as mammalian NKB. Analysis of self-assembly of NKB-like peptides from different species may help in elucidating their biological roles. Taken together, this work shows that mammalian NKB has evolved, within only 10 residues, a sequence optimised for rapid self-assembly, whilst also containing residues for metal-binding, receptor binding and receptor discrimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhawantha M Jayawardena
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2751, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annabelle Azzi
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2751, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher E Jones
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, 2751, New South Wales, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shen Q, Hasegawa K, Oelerich N, Prakken A, Tersch LW, Wang J, Reichhardt F, Tersch A, Choo JC, Timmers T, Hofmann K, Parker JE, Chai J, Maekawa T. Cytoplasmic calcium influx mediated by plant MLKLs confers TNL-triggered immunity. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:453-465.e6. [PMID: 38513655 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The plant homolog of vertebrate necroptosis inducer mixed-lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) contributes to downstream steps in Toll-interleukin-1 receptor domain NLR (TNL)-receptor-triggered immunity. Here, we show that Arabidopsis MLKL1 (AtMLKL1) clusters into puncta at the plasma membrane upon TNL activation and that this sub-cellular reorganization is dependent on the TNL signal transducer, EDS1. We find that AtMLKLs confer TNL-triggered immunity in parallel with RPW8-type HeLo-domain-containing NLRs (RNLs) and that the AtMLKL N-terminal HeLo domain is indispensable for both immunity and clustering. We show that the AtMLKL HeLo domain mediates cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) influx in plant and human cells, and AtMLKLs are responsible for sustained [Ca2+]cyt influx during TNL-triggered, but not CNL-triggered, immunity. Our study reveals parallel immune signaling functions of plant MLKLs and RNLs as mediators of [Ca2+]cyt influx and a potentially common role of the HeLo domain fold in the Ca2+-signal relay of diverse organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaochu Shen
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Keiichi Hasegawa
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Nicole Oelerich
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Anna Prakken
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Lea Weiler Tersch
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Junli Wang
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, 50829 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Frowin Reichhardt
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Alexandra Tersch
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Je Cuan Choo
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Ton Timmers
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, 50829 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Kay Hofmann
- Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Jane E Parker
- Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, 50829 Cologne, NRW, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Jijie Chai
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, 50829 Cologne, NRW, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Cologne, NRW, Germany
| | - Takaki Maekawa
- Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, NRW, Germany; Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences (CEPLAS), Cologne, NRW, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wathoni N, Suhandi C, Ghassani Purnama MF, Mutmainnah A, Nurbaniyah NS, Syafra DW, Elamin KM. Alginate and Chitosan-Based Hydrogel Enhance Antibacterial Agent Activity on Topical Application. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:791-805. [PMID: 38444772 PMCID: PMC10913799 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s456403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Untreated topical infections can become chronic, posing serious health issues. Optimal skin adherence is crucial in addressing such infections. In this context, chitosan and alginate emerge as promising candidates for use as a foundation in the development of topical hydrogels. The aim of this review is to examine the literature on topical hydrogel formulations that use chitosan and alginate as foundations, specifically in the context of topical antibacterial agents. The research methodology involves a literature review by examining articles published in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The keywords employed during the research were "Alginate", "Chitosan", "Hydrogel", and "Antibacterial". Chitosan and alginate serve as bases in topical hydrogels to deliver various active ingredients, particularly antibacterial agents, as indicated by the search results. Both have demonstrated significant antibacterial effectiveness, as evidenced by a reduction in bacterial colony counts and an increase in inhibition zones. This strongly supports the idea that chitosan and alginate could be used together to make topical hydrogels that kill bacteria that work well. In conclusion, chitosan and alginate-based hydrogels show great potential in treating bacterial infections on the skin surface. The incorporation of chitosan and alginate into hydrogel formulations aids in retaining antibacterial agents, allowing for their gradual release over an optimal period. Therefore, hydrogels specifically formulated with chitosan and alginate have the potential to serve as a solution to address challenges in the treatment of topical bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrul Wathoni
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Cecep Suhandi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Fadhil Ghassani Purnama
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Mutmainnah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Neng Sani Nurbaniyah
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Desra Widdy Syafra
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Khaled M Elamin
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 862-0973, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yamazaki Y, Ito T, Tamai M, Nakagawa S, Nakamura Y. The role of Staphylococcus aureus quorum sensing in cutaneous and systemic infections. Inflamm Regen 2024; 44:9. [PMID: 38429810 PMCID: PMC10905890 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-024-00323-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of human bacterial infections worldwide. It is the most common causative agent of skin and soft tissue infections, and can also cause various other infections, including pneumonia, osteomyelitis, as well as life-threatening infections, such as sepsis and infective endocarditis. The pathogen can also asymptomatically colonize human skin, nasal cavity, and the intestine. S. aureus colonizes approximately 20-30% of human nostrils, being an opportunistic pathogen for subsequent infection. Its strong ability to silently spread via human contact makes it difficult to eradicate S. aureus. A major concern with S. aureus is its capacity to develop antibiotic resistance and adapt to diverse environmental conditions. The variability in the accessory gene regulator (Agr) region of the genome contributes to a spectrum of phenotypes within the bacterial population, enhancing the likelihood of survival in different environments. Agr functions as a central quorum sensing (QS) system in S. aureus, allowing bacteria to adjust gene expression in response to population density. Depending on Agr expression, S. aureus secretes various toxins, contributing to virulence in infectious diseases. Paradoxically, expressing Agr may be disadvantageous in certain situations, such as in hospitals, causing S. aureus to generate Agr mutants responsible for infections in healthcare settings. MAIN BODY This review aims to demonstrate the molecular mechanisms governing the diverse phenotypes of S. aureus, ranging from a harmless colonizer to an organism capable of infecting various human organs. Emphasis will be placed on QS and its role in orchestrating S. aureus behavior across different contexts. SHORT CONCLUSION The pathophysiology of S. aureus infection is substantially influenced by phenotypic changes resulting from factors beyond Agr. Future studies are expected to give the comprehensive understanding of S. aureus overall profile in various settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Yamazaki
- Cutaneous Allergy and Host Defense, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoka Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masakazu Tamai
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Seitaro Nakagawa
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuumi Nakamura
- Cutaneous Allergy and Host Defense, Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka, University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Department of Dermatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Arad E, Jelinek R. Catalytic physiological amyloids. Methods Enzymol 2024; 697:77-112. [PMID: 38816136 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils have been identified in many protein systems, mostly linked to progression and cytotoxicity in neurodegenerative diseases and other pathologies, but have also been observed in normal physiological systems. A growing body of work has shown that amyloid fibrils can catalyze chemical reactions. Most studies have focused on catalysis by de-novo synthetic amyloid-like peptides; however, recent studies reveal that physiological, native amyloids are catalytic as well. Here, we discuss methodologies and major experimental aspects pertaining to physiological catalytic amyloids. We highlight analyzes of kinetic parameters related to the catalytic activities of amyloid fibrils, structure-function considerations, characterization of the catalytic active sites, and deciphering of catalytic mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elad Arad
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
John T, Rampioni A, Poger D, Mark AE. Molecular Insights into the Dynamics of Amyloid Fibril Growth: Elongation and Lateral Assembly of GNNQQNY Protofibrils. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:716-723. [PMID: 38235697 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of peptides and proteins into β-sheet rich amyloid fibrils is linked to both functional and pathological states. In this study, the growth of fibrillar structures of the short peptide GNNQQNY, a fragment from the yeast prion Sup35 protein, was examined. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study alternative mechanisms of fibril growth, including elongation through binding of monomers as well as fibril self-assembly into larger, more mature structures. It was found that after binding, monomers diffused along preformed fibrils toward the ends, supporting the mechanism of fibril growth via elongation. Lateral assembly of protofibrils was found to occur readily, suggesting that this could be the key to transitioning from isolated fibrils to mature multilayer structures. Overall, the work provides mechanistic insights into the competitive pathways that govern amyloid fibril growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten John
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Aldo Rampioni
- Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David Poger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alan E Mark
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Böhning J, Tarafder AK, Bharat TA. The role of filamentous matrix molecules in shaping the architecture and emergent properties of bacterial biofilms. Biochem J 2024; 481:245-263. [PMID: 38358118 PMCID: PMC10903470 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Numerous bacteria naturally occur within spatially organised, multicellular communities called biofilms. Moreover, most bacterial infections proceed with biofilm formation, posing major challenges to human health. Within biofilms, bacterial cells are embedded in a primarily self-produced extracellular matrix, which is a defining feature of all biofilms. The biofilm matrix is a complex, viscous mixture primarily composed of polymeric substances such as polysaccharides, filamentous protein fibres, and extracellular DNA. The structured arrangement of the matrix bestows bacteria with beneficial emergent properties that are not displayed by planktonic cells, conferring protection against physical and chemical stresses, including antibiotic treatment. However, a lack of multi-scale information at the molecular level has prevented a better understanding of this matrix and its properties. Here, we review recent progress on the molecular characterisation of filamentous biofilm matrix components and their three-dimensional spatial organisation within biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Böhning
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Abul K. Tarafder
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Tanmay A.M. Bharat
- Structural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schirmer M, Stražar M, Avila-Pacheco J, Rojas-Tapias DF, Brown EM, Temple E, Deik A, Bullock K, Jeanfavre S, Pierce K, Jin S, Invernizzi R, Pust MM, Costliow Z, Mack DR, Griffiths AM, Walters T, Boyle BM, Kugathasan S, Vlamakis H, Hyams J, Denson L, Clish CB, Xavier RJ. Linking microbial genes to plasma and stool metabolites uncovers host-microbial interactions underlying ulcerative colitis disease course. Cell Host Microbe 2024; 32:209-226.e7. [PMID: 38215740 PMCID: PMC10923022 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the role of the microbiome in inflammatory diseases requires the identification of microbial effector molecules. We established an approach to link disease-associated microbes to microbial metabolites by integrating paired metagenomics, stool and plasma metabolomics, and culturomics. We identified host-microbial interactions correlated with disease activity, inflammation, and the clinical course of ulcerative colitis (UC) in the Predicting Response to Standardized Colitis Therapy (PROTECT) pediatric inception cohort. In severe disease, metabolite changes included increased dipeptides and tauro-conjugated bile acids (BAs) and decreased amino-acid-conjugated BAs in stool, whereas in plasma polyamines (N-acetylputrescine and N1-acetylspermidine) increased. Using patient samples and Veillonella parvula as a model, we uncovered nitrate- and lactate-dependent metabolic pathways, experimentally linking V. parvula expansion to immunomodulatory tryptophan metabolite production. Additionally, V. parvula metabolizes immunosuppressive thiopurine drugs through xdhA xanthine dehydrogenase, potentially impairing the therapeutic response. Our findings demonstrate that the microbiome contributes to disease-associated metabolite changes, underscoring the importance of these interactions in disease pathology and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schirmer
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Translational Microbiome Data Integration, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany; ZIEL - Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany.
| | - Martin Stražar
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Eric M Brown
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology and Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emily Temple
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Amy Deik
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kevin Bullock
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Sarah Jeanfavre
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kerry Pierce
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shen Jin
- Translational Microbiome Data Integration, School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, 85354 Freising, Germany
| | | | - Marie-Madlen Pust
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology and Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zach Costliow
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - David R Mack
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Anne M Griffiths
- Division of Gastroenterology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Thomas Walters
- Division of Gastroenterology, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Brendan M Boyle
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Subra Kugathasan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hera Vlamakis
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hyams
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Division of Digestive Diseases, Hartford, CT 06106, USA
| | - Lee Denson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Clary B Clish
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Ramnik J Xavier
- The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Computational and Integrative Biology and Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yin S, Mi X, Shukla D. Leveraging Machine Learning Models for Peptide-Protein Interaction Prediction. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2310.18249v2. [PMID: 37961736 PMCID: PMC10635286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Peptides play a pivotal role in a wide range of biological activities through participating in up to 40% protein-protein interactions in cellular processes. They also demonstrate remarkable specificity and efficacy, making them promising candidates for drug development. However, predicting peptide-protein complexes by traditional computational approaches, such as Docking and Molecular Dynamics simulations, still remains a challenge due to high computational cost, flexible nature of peptides, and limited structural information of peptide-protein complexes. In recent years, the surge of available biological data has given rise to the development of an increasing number of machine learning models for predicting peptide-protein interactions. These models offer efficient solutions to address the challenges associated with traditional computational approaches. Furthermore, they offer enhanced accuracy, robustness, and interpretability in their predictive outcomes. This review presents a comprehensive overview of machine learning and deep learning models that have emerged in recent years for the prediction of peptide-protein interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Song Yin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
- These authors contributed to the work equally
| | - Xuenan Mi
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
- These authors contributed to the work equally
| | - Diwakar Shukla
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ragonis-Bachar P, Axel G, Blau S, Ben-Tal N, Kolodny R, Landau M. What can AlphaFold do for antimicrobial amyloids? Proteins 2024; 92:265-281. [PMID: 37855235 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Amyloids, protein, and peptide assemblies in various organisms are crucial in physiological and pathological processes. Their intricate structures, however, present significant challenges, limiting our understanding of their functions, regulatory mechanisms, and potential applications in biomedicine and technology. This study evaluated the AlphaFold2 ColabFold method's structure predictions for antimicrobial amyloids, using eight antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including those with experimentally determined structures and AMPs known for their distinct amyloidogenic morphological features. Additionally, two well-known human amyloids, amyloid-β and islet amyloid polypeptide, were included in the analysis due to their disease relevance, short sequences, and antimicrobial properties. Amyloids typically exhibit tightly mated β-strand sheets forming a cross-β configuration. However, certain amphipathic α-helical subunits can also form amyloid fibrils adopting a cross-α structure. Some AMPs in the study exhibited a combination of cross-α and cross-β amyloid fibrils, adding complexity to structure prediction. The results showed that the AlphaFold2 ColabFold models favored α-helical structures in the tested amyloids, successfully predicting the presence of α-helical mated sheets and a hydrophobic core resembling the cross-α configuration. This implies that the AI-based algorithms prefer assemblies of the monomeric state, which was frequently predicted as helical, or capture an α-helical membrane-active form of toxic peptides, which is triggered upon interaction with lipid membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriel Axel
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shahar Blau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Nir Ben-Tal
- George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rachel Kolodny
- Department of Computer Science, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Meytal Landau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- CSSB Centre for Structural Systems Biology, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany
- The Center for Experimental Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Jiang JH, Cameron DR, Nethercott C, Aires-de-Sousa M, Peleg AY. Virulence attributes of successful methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lineages. Clin Microbiol Rev 2023; 36:e0014822. [PMID: 37982596 PMCID: PMC10732075 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00148-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of severe and often fatal infections. MRSA epidemics have occurred in waves, whereby a previously successful lineage has been replaced by a more fit and better adapted lineage. Selection pressures in both hospital and community settings are not uniform across the globe, which has resulted in geographically distinct epidemiology. This review focuses on the mechanisms that trigger the establishment and maintenance of current, dominant MRSA lineages across the globe. While the important role of antibiotic resistance will be mentioned throughout, factors which influence the capacity of S. aureus to colonize and cause disease within a host will be the primary focus of this review. We show that while MRSA possesses a diverse arsenal of toxins including alpha-toxin, the success of a lineage involves more than just producing toxins that damage the host. Success is often attributed to the acquisition or loss of genetic elements involved in colonization and niche adaptation such as the arginine catabolic mobile element, as well as the activity of regulatory systems, and shift metabolism accordingly (e.g., the accessory genome regulator, agr). Understanding exactly how specific MRSA clones cause prolonged epidemics may reveal targets for therapies, whereby both core (e.g., the alpha toxin) and acquired virulence factors (e.g., the Panton-Valentine leukocidin) may be nullified using anti-virulence strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jhih-Hang Jiang
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David R. Cameron
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cara Nethercott
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marta Aires-de-Sousa
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Institutode Tecnologia Químicae Biológica António Xavier (ITQB-NOVA), Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Saúde da Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa-Lisboa (ESSCVP-Lisboa), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anton Y. Peleg
- Department of Microbiology, Infection Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre to Impact Antimicrobial Resistance, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kristoffersen K, Hansen KH, Andreasen M. Differential Effects of Lipid Bilayers on αPSM Peptide Functional Amyloid Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:102. [PMID: 38203273 PMCID: PMC10779341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are key virulence factors of S. aureus, and they comprise the structural scaffold of biofilm as they self-assemble into functional amyloids. They have been shown to interact with cell membranes as they display toxicity towards human cells through cell lysis, with αPSM3 being the most cytotoxic. In addition to causing cell lysis in mammalian cells, PSMs have also been shown to interact with bacterial cell membranes through antimicrobial effects. Here, we present a study on the effects of lipid bilayers on the aggregation mechanism of αPSM using chemical kinetics to study the effects of lipid vesicles on the aggregation kinetics and using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to investigate the corresponding secondary structure of the aggregates. We found that the effects of lipid bilayers on αPSM aggregation were not homogeneous between lipid type and αPSM peptides, although none of the lipids caused changes in the dominating aggregation mechanism. In the case of αPSM3, all types of lipids slowed down aggregation to a varying degree, with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) having the most pronounced effect. For αPSM1, lipids had opposite effects, where DOPC decelerated aggregation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accelerated the aggregation, while 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) (DOPG) had no effect. For αPSM4, both DOPG and LPS accelerated the aggregation, but only at high concentration, while DOPC showed no effect. None of the lipids was capable of inducing aggregation of αPSM2. Our data reveal a complex interaction pattern between PSMs peptides and lipid bilayers that causes changes in the aggregation kinetics by affecting different kinetic parameters along with only subtle changes in morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Andreasen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Willhelm Meyer’s Allé 3, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Arad E, Pedersen KB, Malka O, Mambram Kunnath S, Golan N, Aibinder P, Schiøtt B, Rapaport H, Landau M, Jelinek R. Staphylococcus aureus functional amyloids catalyze degradation of β-lactam antibiotics. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8198. [PMID: 38081813 PMCID: PMC10713593 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43624-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance of bacteria is considered one of the most alarming developments in modern medicine. While varied pathways for bacteria acquiring antibiotic resistance have been identified, there still are open questions concerning the mechanisms underlying resistance. Here, we show that alpha phenol-soluble modulins (PSMαs), functional bacterial amyloids secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, catalyze hydrolysis of β-lactams, a prominent class of antibiotic compounds. Specifically, we show that PSMα2 and, particularly, PSMα3 catalyze hydrolysis of the amide-like bond of the four membered β-lactam ring of nitrocefin, an antibiotic β-lactam surrogate. Examination of the catalytic activities of several PSMα3 variants allowed mapping of the active sites on the amyloid fibrils' surface, specifically underscoring the key roles of the cross-α fibril organization, and the combined electrostatic and nucleophilic functions of the lysine arrays. Molecular dynamics simulations further illuminate the structural features of β-lactam association upon the fibril surface. Complementary experimental data underscore the generality of the functional amyloid-mediated catalytic phenomenon, demonstrating hydrolysis of clinically employed β-lactams by PSMα3 fibrils, and illustrating antibiotic degradation in actual S. aureus biofilms and live bacteria environments. Overall, this study unveils functional amyloids as catalytic agents inducing degradation of β-lactam antibiotics, underlying possible antibiotic resistance mechanisms associated with bacterial biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elad Arad
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Kasper B Pedersen
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Orit Malka
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Sisira Mambram Kunnath
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Nimrod Golan
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Polina Aibinder
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Birgit Schiøtt
- Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University, Langelandsgade 140, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Hanna Rapaport
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
- Avram and Stella Goldstein-Goren Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel
| | - Meytal Landau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), and European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, 22607, Germany
| | - Raz Jelinek
- Ilse Katz Institute (IKI) for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 8410501, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sampson T. Microbial amyloids in neurodegenerative amyloid diseases. FEBS J 2023:10.1111/febs.17023. [PMID: 38041542 PMCID: PMC11144261 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Human-disease associated amyloidogenic proteins are not unique in their ability to form amyloid fibrillar structures. Numerous microbes produce amyloidogenic proteins that have distinct functions for their physiology in their amyloid form, rather than solely detrimental. Emerging data indicate associations between various microbial organisms, including those which produce functional amyloids, with neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we review some of the evidence suggesting that microbial amyloids impact amyloid disease in host organisms. Experimental data are building a foundation for continued lines of enquiry and suggest that that direct or indirect interactions between microbial and host amyloids may be a contributor to amyloid pathologies. Inhibiting microbial amyloids or their interactions with the host may therefore represent a tangible target to limit various amyloid pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Sampson
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Schmid SY, Lachowski K, Chiang HT, Pozzo L, De Yoreo J, Zhang S. Mechanisms of Biomolecular Self-Assembly Investigated Through In Situ Observations of Structures and Dynamics. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202309725. [PMID: 37702227 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202309725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular self-assembly of hierarchical materials is a precise and adaptable bottom-up approach to synthesizing across scales with considerable energy, health, environment, sustainability, and information technology applications. To achieve desired functions in biomaterials, it is essential to directly observe assembly dynamics and structural evolutions that reflect the underlying energy landscape and the assembly mechanism. This review will summarize the current understanding of biomolecular assembly mechanisms based on in situ characterization and discuss the broader significance and achievements of newly gained insights. In addition, we will also introduce how emerging deep learning/machine learning-based approaches, multiparametric characterization, and high-throughput methods can boost the development of biomolecular self-assembly. The objective of this review is to accelerate the development of in situ characterization approaches for biomolecular self-assembly and to inspire the next generation of biomimetic materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Yadav Schmid
- Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
| | - Kacper Lachowski
- Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Huat Thart Chiang
- Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Lilo Pozzo
- Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Jim De Yoreo
- Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Physical Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99354, USA
- Molecular Engineering and Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Marichal L, Bagnard L, Sire O, Vendrely C, Bruckert F, Weidenhaupt M. Phenol-soluble modulins form amyloids in contact with multiple surface chemistries. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130450. [PMID: 37640168 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Functional amyloids are commonly produced by many microorganisms and their biological functions are numerous. Staphylococcus aureus can secrete a group of peptides named phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) in their biofilm extracellular matrix. PSMs have been found inside biofilms both in their soluble form and assembled into amyloid structures. Yet, the actual biological function of these amyloids has been highly debated. Here, we assessed the ability of PSMs to form amyloids in contact with different abiotic surfaces to unravel a potential unknown bioadhesive and/or biofilm stabilization function. We combined surface plasmon resonance imaging, fluorescence aggregation kinetics, and FTIR spectroscopy in order to evaluate the PSM adsorption as well as amyloid formation properties in the presence of various surface chemistries. Overall, PSMs adsorb even on low-binding surfaces, making them highly adaptable adsorbants in the context of bioadhesion. Moreover, the PSM aggregation potential to form amyloid aggregates is not impacted by the presence of the surface chemistries tested. This versatility regarding adsorption and amyloid formation may imply a possible role of PSMs in biofilm adhesion and/or structure integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Marichal
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble-INP LMGP, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Lucie Bagnard
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble-INP LMGP, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Olivier Sire
- IRDL, UMR CNRS 6027, Université Bretagne Sud, Vannes, France
| | - Charlotte Vendrely
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble-INP LMGP, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | - Franz Bruckert
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Grenoble-INP LMGP, Grenoble F-38000, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tammara V, Das A. The Molecular Mechanism of PSMα3 Aggregation: A New View. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8317-8330. [PMID: 37734054 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of a novel cross-α fibrillar structure, unlike the commonly observed sequence-independent cross-β one, of a 22-residue bacterial virulent amphipathic α-helical peptide of the phenol soluble modulin (PSM) family, PSMα3, with many deleterious effects on human life, has infused uncertainty to the paradigm of the intrinsically polymorphic, multivariate, multiphasic, and cross-sequence-cross-disease entangled protein aggregation landscape and hence on the identity of the therapeutic target. We, here, deconvolute the factors contributing to the genesis and hence the transition of lower to higher order aggregates of PSMα3 in its natural state and three noncanonical designed variants using conventional and enhanced sampling approach-based atomistic simulations. PSMα3 shows structural polymorphism with nominal α-helicity, substantial β-propensity, and dominant random-coil features, irrespective of the extent of aggregation. Moreover, the individual features of the overall amphipathicity operate alternatively depending on the extent and organization of aggregation; the dominance gradually moves from charged to hydrophobic residues with the progressive generation of higher order aggregates (dimer to oligomer to fibril) and with increasing orderedness of the self-assembled construct (oligomer vs dimer/fibril). Similarly, the contribution of interchain salt bridges decreases with increasing order of aggregation (dimer to oligomer to fibril). However, the intrachain salt bridges consistently display their role in all phases of aggregation. Such phase-independent features also include equivalent roles of electrostatic and van der Waals forces on intrachain interactions, sole contribution of van der Waals forces on interchain cross-talk, and negligible peptide-water relationship. Finally, we propose a conjugate peptide-based aggregation suppressor having a single-point proline mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishnavi Tammara
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Atanu Das
- Physical and Materials Chemistry Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411008, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Peng B, Xu S, Liang Y, Dong X, Sun Y. Effect of Bacterial Amyloid Protein Phenol-Soluble Modulin Alpha 3 on the Aggregation of Amyloid Beta Protein Associated with Alzheimer's Disease. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:459. [PMID: 37887589 PMCID: PMC10604207 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8060459] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the proposal of the brainstem axis theory, increasing research attention has been paid to the interactions between bacterial amyloids produced by intestinal flora and the amyloid β-protein (Aβ) related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), and it has been considered as the possible cause of AD. Therefore, phenol-soluble modulin (PSM) α3, the most virulent protein secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, has attracted much attention. In this work, the effect of PSMα3 with a unique cross-α fibril architecture on the aggregation of pathogenic Aβ40 of AD was studied by extensive biophysical characterizations. The results proposed that the PSMα3 monomer inhibited the aggregation of Aβ40 in a concentration-dependent manner and changed the aggregation pathway to form granular aggregates. However, PSMα3 oligomers promoted the generation of the β-sheet structure, thus shortening the lag phase of Aβ40 aggregation. Moreover, the higher the cross-α content of PSMα3, the stronger the effect of the promotion, indicating that the cross-α structure of PSMα3 plays a crucial role in the aggregation of Aβ40. Further molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have shown that the Met1-Gly20 region in the PSMα3 monomer can be combined with the Asp1-Ala2 and His13-Val36 regions in the Aβ40 monomer by hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions, which prevents the conformational conversion of Aβ40 from the α-helix to β-sheet structure. By contrast, PSMα3 oligomers mainly combined with the central hydrophobic core (CHC) and the C-terminal region of the Aβ40 monomer by weak H-bonding and hydrophobic interactions, which could not inhibit the transition to the β-sheet structure in the aggregation pathway. Thus, the research has unraveled molecular interactions between Aβ40 and PSMα3 of different structures and provided a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between bacterial amyloids and AD-related pathogenic Aβ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xiaoyan Dong
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China; (B.P.); (S.X.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering and Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology (Ministry of Education), Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China; (B.P.); (S.X.); (Y.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mitra A, Paul S. Pathways of hLL-37 17-29 Aggregation Give Insight into the Mechanism of α-Amyloid Formation. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:8162-8175. [PMID: 37707359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c04742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
α-amyloids present a novel self-assembly principle that can be utilized to prepare functional biomaterials. Evidence of α-amyloid formation in the active core of the human LL-37 protein (comprising residues 17 to 29) was associated with this peptide's membranolytic property. Though mechanistic pathways of β-amyloid formation are known, such studies are scarce in α-amyloids. Modern computational techniques allow such mechanistic studies in molecular detail. Here, we propose aggregation pathways in hLL-3717-29 through molecular dynamics simulations. We first identified oligomers among peptides based on a distance criterion. The distribution of oligomers was then used to build Markov state models from which pathways were obtained using the framework of transition path theory. We checked the structural stability of the peptides during oligomerization, which is crucial from their functional point of view. We also investigated the key residues that participate in oligomer formation, the interactions between them, and the effect of residue mutations on the binding free energy of the peptides. Our findings suggest that larger oligomers are produced from the association of smaller and intermediate oligomers. The peptides retain their helical structure during aggregation with transient occurrences of 3-10 helix and turns. Hydrophobic interactions are vital in the aggregation of these peptides with Ile24 playing a crucial role. Mutation of this residue to alanine decreases the peptides' binding free energy, resulting in reduced aggregation tendency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aritra Mitra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Sandip Paul
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bru JL, Kasallis SJ, Chang R, Zhuo Q, Nguyen J, Pham P, Warren E, Whiteson K, Høyland-Kroghsbo NM, Limoli DH, Siryaporn A. The great divide: rhamnolipids mediate separation between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1245874. [PMID: 37780859 PMCID: PMC10540625 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1245874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions between bacterial species during infection can have significant impacts on pathogenesis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are opportunistic bacterial pathogens that can co-infect hosts and cause serious illness. The factors that dictate whether one species outcompetes the other or whether the two species coexist are not fully understood. We investigated the role of surfactants in the interactions between these two species on a surface that enables P. aeruginosa to swarm. We found that P. aeruginosa swarms are repelled by colonies of clinical S. aureus isolates, creating physical separation between the two strains. This effect was abolished in mutants of S. aureus that were defective in the production of phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), which form amyloid fibrils around wild-type S. aureus colonies. We investigated the mechanism that establishes physical separation between the two species using Imaging of Reflected Illuminated Structures (IRIS), which is a non-invasive imaging method that tracks the flow of surfactants produced by P. aeruginosa. We found that PSMs produced by S. aureus deflected the surfactant flow, which in turn, altered the direction of P. aeruginosa swarms. These findings show that rhamnolipids mediate physical separation between P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, which could facilitate coexistence between these species. Additionally, we found that a number of molecules repelled P. aeruginosa swarms, consistent with a surfactant deflection mechanism. These include Bacillus subtilis surfactant, the fatty acids oleic acid and linoleic acid, and the synthetic lubricant polydimethylsiloxane. Lung surfactant repelled P. aeruginosa swarms and inhibited swarm expansion altogether at higher concentration. Our results suggest that surfactant interactions could have major impacts on bacteria-bacteria and bacteria-host relationships. In addition, our findings uncover a mechanism responsible for P. aeruginosa swarm development that does not rely solely on sensing but instead is based on the flow of surfactant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Louis Bru
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Summer J. Kasallis
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Rendell Chang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Quantum Zhuo
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jacqueline Nguyen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Phillip Pham
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Warren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Katrine Whiteson
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | | | - Dominique H. Limoli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Albert Siryaporn
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Howard MK, Miller KR, Sohn BS, Ryan JJ, Xu A, Jackrel ME. Probing the drivers of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm protein amyloidogenesis and disrupting biofilms with engineered protein disaggregases. mBio 2023; 14:e0058723. [PMID: 37195208 PMCID: PMC10470818 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00587-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are the primary proteinaceous component of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Residence in the protective environment of biofilms allows bacteria to rapidly evolve and acquire antimicrobial resistance, which can lead to persistent infections such as those caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). In their soluble form, PSMs hinder the immune response of the host and can increase the virulence potential of MRSA. PSMs also self-assemble into insoluble functional amyloids that contribute to the structural scaffold of biofilms. The specific roles of PSM peptides in biofilms remain poorly understood. Here, we report the development of a genetically tractable yeast model system for studying the properties of PSMα peptides. Expression of PSMα peptides in yeast drives the formation of toxic insoluble aggregates that adopt vesicle-like structures. Using this system, we probed the molecular drivers of PSMα aggregation to delineate key similarities and differences among the PSMs and identified a crucial residue that drives PSM features. Biofilms are a major public health threat; thus, biofilm disruption is a key goal. To solubilize aggregates comprised of a diverse range of amyloid and amyloid-like species, we have developed engineered variants of Hsp104, a hexameric AAA+ protein disaggregase from yeast. Here, we demonstrate that potentiated Hsp104 variants counter the toxicity and aggregation of PSMα peptides. Further, we demonstrate that a potentiated Hsp104 variant can drive the disassembly of preformed S. aureus biofilms. We suggest that this new yeast model can be a powerful platform for screening for agents that disrupt PSM aggregation and that Hsp104 disaggregases could be a promising tool for the safe enzymatic disruption of biofilms. IMPORTANCE Biofilms are complex mixtures secreted by bacteria that form a material in which the bacteria can become embedded. This process transforms the properties of the bacteria, and they become more resistant to removal, which can give rise to multidrug-resistant strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Here, we study phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs), which are amyloidogenic proteins secreted by S. aureus, that become incorporated into biofilms. Biofilms are challenging to study, so we have developed a new genetically tractable yeast model to study the PSMs. We used our system to learn about several key features of the PSMs. We also demonstrate that variants of an amyloid disaggregase, Hsp104, can disrupt the PSMs and, more importantly, dissolve preformed S. aureus biofilms. We propose that our system can be a powerful screening tool and that Hsp104 disaggregases may be a new avenue to explore for biofilm disruption agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew K. Howard
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Karlie R. Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Brian S. Sohn
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jeremy J. Ryan
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Andy Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rayan B, Barnea E, Khokhlov A, Upcher A, Landau M. Differential fibril morphologies and thermostability determine functional roles of Staphylococcus aureus PSMα1 and PSMα3. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1184785. [PMID: 37469708 PMCID: PMC10353841 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1184785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are virulent peptides secreted by staphylococci that undergo self-assembly into amyloid fibrils. This study focuses on Staphylococcus aureus PSMα1 and PSMα3, which share homologous sequences but exhibit distinct amyloid fibril structures. Upon subjecting PSMα1 to an 80°C heat shock, it fibrillates into cross-β structures, resulting in the loss of cytotoxic activity. Conversely, PSMα3 cross-α fibrils undergo reversible disaggregation upon heat shock, leading to the recovery of cytotoxicity. The differential thermostability probably arises from the presence of hydrogen bonds along the β-strands within the β-sheets of the cross-β fibrils. We propose that the breakdown of PSMα3 fibrils into soluble species, potentially co-aggregating with membrane lipids, is crucial for its toxic process and enables the reversible modulation of its biological activity under stress conditions. In contrast, the formation of robust and irreversible cross-β fibrils by PSMα1 corresponds to its role in biofilm stability. These findings emphasize how the unique fibril morphologies and thermostability of PSMα1 and PSMα3 shape their functional roles in various environments of S. aureus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bader Rayan
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eilon Barnea
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alexander Khokhlov
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alexander Upcher
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Meytal Landau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany
- The Center for Experimental Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Buchanan JA, Varghese NR, Johnston CL, Sunde M. Functional Amyloids: Where Supramolecular Amyloid Assembly Controls Biological Activity or Generates New Functionality. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167919. [PMID: 37330295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Functional amyloids are a rapidly expanding class of fibrillar protein structures, with a core cross-β scaffold, where novel and advantageous biological function is generated by the assembly of the amyloid. The growing number of amyloid structures determined at high resolution reveal how this supramolecular template both accommodates a wide variety of amino acid sequences and also imposes selectivity on the assembly process. The amyloid fibril can no longer be considered a generic aggregate, even when associated with disease and loss of function. In functional amyloids the polymeric β-sheet rich structure provides multiple different examples of unique control mechanisms and structures that are finely tuned to deliver assembly or disassembly in response to physiological or environmental cues. Here we review the range of mechanisms at play in natural, functional amyloids, where tight control of amyloidogenicity is achieved by environmental triggers of conformational change, proteolytic generation of amyloidogenic fragments, or heteromeric seeding and amyloid fibril stability. In the amyloid fibril form, activity can be regulated by pH, ligand binding and higher order protofilament or fibril architectures that impact the arrangement of associated domains and amyloid stability. The growing understanding of the molecular basis for the control of structure and functionality delivered by natural amyloids in nearly all life forms should inform the development of therapies for amyloid-associated diseases and guide the design of innovative biomaterials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Buchanan
- School of Medical Sciences and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Nikhil R Varghese
- School of Medical Sciences and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Caitlin L Johnston
- School of Medical Sciences and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Margaret Sunde
- School of Medical Sciences and Sydney Nano, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Szefczyk M, Szulc N, Gąsior-Głogowska M, Bystranowska D, Żak A, Sikora A, Polańska O, Ożyhar A, Berlicki Ł. The application of the hierarchical approach for the construction of foldameric peptide self-assembled nanostructures. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3828-3840. [PMID: 37191235 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00005b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we show that a hierarchical approach for the construction of nanofibrils based on α,β-peptide foldamers is a rational method for the design of novel self-assembled nanomaterials based on peptides. Incorporation of a trans-(1S,2S)-2-aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid residue into the outer positions of the model coiled-coil peptide led to the formation of helical foldamers, which was determined by circular dichroism (CD) and vibrational spectroscopy. The oligomerization state of the obtained peptides in water was established by analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). The thioflavin T assay and Congo red methods showed that the obtained α,β-peptides possess a strong tendency to aggregate, leading to the formation of self-assembled nanostructures, which were assessed by microscopic techniques. The location of the β-amino acid in the heptad repeat of the coiled-coil structure proved to have an influence on the secondary structure of the obtained peptides and on the morphology of the self-assembled nanostructures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Szefczyk
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Natalia Szulc
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Norwida 25, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marlena Gąsior-Głogowska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominika Bystranowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Żak
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
- Advanced Materials Engineering and Modelling Group, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Sikora
- Faculty of Electronics, Photonics and Microsystems, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Oliwia Polańska
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Fundamental Problems of Technology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Andrzej Ożyhar
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Berlicki
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wybrzeże Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Indig RY, Landau M. Designed inhibitors to reduce amyloid virulence and cytotoxicity and combat neurodegenerative and infectious diseases. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2023; 75:102318. [PMID: 37196450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2023.102318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The review highlights the role of amyloids in various diseases and the challenges associated with targeting human amyloids in therapeutic development. However, due to the better understanding of microbial amyloids' role as virulence factors, there is a growing interest in repurposing and designing anti-amyloid compounds for antivirulence therapy. The identification of amyloid inhibitors has not only significant clinical implications but also provides valuable insights into the structure and function of amyloids. The review showcases small molecules and peptides that specifically target amyloids in both humans and microbes, reducing cytotoxicity and biofilm formation, respectively. The review emphasizes the importance of further research on amyloid structures, mechanisms, and interactions across all life forms to yield new drug targets and improve the design of selective treatments. Overall, the review highlights the potential for amyloid inhibitors in therapeutic development for both human diseases and microbial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rinat Yona Indig
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Meytal Landau
- Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel; Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) and Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Hamburg, Germany; Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Myszor IT, Gudmundsson GH. Modulation of innate immunity in airway epithelium for host-directed therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197908. [PMID: 37251385 PMCID: PMC10213533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity of the mucosal surfaces provides the first-line defense from invading pathogens and pollutants conferring protection from the external environment. Innate immune system of the airway epithelium consists of several components including the mucus layer, mucociliary clearance of beating cilia, production of host defense peptides, epithelial barrier integrity provided by tight and adherens junctions, pathogen recognition receptors, receptors for chemokines and cytokines, production of reactive oxygen species, and autophagy. Therefore, multiple components interplay with each other for efficient protection from pathogens that still can subvert host innate immune defenses. Hence, the modulation of innate immune responses with different inducers to boost host endogenous front-line defenses in the lung epithelium to fend off pathogens and to enhance epithelial innate immune responses in the immunocompromised individuals is of interest for host-directed therapy. Herein, we reviewed possibilities of modulation innate immune responses in the airway epithelium for host-directed therapy presenting an alternative approach to standard antibiotics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iwona T. Myszor
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gudmundur Hrafn Gudmundsson
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Biomedical Center, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Richards L, Flores MD, Millán C, Glynn C, Zee CT, Sawaya MR, Gallagher-Jones M, Borges RJ, Usón I, Rodriguez JA. Fragment-Based Ab Initio Phasing of Peptidic Nanocrystals by MicroED. ACS BIO & MED CHEM AU 2023; 3:201-210. [PMID: 37096030 PMCID: PMC10119933 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomedchemau.2c00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Electron diffraction (MicroED/3DED) can render the three-dimensional atomic structures of molecules from previously unamenable samples. The approach has been particularly transformative for peptidic structures, where MicroED has revealed novel structures of naturally occurring peptides, synthetic protein fragments, and peptide-based natural products. Despite its transformative potential, MicroED is beholden to the crystallographic phase problem, which challenges its de novo determination of structures. ARCIMBOLDO, an automated, fragment-based approach to structure determination, eliminates the need for atomic resolution, instead enforcing stereochemical constraints through libraries of small model fragments, and discerning congruent motifs in solution space to ensure validation. This approach expands the reach of MicroED to presently inaccessible peptide structures including fragments of human amyloids, and yeast and mammalian prions. For electron diffraction, fragment-based phasing portends a more general phasing solution with limited model bias for a wider set of chemical structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Logan
S. Richards
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and
Proteomics; STROBE, NSF Science and Technology Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Maria D. Flores
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and
Proteomics; STROBE, NSF Science and Technology Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Claudia Millán
- Crystallographic
Methods, Institute of Molecular Biology
of Barcelona (IBMB−CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, Baldiri
Reixach 15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Calina Glynn
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and
Proteomics; STROBE, NSF Science and Technology Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Chih-Te Zee
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and
Proteomics; STROBE, NSF Science and Technology Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Michael R. Sawaya
- Department
of Biological Chemistry and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Howard
Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and
Proteomics, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Marcus Gallagher-Jones
- Correlated
Imaging, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, Harwell Science & Innovation
Campus, Rutherford Avenue, Harwell, Didcot OX11 0GD, United Kingdom
| | - Rafael J. Borges
- Crystallographic
Methods, Institute of Molecular Biology
of Barcelona (IBMB−CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, Baldiri
Reixach 15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Usón
- Crystallographic
Methods, Institute of Molecular Biology
of Barcelona (IBMB−CSIC), Barcelona Science Park, Helix Building, Baldiri
Reixach 15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA,
Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose A. Rodriguez
- Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry; UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and
Proteomics; STROBE, NSF Science and Technology Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chen T, Ren C, Wong NK, Yan A, Sun C, Fan D, Luo P, Jiang X, Zhang L, Ruan Y, Li J, Wu X, Huo D, Huang J, Li X, Wu F, E Z, Cheng C, Zhang X, Wang Y, Hu C. The Holothuria leucospilota genome elucidates sacrificial organ expulsion and bioadhesive trap enriched with amyloid-patterned proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2213512120. [PMID: 37036994 PMCID: PMC10120082 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2213512120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Some tropical sea cucumbers of the family Holothuriidae can efficiently repel or even fatally ensnare predators by sacrificially ejecting a bioadhesive matrix termed the Cuvierian organ (CO), so named by the French zoologist Georges Cuvier who first described it in 1831. Still, the precise mechanisms for how adhesiveness genetically arose in CO and how sea cucumbers perceive and transduce danger signals for CO expulsion during defense have remained unclear. Here, we report the first high-quality, chromosome-level genome assembly of Holothuria leucospilota, an ecologically significant sea cucumber with prototypical CO. The H. leucospilota genome reveals characteristic long-repeat signatures in CO-specific outer-layer proteins, analogous to fibrous proteins of disparate species origins, including spider spidroin and silkworm fibroin. Intriguingly, several CO-specific proteins occur with amyloid-like patterns featuring extensive intramolecular cross-β structures readily stainable by amyloid indicator dyes. Distinct proteins within the CO connective tissue and outer surface cooperate to give the expelled matrix its apparent tenacity and adhesiveness, respectively. Genomic evidence offers further hints that H. leucospilota directly transduces predator-induced mechanical pressure onto the CO surface through mediation by transient receptor potential channels, which culminates in acetylcholine-triggered CO expulsion in part or in entirety. Evolutionarily, innovative events in two distinct regions of the H. leucospilota genome have apparently spurred CO's differentiation from the respiratory tree to a lethal defensive organ against predators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, China
| | - Chunhua Ren
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, China
| | - Nai-Kei Wong
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou515041, China
| | - Aifen Yan
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan528225, China
| | - Caiyun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China
- Institute of Aquatic Economic Animals and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Aquatic Economic Animals, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510275, China
| | - Dingding Fan
- EasyATGC Limited Liability Company, Shenzhen518081, China
| | - Peng Luo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, China
| | - Lvping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, China
| | - Yao Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Jiaxi Li
- School of Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan528225, China
| | - Xiaofen Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Da Huo
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Jiasheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Xiaomin Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Feifei Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Zixuan E
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Chuhang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning530007, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou511458, China
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, South Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou510301, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning530007, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang Y, Geng Q, Zhang Y, Adler-Abramovich L, Fan X, Mei D, Gazit E, Tao K. Fmoc-diphenylalanine gelating nanoarchitectonics: A simplistic peptide self-assembly to meet complex applications. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 636:113-133. [PMID: 36623365 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.12.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-diphenylalanine (Fmoc-FF), has been has been extensively explored due to its ultrafast self-assembly kinetics, inherent biocompatibility, tunable physicochemical properties, and especially, the capability of forming self-sustained gels under physiological conditions. Consequently, various methodologies to develop Fmoc-FF gels and their corresponding applications in biomedical and industrial fields have been extensively studied. Herein, we systemically summarize the mechanisms underlying Fmoc-FF self-assembly, discuss the preparation methodologies of Fmoc-FF hydrogels, and then deliberate the properties as well as the diverse applications of Fmoc-FF self-assemblies. Finally, the contemporary shortcomings which limit the development of Fmoc-FF self-assembly are raised and the alternative solutions are proposed, along with future research perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Qiang Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, College of Chemical Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), 66 Changjiang West Road, Qingdao 266580, China
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| | - Xinyuan Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China
| | - Deqing Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Ehud Gazit
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman, Tel Aviv University, 6997801 Tel Aviv, Israel; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| | - Kai Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311200, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China; Zhejiang-Israel Joint Laboratory of Self-Assembling Functional Materials, Hangzhou 311200, China.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
John T, Piantavigna S, Dealey TJA, Abel B, Risselada HJ, Martin LL. Lipid oxidation controls peptide self-assembly near membranes through a surface attraction mechanism. Chem Sci 2023; 14:3730-3741. [PMID: 37035708 PMCID: PMC10074436 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc00159h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The self-assembly of peptides into supramolecular structures has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases but has also been observed in functional roles. Peptides are physiologically exposed to crowded environments of biomacromolecules, and particularly cellular membrane lipids. Previous research has shown that membranes can both accelerate and inhibit peptide self-assembly. Here, we studied the impact of membrane models that mimic cellular oxidative stress and compared this to mammalian and bacterial membranes. Using molecular dynamics simulations and experiments, we propose a model that explains how changes in peptide-membrane binding, electrostatics, and peptide secondary structure stabilization determine the nature of peptide self-assembly. We explored the influence of zwitterionic (POPC), anionic (POPG) and oxidized (PazePC) phospholipids, as well as cholesterol, and mixtures thereof, on the self-assembly kinetics of the amyloid β (1-40) peptide (Aβ40), linked to Alzheimer's disease, and the amyloid-forming antimicrobial peptide uperin 3.5 (U3.5). We show that the presence of an oxidized lipid had similar effects on peptide self-assembly as the bacterial mimetic membrane. While Aβ40 fibril formation was accelerated, U3.5 aggregation was inhibited by the same lipids at the same peptide-to-lipid ratio. We attribute these findings and peptide-specific effects to differences in peptide-membrane adsorption with U3.5 being more strongly bound to the membrane surface and stabilized in an α-helical conformation compared to Aβ40. Different peptide-to-lipid ratios resulted in different effects. We found that electrostatic interactions are a primary driving force for peptide-membrane interaction, enabling us to propose a model for predicting how cellular changes might impact peptide self-assembly in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Torsten John
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
- Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
- Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | | | - Tiara J A Dealey
- School of Chemistry, Monash University Clayton VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Bernd Abel
- Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
- Wilhelm-Ostwald-Institute for Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Technology, Leipzig University Linnéstraße 3 04103 Leipzig Germany
| | - Herre Jelger Risselada
- Leibniz Institute of Surface Engineering (IOM) Permoserstraße 15 04318 Leipzig Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1 37077 Göttingen Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Diaz C, Missirlis D. Amyloid-Based Albumin Hydrogels. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201748. [PMID: 36469813 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils may serve as building blocks for the preparation of novel hydrogel materials from abundant, low-cost, and biocompatible polypeptides. This work presents the formation of physically cross-linked, self-healing hydrogels based on bovine serum albumin at room temperature through a straightforward disulfide reduction step induced by tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride. The structure and surface charge of the amyloid-like fibrils is determined by the pH of the solution during self-assembly, giving rise to hydrogels with distinct physicochemical properties. The hydrogel surface can be readily functionalized with the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin and supports cell adhesion, spreading, and long-term culture. This study offers a simple, versatile, and inexpensive method to prepare amyloid-based albumin hydrogels with potential applications in the biomedical field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Diaz
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, UNLP - CONICET, CC16 Suc 4 (1900), La Plata, Buenos Aires, 1900, Argentina
| | - Dimitris Missirlis
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Max-Planck-Institute for Medical Research, Jahnstr. 29, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Maekawa T, Kashkar H, Coll NS. Dying in self-defence: a comparative overview of immunogenic cell death signalling in animals and plants. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:258-268. [PMID: 36195671 PMCID: PMC9950082 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-022-01060-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Host organisms utilise a range of genetically encoded cell death programmes in response to pathogen challenge. Host cell death can restrict pathogen proliferation by depleting their replicative niche and at the same time dying cells can alert neighbouring cells to prepare environmental conditions favouring future pathogen attacks. As expected, many pathogenic microbes have strategies to subvert host cell death to promote their virulence. The structural and lifestyle differences between animals and plants have been anticipated to shape very different host defence mechanisms. However, an emerging body of evidence indicates that several components of the host-pathogen interaction machinery are shared between the two major branches of eukaryotic life. Many proteins involved in cell death execution or cell death-associated immunity in plants and animals exert direct effects on endomembrane and loss of membrane integrity has been proposed to explain the potential immunogenicity of dying cells. In this review we aim to provide a comparative view on how cell death processes are linked to anti-microbial defence mechanisms in plants and animals and how pathogens interfere with these cell death programmes. In comparison to the several well-defined cell death programmes in animals, immunogenic cell death in plant defence is broadly defined as the hypersensitive response. Our comparative overview may help discerning whether specific types of immunogenic cell death exist in plants, and correspondingly, it may provide new hints for previously undiscovered cell death mechanism in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Maekawa
- Department of Biology, Institute for Plant Sciences, University of Cologne, 50674, Cologne, Germany.
- CEPLAS Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences at the University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Hamid Kashkar
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Institute for Molecular Immunology, University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Núria S Coll
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08001, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Krumberger M, Li X, Kreutzer AG, Peoples AJ, Nitti AG, Cunningham AM, Jones CR, Achorn C, Ling LL, Hughes DE, Nowick JS. Synthesis and Stereochemical Determination of the Peptide Antibiotic Novo29. J Org Chem 2023; 88:2214-2220. [PMID: 36655882 PMCID: PMC9942206 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.2c02648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the synthesis and stereochemical determination of Novo29 (clovibactin), a new peptide antibiotic that is related to teixobactin and is active against Gram-positive bacteria. Novo29 is an eight-residue depsipeptide that contains the noncanonical amino acid hydroxyasparagine of hitherto undetermined stereochemistry in a macrolactone ring. The amino acid building blocks Fmoc-(2R,3R)-hydroxyasparagine-OH and Fmoc-(2R,3S)-hydroxyasparagine-OH were synthesized from (R,R)- and (S,S)-diethyl tartrate. Novo29 and epi-Novo29 were then prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis using these building blocks. Correlation with an authentic sample of Novo29 through 1H NMR spectroscopy, LC-MS, and in vitro antibiotic activity established that Novo29 contains (2R,3R)-hydroxyasparagine. X-ray crystallography reveals that epi-Novo29 adopts an amphiphilic conformation, with a hydrophobic surface and a hydrophilic surface. Four sets of epi-Novo29 molecules pack in the crystal lattice to form a hydrophobic core. The macrolactone ring adopts a conformation in which the main-chain amide NH groups converge to create a cavity, which binds ordered water and acetate anion. The amphiphilic conformation of epi-Novo29 is reminiscent of the amphiphilic conformation adopted by the related antibiotic teixobactin and its derivatives, which contains a hydrophobic surface that interacts with the lipids of the bacterial cell membrane and a hydrophilic surface that interacts with the aqueous environment. Molecular modeling suggests that Novo29 can adopt an amphiphilic conformation similar to teixobactin, suggesting that Novo29 may interact with bacteria in a similar fashion to teixobactin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maj Krumberger
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States
| | - Xingyue Li
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States
| | - Adam G. Kreutzer
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States
| | - Aaron J. Peoples
- NovoBiotic
Pharmaceuticals LLC, 767C Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts02138, United States
| | - Anthony G. Nitti
- NovoBiotic
Pharmaceuticals LLC, 767C Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts02138, United States
| | - Andrew M. Cunningham
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States
| | - Chelsea R. Jones
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States
| | - Catherine Achorn
- NovoBiotic
Pharmaceuticals LLC, 767C Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts02138, United States
| | - Losee L. Ling
- NovoBiotic
Pharmaceuticals LLC, 767C Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts02138, United States
| | - Dallas E. Hughes
- NovoBiotic
Pharmaceuticals LLC, 767C Concord Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts02138, United States
| | - James S. Nowick
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States,Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
California, Irvine, Irvine, California92697, United States,
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Baltutis V, O'Leary PD, Martin LL. Self-Assembly of Linear, Natural Antimicrobial Peptides: An Evolutionary Perspective. Chempluschem 2022; 87:e202200240. [PMID: 36198638 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202200240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are an ancient and innate system of host defence against a wide range of microbial assailants. Mechanistically, unstructured peptides undergo a secondary structure transition into amphipathic α-helices, upon contact with membrane surfaces. This leads to peptide binding and removal of the membrane components in a detergent-like manner or via self-organisation into trans-membrane pores (either barrel-stave or toroidal pore) thereby destroying the microbe. Self-assembly of antimicrobial peptides into oligomers and ultimately amyloid has been mostly examined in parallel, however recent findings link diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease as an aberrant activity of a protective neuropeptide with antimicrobial activity. These self-assembled oligomers can also interact with membranes. Here, we review those antimicrobial peptides reported to self-assemble into amyloid, where supported by structural evidence. We consider their membrane activities as antimicrobial peptides and present evidence of consistent self-assembly patterns across major evolutionary groups. Trends are apparent across these groups, supporting the mounting data that self-assembly of antimicrobial peptides into amyloid should be considered as synergistic to the antimicrobial peptide response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verity Baltutis
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, 3800, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Paul D O'Leary
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, 3800, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| | - Lisandra L Martin
- School of Chemistry, Monash University, 3800, Clayton, Vic, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Böhning J, Ghrayeb M, Pedebos C, Abbas DK, Khalid S, Chai L, Bharat TAM. Donor-strand exchange drives assembly of the TasA scaffold in Bacillus subtilis biofilms. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7082. [PMID: 36400765 PMCID: PMC9674648 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34700-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteria in nature exist in multicellular communities termed biofilms, where cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix that provides rigidity to the biofilm and protects cells from chemical and mechanical stresses. In the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis, TasA is the major protein component of the biofilm matrix, where it has been reported to form functional amyloid fibres contributing to biofilm structure and stability. Here, we present electron cryomicroscopy structures of TasA fibres, which show that, rather than forming amyloid fibrils, TasA monomers assemble into fibres through donor-strand exchange, with each subunit donating a β-strand to complete the fold of the next subunit along the fibre. Combining electron cryotomography, atomic force microscopy, and mutational studies, we show how TasA fibres congregate in three dimensions to form abundant fibre bundles that are essential for B. subtilis biofilm formation. Our study explains the previously observed biochemical properties of TasA and shows how a bacterial extracellular globular protein can assemble from monomers into β-sheet-rich fibres, and how such fibres assemble into bundles in biofilms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Böhning
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE UK
| | - Mnar Ghrayeb
- grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel ,grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 91904 Israel
| | - Conrado Pedebos
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU UK
| | - Daniel K. Abbas
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE UK
| | - Syma Khalid
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU UK
| | - Liraz Chai
- Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel. .,The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel.
| | - Tanmay A. M. Bharat
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE UK ,grid.42475.300000 0004 0605 769XStructural Studies Division, MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH UK
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
A dual-stimuli responsive electrochemiluminescence biosensor for pathogenic bacterial sensing and killing in foods. Talanta 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
49
|
Qing R, Hao S, Smorodina E, Jin D, Zalevsky A, Zhang S. Protein Design: From the Aspect of Water Solubility and Stability. Chem Rev 2022; 122:14085-14179. [PMID: 35921495 PMCID: PMC9523718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Water solubility and structural stability are key merits for proteins defined by the primary sequence and 3D-conformation. Their manipulation represents important aspects of the protein design field that relies on the accurate placement of amino acids and molecular interactions, guided by underlying physiochemical principles. Emulated designer proteins with well-defined properties both fuel the knowledge-base for more precise computational design models and are used in various biomedical and nanotechnological applications. The continuous developments in protein science, increasing computing power, new algorithms, and characterization techniques provide sophisticated toolkits for solubility design beyond guess work. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the protein design field with respect to water solubility and structural stability. After introducing fundamental design rules, we discuss the transmembrane protein solubilization and de novo transmembrane protein design. Traditional strategies to enhance protein solubility and structural stability are introduced. The designs of stable protein complexes and high-order assemblies are covered. Computational methodologies behind these endeavors, including structure prediction programs, machine learning algorithms, and specialty software dedicated to the evaluation of protein solubility and aggregation, are discussed. The findings and opportunities for Cryo-EM are presented. This review provides an overview of significant progress and prospects in accurate protein design for solubility and stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qing
- State
Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, School of Life Sciences and
Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- The
David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shilei Hao
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
- Key
Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Eva Smorodina
- Department
of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo
University Hospital, Oslo 0424, Norway
| | - David Jin
- Avalon GloboCare
Corp., Freehold, New Jersey 07728, United States
| | - Arthur Zalevsky
- Laboratory
of Bioinformatics Approaches in Combinatorial Chemistry and Biology, Shemyakin−Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic
Chemistry RAS, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Shuguang Zhang
- Media
Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Buell AK. Stability matters, too - the thermodynamics of amyloid fibril formation. Chem Sci 2022; 13:10177-10192. [PMID: 36277637 PMCID: PMC9473512 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06782f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibrils are supramolecular homopolymers of proteins that play important roles in biological functions and disease. These objects have received an exponential increase in attention during the last few decades, due to their role in the aetiology of a range of severe disorders, most notably some of a neurodegenerative nature. While an overwhelming number of experimental studies exist that investigate how, and how fast, amyloid fibrils form and how their formation can be inhibited, a much more limited body of experimental work attempts to answer the question as to why these types of structures form (i.e. the thermodynamic driving force) and how stable they actually are. In this review, I attempt to give an overview of the types of experiments that have been performed to-date to answer these questions, and to summarise our current understanding of amyloid thermodynamics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander K Buell
- Technical University of Denmark, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine Søltofts Plads, Building 227 2800 Kgs. Lyngby Denmark
| |
Collapse
|