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Haddad H, Tangy F, Ouahchi I, Sahtout W, Ouni B, Zaïri A. Evaluation of the antiviral activity of new dermaseptin analogs against Zika virus. Biochem Biophys Rep 2024; 39:101747. [PMID: 38939125 PMCID: PMC11208914 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus represents the primary cause of infection during pregnancy and can lead to various neurological disorders such as microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome affecting both children and adults. This infection is also associated with urological and nephrological problems. So far, evidence of mosquito-borne Zika virus infection has been reported in a total of 89 countries and territories. However, surveillance efforts primarily concentrate on outbreaks that this virus can cause, yet the measures implemented are typically limited. Currently, there are no specific treatments or vaccines designed for the prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection or its associated disease. The development of effective therapeutic agents presents an urgent need. Importantly, an alternative for advancing the discovery of new molecules could be dermaseptins, a family of antimicrobial peptides known for their potential antiviral properties. In this study, we carried out the synthesis of dermaseptins and their analogs and subsequently assessed the bioactivity tests against Zika virus (ZIKV PF13) of dermaseptins B2 and S4 and their derivatives. The cytotoxicity of these peptides was investigated on HMC3 cell line and HeLa cells by CellTiter-Glo® Luminescent Cell Viability Assay. Thereafter, we evaluated the antiviral activity caused by the action of our dermaseptins on the viral envelope using the Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). The cytotoxicity of our molecules was concentration-dependent at microgram concentrations Expect for dermaseptin B2 and its derivative which present no toxicity against HeLa and HMC3 cell lines. It was observed that all tested analogs from S4 family exhibited antiviral activity with low concentrations ranging from 3 to 12.5 μg/ml , unlike the native B2 and its derivative which increased the infectivity. Pre-incubating of dermaseptins with ZIKV PF13 before infection revealed that these derivatives inhibit the initial stages of virus infection. In summary, these results suggest that dermaseptins could serve as novel lead structures for the development of potent antiviral agents against Zika virus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Haddad
- BIOLIVAL Laboratory, LR14ES06, The Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir ISBM, University of Monastir, Monastir, 5000, Tunisia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, 4002, Tunisia
| | - Frédéric Tangy
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Vaccines-innovation Laboratory, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Ines Ouahchi
- Cytogenetics and Reproductive Biology department, Farhat Hached University Teaching Hospital, University of Sousse, 4000, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Wissal Sahtout
- Nephrology Department, Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, 4054, Sousse, Tunisia
- Research Laboratory LR12SP11, Biochemistry Department, Sahloul University Hospital, University of Sousse, 4054, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Bouraoui Ouni
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, 4002, ousse, Tunisia
| | - Amira Zaïri
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse, 4002, Tunisia
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2
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Proaño-Bolaños C, Morán-Marcillo G, Espinosa de Los Monteros-Silva N, Bermúdez-Puga S, Salazar MA, Blasco-Zúñiga A, Cuesta S, Molina C, Espinosa F, Meneses L, Rojas-Silva P, Zapata Mena S, Sáenz FE, Rivera I M, Costales JA. Bioactivity of synthetic peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions against Leishmania mexicana, Plasmodium falciparum, and Trypanosoma cruzi. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0333923. [PMID: 39012112 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03339-23] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and malaria are major parasitic diseases disproportionately affecting the underprivileged population in developing nations. Finding new, alternative anti-parasitic compounds to treat these diseases is crucial because of the limited number of options currently available, the side effects they cause, the need for long treatment courses, and the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) derived from amphibian skin secretions are small bioactive molecules capable of lysing the cell membrane of pathogens while having low toxicity against human cells. Here, we report the anti-parasitic activity of five AMPs derived from skin secretions of three Ecuadorian frogs: cruzioseptin-1, cruzioseptin-4 (CZS-4), and cruzioseptin-16 from Cruziohyla calcarifer; dermaseptin-SP2 from Agalychnis spurrelli; and pictuseptin-1 from Boana picturata. These five AMPs were chemically synthesized. Initially, the hemolytic activity of CZS-4 and its minimal inhibitory concentration against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans were determined. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of the synthetic AMPs against mammalian cells and their anti-parasitic activity against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes, erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and mammalian stages of Trypanosoma cruzi were evaluated in vitro. The five AMPs displayed activity against the pathogens studied, with different levels of cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. In silico molecular docking analysis suggests this bioactivity may occur via pore formation in the plasma membrane, resulting in microbial lysis. CZS-4 displayed anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic activities with low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Further studies about this promising AMP are required to gain a better understanding of its activity.IMPORTANCEChagas disease, malaria, and leishmaniasis are major tropical diseases that cause extensive morbidity and mortality, for which available treatment options are unsatisfactory because of limited efficacy and side effects. Frog skin secretions contain molecules with anti-microbial properties known as anti-microbial peptides. We synthesized five peptides derived from the skin secretions of different species of tropical frogs and tested them against cultures of the causative agents of these three diseases, parasites known as Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania mexicana. All the different synthetic peptides studied showed activity against one of more of the parasites. Peptide cruzioseptin-4 is of special interest since it displayed intense activity against parasites while being innocuous against cultured mammalian cells, which indicates it does not simply hold general toxic properties; rather, its activity is specific against the parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Proaño-Bolaños
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Giovanna Morán-Marcillo
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
| | | | - Sebastián Bermúdez-Puga
- Biomolecules Discovery Group, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
- Department of Biochemical-Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mateo A Salazar
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Citogenética y Biomoléculas de Anfibios (LICBA), Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Ailín Blasco-Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Citogenética y Biomoléculas de Anfibios (LICBA), Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sebastián Cuesta
- Laboratorio de Química Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Carolina Molina
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Franklin Espinosa
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Lorena Meneses
- Laboratorio de Química Computacional, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Patricio Rojas-Silva
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sonia Zapata Mena
- Instituto de Microbiología, Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Fabián E Sáenz
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Miryan Rivera I
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Citogenética y Biomoléculas de Anfibios (LICBA), Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina (CISeAL), Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Jaime A Costales
- Centro de Investigación para la Salud en América Latina, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Quito, Ecuador
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3
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Haddad H, Mejri R, de Araujo AR, Zaïri A. Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of New Dermaseptin Derivatives against Acinetobacter baumannii. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:171. [PMID: 38399385 PMCID: PMC10892451 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020171] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Nosocomial infections represent one of the biggest health problems nowadays. Acinetobacter baumannii is known as an opportunistic pathogen in humans, affecting people with compromised immune systems, and is becoming increasingly important as a hospital-derived infection. It is known that in recent years, more and more bacteria have become multidrug-resistant (MDR) and, for this reason, the development of new drugs is a priority. However, these products must not affect the human body, and therefore, cytotoxicity studies are mandatory. In this context, antimicrobial peptides with potential antibacterial proprieties could be an alternative. In this research, we describe the synthesis and the bioactivity of dermaseptins and their derivatives against Acinetobacter baumannii. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was investigated on the HEp-2 cell line by MTT cell viability assay. Thereafter, we studied the morphological alterations caused by the action of one of the active peptides on the bacterial membrane using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cytotoxicity of dermaseptins was concentration-dependent at microgram concentrations. It was observed that all tested analogs exhibited antibacterial activity with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) ranging from 3.125 to 12.5 μg/mL and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) ranging from 6.25 to 25 μg/mL. Microscopic images obtained by AFM revealed morphological changes on the surface of the treated bacteria caused by K4S4(1-16), as well as significant surface alterations. Overall, these findings demonstrate that dermaseptins might constitute new lead structures for the development of potent antibacterial agents against Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Haddad
- BIOLIVAL Laboratory, LR14ES06, The Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir ISBM, University of Monastir, Monastir 5000, Tunisia;
- Biochemistry Department, LR18ES47, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia;
| | - Radhia Mejri
- Biochemistry Department, LR18ES47, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia;
| | - Alyne Rodrigues de Araujo
- Biodiversity and Biotechnology Research Center, BIOTEC, Federal University of Piauí, Parnaíba 64202-020, PI, Brazil;
| | - Amira Zaïri
- Biochemistry Department, LR18ES47, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sousse, Sousse 4002, Tunisia;
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Tripathi AK, Singh J, Trivedi R, Ranade P. Shaping the Future of Antimicrobial Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Antimicrobial Peptides in Biomedical Applications. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:539. [PMID: 37998108 PMCID: PMC10672284 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14110539] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising class of bioactive molecules with the potential to combat infections associated with medical implants and biomaterials. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of antimicrobial peptides in medical implants and biomaterials, along with their diverse clinical applications. The incorporation of AMPs into various medical implants and biomaterials has shown immense potential in mitigating biofilm formation and preventing implant-related infections. We review the latest advancements in biomedical sciences and discuss the AMPs that were immobilized successfully to enhance their efficacy and stability within the implant environment. We also highlight successful examples of AMP coatings for the treatment of surgical site infections (SSIs), contact lenses, dental applications, AMP-incorporated bone grafts, urinary tract infections (UTIs), medical implants, etc. Additionally, we discuss the potential challenges and prospects of AMPs in medical implants, such as effectiveness, instability and implant-related complications. We also discuss strategies that can be employed to overcome the limitations of AMP-coated biomaterials for prolonged longevity in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (R.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Jyotsana Singh
- Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Rucha Trivedi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (R.T.); (P.R.)
| | - Payal Ranade
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (R.T.); (P.R.)
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5
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Pedron CN, Torres MDT, Oliveira CS, Silva AF, Andrade GP, Wang Y, Pinhal MAS, Cerchiaro G, da Silva Junior PI, da Silva FD, Radhakrishnan R, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Oliveira Junior VX. Molecular hybridization strategy for tuning bioactive peptide function. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1067. [PMID: 37857855 PMCID: PMC10587126 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05254-7] [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: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The physicochemical and structural properties of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) determine their mechanism of action and biological function. However, the development of AMPs as therapeutic drugs has been traditionally limited by their toxicity for human cells. Tuning the physicochemical properties of such molecules may abolish toxicity and yield synthetic molecules displaying optimal safety profiles and enhanced antimicrobial activity. Here, natural peptides were modified to improve their activity by the hybridization of sequences from two different active peptide sequences. Hybrid AMPs (hAMPs) were generated by combining the amphipathic faces of the highly toxic peptide VmCT1, derived from scorpion venom, with parts of four other naturally occurring peptides having high antimicrobial activity and low toxicity against human cells. This strategy led to the design of seven synthetic bioactive variants, all of which preserved their structure and presented increased antimicrobial activity (3.1-128 μmol L-1). Five of the peptides (three being hAMPs) presented high antiplasmodial at 0.8 μmol L-1, and virtually no undesired toxic effects against red blood cells. In sum, we demonstrate that peptide hybridization is an effective strategy for redirecting biological activity to generate novel bioactive molecules with desired properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cibele Nicolaski Pedron
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Der Torossian Torres
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cyntia Silva Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
| | - Adriana Farias Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
| | - Gislaine Patricia Andrade
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil
| | - Yiming Wang
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Giselle Cerchiaro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Dias da Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil
| | - Ravi Radhakrishnan
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Vani Xavier Oliveira Junior
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, 09210580, Brazil.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 04044020, Brazil.
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Wells M, Hambye S, Blankert B. Preliminary insight into the potential antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of Bufo bufo and Incilius alvarius poison. Toxicon 2023; 227:107092. [PMID: 36967019 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The rise and spread of resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains are responsible for an increase in therapeutic failures in many of the regions endemic with malaria. The need for new therapeutic candidates is now more urgent than ever. Animal venoms have long been considered as interesting resources to exploit in terms of potential therapeutic candidates. Among these, the cutaneous secretions of toads constitute a rich and diverse source of bioactive molecules. We focused on two different species: Bufo bufo and Incilius alvarius. The dried secretions underwent a solvent-based extraction and were submitted to a systematic bio-guided fractionation approach using preparative thin-layer chromatography. Initial crude extracts were tested in vitro for their antiplasmodial activity. Based on these results, only crude extracts displaying IC50 < 100 μg/mL were considered for further fractionation. All extracts and fractions, including those that did not display antiplasmodial properties, were characterized by chromatographic (LC-UV/MS) and spectrometric techniques (HRMS). Antiplasmodial activity was evaluated in vitro using a chloroquine-sensitive strain (3D7) and a resistant one (W2). Toxicity was assessed on normal human cells for the samples displaying IC50 < 100 μg/mL. Crude extracts from Bufo bufo secretions exhibited no appreciable antiplasmodial activities. However, the methanol and dichloromethane extracts from Incilius alvarius secretions gave IC50 of (34 ± 4) μg/mL and (50 ± 1) μg/mL respectively when tested on W2 strain. No significant effect was observed on 3D7. This poison would warrant further investigation in terms of its antiplasmodial potential. Following preliminary characterization, it was revealed that the fractions of interest contained mainly bufotoxins, bufagins and alkaloids.
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7
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Rojas-Pirela M, Kemmerling U, Quiñones W, Michels PAM, Rojas V. Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs): Potential Therapeutic Strategy against Trypanosomiases? Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040599. [PMID: 37189347 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trypanosomiases are a group of tropical diseases that have devastating health and socio-economic effects worldwide. In humans, these diseases are caused by the pathogenic kinetoplastids Trypanosoma brucei, causing African trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, and Trypanosoma cruzi, causing American trypanosomiasis or Chagas disease. Currently, these diseases lack effective treatment. This is attributed to the high toxicity and limited trypanocidal activity of registered drugs, as well as resistance development and difficulties in their administration. All this has prompted the search for new compounds that can serve as the basis for the development of treatment of these diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides synthesized by both prokaryotes and (unicellular and multicellular) eukaryotes, where they fulfill functions related to competition strategy with other organisms and immune defense. These AMPs can bind and induce perturbation in cell membranes, leading to permeation of molecules, alteration of morphology, disruption of cellular homeostasis, and activation of cell death. These peptides have activity against various pathogenic microorganisms, including parasitic protists. Therefore, they are being considered for new therapeutic strategies to treat some parasitic diseases. In this review, we analyze AMPs as therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of trypanosomiases, emphasizing their possible application as possible candidates for the development of future natural anti-trypanosome drugs.
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8
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Wells M, Fossépré M, Hambye S, Surin M, Blankert B. Uncovering the antimalarial potential of toad venoms through a bioassay-guided fractionation process. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2022; 20:97-107. [PMID: 36343571 PMCID: PMC9772263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains to date one of the most devastating parasitic diseases worldwide. The fight against this disease is rendered more difficult by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains. The need for new therapeutic candidates is now greater than ever. In this study, we investigated the antiplasmodial potential of toad venoms. The wide array of bioactive compounds present in Bufonidae venoms has allowed researchers to consider many potential therapeutic applications, especially for cancers and infectious diseases. We focused on small molecules, namely bufadienolides, found in the venom of Rhinella marina (L.). The developed bio-guided fractionation process includes a four solvent-system extraction followed by fractionation using flash chromatography. Sub-fractions were obtained through preparative TLC. All samples were characterized using chromatographic and spectrometric techniques and then underwent testing on in vitro Plasmodium falciparum cultures. Two strains were considered: 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive) and W2 (chloroquine-resistant). This strategy highlighted a promising activity for one compound named resibufogenin. With IC50 values of (29 ± 8) μg/mL and (23 ± 1) μg/mL for 3D7 and W2 respectively, this makes it an interesting candidate for further investigation. A molecular modelling approach proposed a potential binding mode of resibufogenin to Plasmodium falciparum adenine-triphosphate 4 pump as antimalarial drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Wells
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Fossépré
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Research Institute for Biosciences and Research Institute for Materials, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Hambye
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Surin
- Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, Faculty of Sciences, Research Institute for Biosciences and Research Institute for Materials, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium
| | - Bertrand Blankert
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons - UMONS, Place du Parc 20, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
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9
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Charoenkwan P, Schaduangrat N, Lio P, Moni MA, Chumnanpuen P, Shoombuatong W. iAMAP-SCM: A Novel Computational Tool for Large-Scale Identification of Antimalarial Peptides Using Estimated Propensity Scores of Dipeptides. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:41082-41095. [PMID: 36406571 PMCID: PMC9670693 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c04465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimalarial peptides (AMAPs) varying in length, amino acid composition, charge, conformational structure, hydrophobicity, and amphipathicity reflect their diversity in antimalarial mechanisms. Due to the worldwide major health problem concerning antimicrobial resistance, these peptides possess great therapeutic value owing to their low incidences of drug resistance as compared to conventional antibiotics. Although well-known experimental methods are able to precisely determine the antimalarial activity of peptides, these methods are still time-consuming and costly. Thus, machine learning (ML)-based methods that are capable of identifying AMAPs rapidly by using only sequence information would be beneficial for the high-throughput identification of AMAPs. In this study, we propose the first computational model (termed iAMAP-SCM) for the large-scale identification and characterization of peptides with antimalarial activity by using only sequence information. Specifically, we employed an interpretable scoring card method (SCM) to develop iAMAP-SCM and estimate propensities of 20 amino acids and 400 dipeptides to be AMAPs in a supervised manner. Experimental results showed that iAMAP-SCM could achieve a maximum accuracy and Matthew's coefficient correlation of 0.957 and 0.834, respectively, on the independent test dataset. In addition, SCM-derived propensities of 20 amino acids and selected physicochemical properties were used to provide an understanding of the functional mechanisms of AMAPs. Finally, a user-friendly online computational platform of iAMAP-SCM is publicly available at http://pmlabstack.pythonanywhere.com/iAMAP-SCM. The iAMAP-SCM predictor is anticipated to assist experimental scientists in the high-throughput identification of potential AMAP candidates for the treatment of malaria and other clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phasit Charoenkwan
- Modern
Management and Information Technology, College of Arts, Media and
Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai50200, Thailand
| | - Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center
of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok10700, Thailand
| | - Pietro Lio
- Department
of Computer Science and Technology, University
of Cambridge, CambridgeshireCB3 0FD, U.K.
| | - Mohammad Ali Moni
- Artificial
Intelligence & Digital Health, School of Health and Rehabilitation
Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, St LuciaQLD 4072, Australia
| | - Pramote Chumnanpuen
- Department
of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart
University, Bangkok10900, Thailand
- Omics Center
for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok10900, Thailand
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center
of Data Mining and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok10700, Thailand
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10
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Hazime N, Belguesmia Y, Barras A, Amiche M, Boukherroub R, Drider D. Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Dermaseptin through Its Immobilization on Alginate Nanoparticles-Effects of Menthol and Lactic Acid on Its Potentialization. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060787. [PMID: 35740193 PMCID: PMC9220408 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermaseptin B2 (DRS-B2) is an antimicrobial peptide secreted by Phyllomedusa bicolor, which is an Amazonian tree frog. Here, we show that the adsorption of DRS-B2 on alginate nanoparticles (Alg NPs) results in a formulation (Alg NPs + DRS-B2) with a remarkable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and E. coli 184 strains, which are sensitive and resistant, respectively, to colistin. The antibacterial activity, obtained with this new formulation, is higher than that obtained with DRS-B2 alone. Of note, the addition of lactic acid or menthol to this new formulation augments its antibacterial activity against the aforementioned Gram-negative bacilli. The safety of DRS-B2, and also that of the new formulation supplemented or not with a small molecule such as lactic acid or menthol has been proven on the human erythrocytes and the eukaryotic cell line types HT29 (human) and IPEC-1 (animal). Similarly, their stability was determined under the conditions mimicking the gastrointestinal tract with different conditions: pH, temperature, and the presence of digestive enzymes. Based on all the obtained data, we assume that these new formulations are promising and could be suggested, after in vivo approval and completing regulation aspects, as alternatives to antibiotics to fight infections caused by Gram-negative bacilli such as E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noura Hazime
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.H.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro1158, Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Liège, UPJV, JUNIA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte D’Opale, ICV—Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Yanath Belguesmia
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro1158, Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Liège, UPJV, JUNIA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte D’Opale, ICV—Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Alexandre Barras
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.H.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Mohamed Amiche
- Laboratoire de Biogenèse des Signaux Peptidiques (BioSiPe), Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, Sorbonne Université—CNRS, F-75252 Paris, France;
| | - Rabah Boukherroub
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Centrale Lille, Univ. Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.H.); (A.B.); (R.B.)
| | - Djamel Drider
- UMR Transfrontalière BioEcoAgro1158, Univ. Lille, INRAE, Univ. Liège, UPJV, JUNIA, Univ. Artois, Univ. Littoral Côte D’Opale, ICV—Institut Charles Viollette, F-59000 Lille, France;
- Correspondence:
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11
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Thompson C, Williams ML. Review of the physiological effects of Phyllomedusa bicolor skin secretion peptides on humans receiving Kambô. TOXICOLOGY RESEARCH AND APPLICATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/23978473221085746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Kambô is an Amazonian ritual which includes the application of the defensive secretion of the Phyllomedusa bicolor frog to superficial burns made on the skin of human participants. The secretion, which contains a range of biologically active linear peptides, induces a short purgative experience that is extensively reported by participants to leave them with positive physical, emotional and spiritual after-effects. Various peptides identified in the secretion exert analgesic, vascular, and gastric effects in vivo, and antimicrobial and anti-cancer effects, among others, in vitro. While there has been some investigation into the physiological effects of various individual peptides isolated from the P. bicolor secretion, very little is known about the putative synergistic effects of concurrent administration of the complete substance through the transdermal methods used traditionally in the Kambô ritual. In this review and commentary, the authors summarize the existing biological information from animal research on peptides from the P. bicolor secretion, then consider the evidence in the context of Kambô administration to humans. The presented information suggests that specific peptides are likely to contribute to analogous physiological effects of Kambô in humans. The possibility that beyond their physiological action, the experiential or phenomenological component of these effects may have therapeutic applications is discussed, concluding with a consideration of the feasibility of human clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin L Williams
- Turner Institute of Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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12
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Thompson C, Malcolm B, Tegzes J. Use of Phyllomedusa bicolour secretion during kambô ritual: observational responses, dosage, and risk of adverse events. TOXICOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24734306.2021.2006524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Malcolm
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
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13
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Halder A, Karmakar S. An evidence of pores in phospholipid membrane induced by an antimicrobial peptide NK-2. Biophys Chem 2022; 282:106759. [PMID: 35008010 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2022.106759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
NK-2, a peptide derived from a cationic core region of NK-lysin, has emerged as a promising candidate for new antibiotics. In contrast to classical antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides target bacterial membranes and disintegrate the membrane by forming the transmembrane pores. However, complete understanding of the precise mechanisms of cellular apoptosis and molecular basis of membrane selectivity is still in dispute. In the present study, we have shown that NK-2 forms trans-membrane pores on negatively charged phospholipid membranes using phase contrast microscopy. As bacteria mimicking membranes, we have chosen large unilamellar vesicles (LUV) and giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV) composed of negatively charged phospholipid, dioleoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DOPG) and neutral phospholipid, dioleoyl phophatidylcholine (DOPC). Leakage of internal fluid of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV), leading to decrease in intensity in the halo region of phase contrast micrographs, suggests the formation of transmembrane pores. No such reduction of intensity in the halo region of DOPC was observed, indicating, neutral vesicles does not exhibit pores. Rate constant reckoned from the decaying intensity in the halo region was found to be 0.007 s-1. Further, significant interaction of NK-2 with anionic membranes has been envisaged from zeta potential and dynamic light scattering. Binding free energy and other interaction parameters have been delineated using theoretical ansatz. A proliferation of average Size of anionic LUV on increasing NK-2 concentration indicates membrane-membrane interaction leading to peptide induced large aggregates of vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animesh Halder
- Soft matter and Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Sanat Karmakar
- Soft matter and Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, 188, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700032, India.
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14
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Somsri S, Mungthin M, Klubthawee N, Adisakwattana P, Hanpithakpong W, Aunpad R. A Mitochondria-Penetrating Peptide Exerts Potent Anti-Plasmodium Activity and Localizes at Parasites' Mitochondria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121560. [PMID: 34943772 PMCID: PMC8698686 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are considered a novel drug target as they play a key role in energy production and programmed cell death of eukaryotic cells. The mitochondria of malaria parasites differ from those of their vertebrate hosts, contributing to the drug selectivity and the development of antimalarial drugs. (Fxr)3, a mitochondria-penetrating peptide or MPP, entered malaria-infected red cells without disrupting the membrane and subsequently killed the blood stage of P. falciparum parasites. The effects were more potent on the late stages than on the younger stages. Confocal microscopy showed that the (Fxr)3 intensely localized at the parasite mitochondria. (Fxr)3 highly affected both the lab-strain, chloroquine-resistant K1, and freshly isolated malaria parasites. (Fxr)3 (1 ng/mL to 10 μg/mL) was rarely toxic towards various mammalian cells, i.e., mouse fibroblasts (L929), human leukocytes and erythrocytes. At a thousand times higher concentration (100 μg/mL) than that of the antimalarial activity, cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of (Fxr)3 were observed. Compared with the known antimalarial drug, atovaquone, (Fxr)3 exhibited more rapid killing activity. This is the first report on antimalarial activity of (Fxr)3, showing localization at parasites’ mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangdao Somsri
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (S.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Mathirut Mungthin
- Department of Parasitology, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Natthaporn Klubthawee
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (S.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Warunee Hanpithakpong
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Ratchaneewan Aunpad
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand; (S.S.); (N.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +662-986-9213-9 (ext. 7210)
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15
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Could Dermaseptin Analogue be a Competitive Inhibitor for ACE2 Towards Binding with Viral Spike Protein Causing COVID19?: Computational Investigation. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 27:1043-1056. [PMID: 33488318 PMCID: PMC7811342 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10149-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Initial phase of COVID-19 infection is associated with the binding of viral spike protein S1 receptor binding domain (RBD) with the host cell surface receptor, ACE2. Peptide inhibitors typically interact with spike proteins in order to block its interaction with ACE2, and this knowledge would promote the use of such peptides as therapeutic scaffolds. The present study examined the competitive inhibitor activity of a broad spectrum antimicrobial peptide, Dermaseptin-S4 (S4) and its analogues. Three structural S4 analogues viz., S4 (K4), S4 (K20) and S4 (K4K20) were modelled by substituting charged lysine for non-polar residues in S4 and subsequently, docked with S1. Further, the comparative analysis of inter-residue contacts and non-covalent intermolecular interactions among S1–S4 (K4), S1–S4 (K4K20) and S1–ACE2 complexes were carried out to explore their mode of binding with S1. Interestingly, S1–S4 (K4) established more inter-molecular interactions compared to S4 (K4K20) and S1–ACE2. In order to substantiate this study, the normal mode analysis (NMA) was conducted to show how the structural stability of the flexible loop region in S1 is affected by atomic displacements in unbound S1 and docked complexes. Markedly, the strong interactions consistently maintained by S1–S4 (K4) complex revealed their conformational transition over the harmonic motion period. Moreover, S1–S4 (K4) peptide complex showed a higher energy deformation profile compared to S1–S4 (K4K20), where the higher energy deformation suggests the rigidity of the docked complex and thus it’s harder deformability, which is also substantiated by molecular dynamics simulation. In conclusion, S1–S4 (K4) complex has definitely exhibited a functionally significant dynamics compared to S1–ACE2 complex; this peptide inhibitor, S4 (K4) will need to be considered as the best therapeutic scaffold to block SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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16
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Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity and Improved Stability of a D-Amino Acid Enantiomer of DMPC-10A, the Designed Derivative of Dermaseptin Truncates. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9090627. [PMID: 32967333 PMCID: PMC7557582 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DMPC-10A (ALWKKLLKK-Cha-NH2) is a 10-mer peptide derivative from the N-terminal domain of Dermaseptin-PC which has shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity as well as a considerable hemolytic effect. In order to reduce hemolytic activity and improve stability to endogenous enzymes, a D-amino acid enantiomer (DMPC-10B) was designed by substituting all L-Lys and L-Leu with their respective D-form amino acid residues, while the Ala1 and Trp3 remained unchanged. The D-amino acid enantiomer exhibited similar antimicrobial potency to the parent peptide but exerted lower cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity. Meanwhile, DMPC-10B exhibited remarkable resistance to hydrolysis by trypsin and chymotrypsin. In addition to these advantages, DMPC-10B exhibited an outstanding antibacterial effect against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Klebsiella pneumoniae using the Galleria mellonella larva model and displayed synergistic activities with gentamicin against carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. This indicates that DMPC-10B would be a promising alternative for treating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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17
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Bioinformatic Analysis of 1000 Amphibian Antimicrobial Peptides Uncovers Multiple Length-Dependent Correlations for Peptide Design and Prediction. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9080491. [PMID: 32784626 PMCID: PMC7459754 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9080491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are widely distributed on different continents, except for the polar regions. They are important sources for the isolation, purification and characterization of natural compounds, including peptides with various functions. Innate immune antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play a critical role in warding off invading pathogens, such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. They may also have other biological functions such as endotoxin neutralization, chemotaxis, anti-inflammation, and wound healing. This article documents a bioinformatic analysis of over 1000 amphibian antimicrobial peptides registered in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD) in the past 18 years. These anuran peptides were discovered in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and America from 1985 to 2019. Genomic and peptidomic studies accelerated the discovery pace and underscored the necessity in establishing criteria for peptide entry into the APD. A total of 99.9% of the anuran antimicrobial peptides are less than 50 amino acids with an average length of 24 and a net charge of +2.5. Interestingly, the various amphibian peptide families (e.g., temporins, brevinins, esculentins) can be connected through multiple length-dependent relationships. With an increase in length, peptide net charge increases, while the hydrophobic content decreases. In addition, glycine, leucine, lysine, and proline all show linear correlations with peptide length. These correlations improve our understanding of amphibian peptides and may be useful for prediction and design of new linear peptides with potential applications in treating infectious diseases, cancer and diabetes.
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18
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Santana CJC, Magalhães ACM, Prías-Márquez CA, Falico DA, dos Santos Júnior ACM, Lima BD, Ricart CAO, de Pilger DRB, Bonotto RM, Moraes CB, Freitas-Júnior LH, Álvares ADCM, Freitas SM, Luz IS, Pires Jr. OR, Fontes W, Castro MS. Biological Properties of a Novel Multifunctional Host Defense Peptide from the Skin Secretion of the Chaco Tree Frog, Boana raniceps. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E790. [PMID: 32443921 PMCID: PMC7277517 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the number of new antimicrobial drugs launched on the market has decreased considerably even though there has been an increase in the number of resistant microbial strains. Thus, antimicrobial resistance has become a serious public health problem. Amphibian skin secretions are a rich source of host defense peptides, which generally are cationic and hydrophobic molecules, with a broad-spectrum of activity. In this study, one novel multifunctional defense peptide was isolated from the skin secretion of the Chaco tree frog, Boana raniceps. Figainin 2 (1FLGAILKIGHALAKTVLPMVTNAFKPKQ28) is cationic and hydrophobic, adopts an α-helical structure in 50% (v/v) trifluoroethanol (TFE), and is thermally stable. This peptide exhibited activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria arboviruses, T. cruzi epimastigotes; however, it did not show activity against yeasts. Figainin 2 also showed antiproliferative activity on cancer cells, is moderately active on human erythrocytes, and activates the oxidative burst in human neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos José Correia Santana
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Ana Carolina Martins Magalhães
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
| | - César Augusto Prías-Márquez
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Diego A. Falico
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Agenor C. M. dos Santos Júnior
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
- Laboratory of Gene Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil;
| | - Beatriz D. Lima
- Laboratory of Gene Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil;
| | - Carlos André Ornelas Ricart
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Denise Regina Bairros de Pilger
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Rafaela Milan Bonotto
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Carolina Borsoi Moraes
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Lúcio H. Freitas-Júnior
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05.508-900, Brazil; (D.R.B.d.P.); (R.M.B.); (C.B.M.); (L.H.F.-J.)
| | - Alice da Cunha Morales Álvares
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.d.C.M.Á.); (S.M.F.)
| | - Sonia Maria Freitas
- Laboratory of Biophysics, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.d.C.M.Á.); (S.M.F.)
| | - Isabelle S. Luz
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Jr.
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
| | - Mariana S. Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (C.J.C.S.); (A.C.M.M.); (C.A.P.-M.); (D.A.F.); (O.R.P.J.)
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília 70.910-900, Brazil; (A.C.M.d.S.J.); (C.A.O.R.); (I.S.L.); (W.F.)
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19
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Bartels EJH, Dekker D, Amiche M. Dermaseptins, Multifunctional Antimicrobial Peptides: A Review of Their Pharmacology, Effectivity, Mechanism of Action, and Possible Future Directions. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1421. [PMID: 31849670 PMCID: PMC6901996 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermaseptins are a group of α-helical shaped polycationic peptides isolated from the Hylid frogs, with antimicrobial effects against bacteria, parasites, protozoa, viruses in vitro. Besides, anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated. However, few animal experiments and no clinical trials have been conducted thus far. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the pharmacology, ethno pharmacology, effectivity against infectious pathogens and tumors cells and the mechanism of action of the Dermaseptins. Future research should focus on further clarification of the mechanisms of action, the effectivity of Dermaseptins against several cancer cell lines and their applicability in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douwe Dekker
- Dutch Poisons Information Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mohamed Amiche
- Mondor Institute of Biomedical Research, INSERM U955 Team 7, School of Medicine, University Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
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20
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Ying Y, Wang H, Xi X, Ma C, Liu Y, Zhou M, Du Q, Burrows JF, Wei M, Chen T, Wang L. Design of N-Terminal Derivatives from a Novel Dermaseptin Exhibiting Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity against Isolates from Cystic Fibrosis Patients. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9110646. [PMID: 31653005 PMCID: PMC6920804 DOI: 10.3390/biom9110646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermaseptins are an antimicrobial peptide family widely identified from the skin secretions of phyllomeudusinae frogs. Here, we identify Dermaseptin-PC (DM-PC), from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa coelestis, and further investigate the properties of this peptide, and a number of rationally designed truncated derivatives. The truncated 19-mer derived from the N-terminus exhibited similar antimicrobial potency when compared to the parent peptide, but the haemolytic effect of this truncated peptide was significantly decreased. Based on previous studies, the charge and hydrophobicity of truncated derivatives can affect the bioactivity of these peptides and thus we designed a 10-mer derivative with an optimised positive charge and a cyclohexylalanine (Cha) at the C-terminus for enhancing the hydrophobicity, DMPC-10A, which retained the antimicrobial activity of the parent peptide. To further investigate the influence of Cha at the C-terminus on activity, it was substituted by alanine (Ala) to generate another derivative, DMPC-10, but this was found to be much less potent. In addition, DM-PC, DMPC-19 and DMPC-10A not only rapidly killed planktonic bacteria isolated from cystic fibrosis (CF) patient, but also effectively eradicated their biofilm matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ying
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Yue Liu
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Qiang Du
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - James F Burrows
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Minjie Wei
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Chirality-Dependent Adsorption between Amphipathic Peptide and POPC Membrane. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194760. [PMID: 31557910 PMCID: PMC6801444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions between chiral molecules and cell membranes have attracted more and more attention in recent decades, due to their importance in molecular science and medical applications. It is observed that some peptides composed of different chiral amino acids may have distinct interactions with a membrane. How does the membrane exhibit a selective behavior related to the chirality of the peptides? Microscopically, the interactions between the peptides and the membrane are poorly understood. In this work, we study the interactions between an amphipathic peptide (C6) and POPC membrane with simulations. The kinetics and thermodynamics of peptide enantiomers during the adsorption to the membrane are characterized with direct simulations and umbrella sampling. It is observed that there are slow kinetics for the peptide composed of D-type amino acids. Along the observed pathways, the free energy landscapes are determined with umbrella sampling techniques. A free-energy barrier for the peptide composed of D-amino acids is observed, which is consistent with the kinetic observations. The results indicate the concurrent adsorption and rotation of the peptide helix. The local interactions between the peptides and the membrane are examined in detail, including the contact interactions between the peptides and the membrane, and the distributions of the lipids around the peptide. There are observable differences of the local interactions for the cases related to different peptide enantiomers. These results further demonstrate the importance of the rotation of peptide helix during the adsorption. More interestingly, all these kinetic differences between peptide enantiomers can be explained based on the conformations of the residue Trp and interactions between Trp and lipid molecules. These results give us a molecular understanding of the mechanism of the chirality-dependent peptide-membrane interactions, and may provide clues to designing systems which are sensitive to the chirality of membranes.
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Barreto-Santamaría A, Patarroyo ME, Curtidor H. Designing and optimizing new antimicrobial peptides: all targets are not the same. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 56:351-373. [DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1631249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Barreto-Santamaría
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia - FIDIC, Receptor-Ligand Department, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
- Universidad del Rosario, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Manuel E. Patarroyo
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia - FIDIC, Receptor-Ligand Department, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
- Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Bogotá, Faculty of Medicine, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Hernando Curtidor
- Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia - FIDIC, Receptor-Ligand Department, Bogotá D.C, Colombia
- Universidad del Rosario, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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Yamamoto K, Takahashi K, Ato M, Iwanaga S, Ohta N. Antimalarial activity of vitamin D3 (VD3) does not result from VD3-induced antimicrobial agents including nitric oxide or cathelicidin. Exp Parasitol 2019; 201:67-77. [PMID: 30904694 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (VD3), the active form of vitamin D, inhibits microbial proliferation. Previously, we used in vivo murine models to investigate the antimalarial activity of VD3 and confirmed potent antimalarial activity in the acute phase. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms underlying the antimalarial activity of VD3 in vivo, particularly extensive inhibition of parasitemia in the acute phase, focusing on nitric oxide (NO), a potent antimalarial molecule. VD3 is a good NO inducer. When most Plasmodium chabaudi AS (PcAS)-infected mice treated with VD3 survived, NO was present in blood samples obtained from VD3-treated mice at a significantly higher rate at 2 and/or 3 days post-infection than that in vehicle-treated control mice. To verify the involvement of NO in the antimalarial activity of VD3, we used aminoguanidine (AG), an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) inhibitor, to abrogate the antimalarial activity of VD3. However, despite AG-induced reductions in NO levels, parasitemia remained inhibited during the acute phase, even in the presence of AG, and the antiplasmodial faculty of VD3 was not ablated. VD3-mediated antimalarial activity irrelevant of NO compelled us to consider another candidate. In a pilot experiment, we used cathelicidin (CAMP), an antimicrobial peptide, since it is known that VD3 induces CAMP synthesis. Serum CAMP levels increased on days 4 or 5 post-infection with or without VD3 administration, but experiments using exogenous CAMP did not display curative effects in PcAS-infected mice. The present study using VD3 to target the malarial parasite thus suggests a potential novel approach to treat malarial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiichi Yamamoto
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
| | - Kentaro Takahashi
- Department of Bio-informational Pharmacology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Manabu Ato
- Department of Mycobacteriology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
| | - Shiroh Iwanaga
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Nobuo Ohta
- Section of Environmental Parasitology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan; Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Japan
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Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptides: A Complex Interplay of Multiple Equilibria. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:175-214. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Lawrence N, Dennis ASM, Lehane AM, Ehmann A, Harvey PJ, Benfield AH, Cheneval O, Henriques ST, Craik DJ, McMorran BJ. Defense Peptides Engineered from Human Platelet Factor 4 Kill Plasmodium by Selective Membrane Disruption. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 25:1140-1150.e5. [PMID: 30033131 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is a serious threat to human health and additional classes of antimalarial drugs are greatly needed. The human defense protein, platelet factor 4 (PF4), has intrinsic antiplasmodial activity but also undesirable chemokine properties. We engineered a peptide containing the isolated PF4 antiplasmodial domain, which through cyclization, retained the critical structure of the parent protein. The peptide, cPF4PD, killed cultured blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum with low micromolar potency by specific disruption of the parasite digestive vacuole. Its mechanism of action involved selective penetration and accumulation inside the intraerythrocytic parasite without damaging the host cell or parasite membranes; it did not accumulate in uninfected cells. This selective activity was accounted for by observations of the peptide's specific binding and penetration of membranes with exposed negatively charged phospholipid headgroups. Our findings highlight the tremendous potential of the cPF4PD scaffold for developing antimalarial peptide drugs with a distinct and selective mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Lawrence
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Adelaide S M Dennis
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Adele M Lehane
- Research School of Biology, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Anna Ehmann
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Aurélie H Benfield
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Olivier Cheneval
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - David J Craik
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Brendan J McMorran
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia.
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26
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Raza M, Bharti H, Singal A, Nag A, Ghosh PC. Long circulatory liposomal maduramicin inhibits the growth of Plasmodium falciparum blood stages in culture and cures murine models of experimental malaria. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:13773-13791. [PMID: 29995025 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr02442a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Malaria continues to be one of the deadliest infectious diseases and a global health menace. The emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains of malaria parasites have further made the process of disease management grimmer. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify promising antimalarial strategies that can target the blood stages as well as block parasite transmission. Maduramicin is one such ionophore selected out of a recent screen of gametocytocidal compounds that exhibit potent antiplasmodial activity. However, maduramicin's strong hydrophobic nature and associated toxicity restrict its application in chemotherapy. To alleviate this problem, we have developed a liposomal formulation loaded with the ionophore maduramicin for the treatment of chloroquine sensitive and resistant Plasmodium infections. Here, we show that maduramicin in PEGylated liposomal formulations displayed enhanced antiplasmodial activity in vitro compared to free maduramicin. Significantly, four consecutive doses of 1.5 mg kg-1 body weight of PEGylated maduramicin loaded lipid vesicles completely cured cerebral and chloroquine resistant murine models of malaria without any obvious toxic effects and suppressed the key inflammatory markers associated with the progression of the disease. PEGylated liposomal maduramicin also exhibited a prolonged plasma clearance rate, implying a greater chance of interaction and uptake by infected RBCs. Furthermore, we also provide evidence that the detrimental effect of liposomal maduramicin on parasite survival is mediated by increased ROS generation and subsequent perturbation of parasite mitochondrial membrane potential. This study presents the first report to demonstrate the potent antimalarial efficacy of maduramicin liposomes, a strategy that holds promise for the development of successful therapeutic intervention against malaria in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsin Raza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110021, India.
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27
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Torres MDT, Silva AF, Pedron CN, Capurro ML, de la Fuente‐Nunez C, Junior VXO. Peptide Design Enables Reengineering of an Inactive Wasp Venom Peptide into Synthetic Antiplasmodial Agents. ChemistrySelect 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201800529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo D. T. Torres
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC
- Synthetic Biology Group
- Research Laboratory of Electronics
- Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
| | - Adriana F. Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC
| | - Cibele N. Pedron
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e HumanasUniversidade Federal do ABC
| | | | - Cesar de la Fuente‐Nunez
- Synthetic Biology Group
- Research Laboratory of Electronics
- Department of Biological Engineering and Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MassachusettsUnited States of America
- The Center for Microbiome Informatics and Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
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28
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Dermaseptins as potential antirabies compounds. Vaccine 2018; 37:4694-4700. [PMID: 29439871 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, natural peptides playing a key role in defense mechanisms and innate immunity have been isolated from unicellular organisms. Amphibian skin secretes dermaseptins, 24-34 amino acids in length that have a wide antimicrobial spectrum incorporating yeast, fungi, protozoa, bacteria and enveloped viruses. The anti-rabies virus (RABV) activity of dermaseptins S3 (30aa) and S4 (28aa) from Phyllomedusa sauvagei has been investigated, and further dissected its molecular basis by comparing punctual mutation or deletion of S4 analogues. The results showed that: (1) S4 is more active than S3 against RABV infection, 89% versus 38% inhibition at 7.5 μM; (2) the 5 NH2-aa of S4 are crucial for its inhibitory potential (S46-28 lost any inhibition) but the COOH terminus stabilizes the inhibitory potential (S41-16 showed only 23% inhibition at 7.5 μM); (3) there is a correlation between viral inhibition and dermaseptin cytotoxicity, which remains however moderated for BSR cells (≤12% at 10 μM). A single mutation in position 4 (S4M4K) slightly reduced cytotoxicity while keeping its antiviral activity, 97% at 7.5 μM. S4 and S4M4K showed an antiviral activity in vitro when provided 1 h after infection. In vivo experiments in mice by intramuscular injection of non-toxic doses of dermaseptin S4M4K 1 h post-infection by a lethal dose of RABV at the same site allowed more than 50% improvement in mice survival. This study highlights the potential interest of dermaseptins as non-expansive alternatives to rabies immunoglobulins for the treatment of rabies that continues to claim about 60,000 human lives per year worldwide, almost exclusively in developing countries.
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Ghosh C, Chaubey S, Tatu U, Haldar J. Aryl-alkyl-lysines: small molecular membrane-active antiplasmodial agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2016; 8:434-439. [PMID: 30108761 DOI: 10.1039/c6md00589f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Due to emerging resistance there is a steady need for new antimalarial drugs. Here, we report a new class of water soluble, non-toxic compounds, aryl-alkyl-lysines, with promising activity against the ring stage of Plasmodium falciparum. The optimal compound perturbed the plasma membrane potential and the digestive vacuole of parasites. In the murine model of malaria (Plasmodium berghei ANKA) the compound was able to increase the survival of mice by at least 5 days by an intra-peritoneal route. Further, the compounds showed no apparent toxicity to mice at the concentration tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandradhish Ghosh
- Chemical biology and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory , New Chemistry Unit , Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) , Jakkur , Bengaluru 560064 , Karnataka , India .
| | - Shweta Chaubey
- Department of Biochemistry , Indian Institute of Science , Bengaluru , India
| | - Utpal Tatu
- Department of Biochemistry , Indian Institute of Science , Bengaluru , India
| | - Jayanta Haldar
- Chemical biology and Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory , New Chemistry Unit , Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) , Jakkur , Bengaluru 560064 , Karnataka , India .
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30
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Pretzel J, Mohring F, Rahlfs S, Becker K. Antiparasitic peptides. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 135:157-92. [PMID: 23615879 DOI: 10.1007/10_2013_191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
: The most important parasitic diseases, malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, and schistosomiasis, are a great burden to mankind, threatening the life of millions of people worldwide and mostly affecting the poorest. Because drug resistance is increasing and vaccines are rarely available, novel chemotherapeutic compounds are necessary in order to treat these devastating diseases. Insects serve as vectors of many human parasitic diseases and have been shown to express a huge variety of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Therefore, research activity on insect-derived AMPs has been increasing in the last 40 years. This chapter summarizes the current state of research on the possible role of AMPs as potential chemotherapeutic compounds against human parasitic diseases. As a representative antimicrobial peptide with antiparasitic activity, the structure of insect defensin A is shown [PDB accession code: 1ICA]. The molecule is surrounded by schematic representations of the human pathogenic parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania and Trypanosoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jette Pretzel
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Interdisciplinary Research Center, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
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31
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Sinha S, Singh A, Medhi B, Sehgal R. Systematic Review: Insight into Antimalarial Peptide. Int J Pept Res Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-016-9512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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32
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Cruz e Carvalho A, Márquez CAP, Azevedo RB, Joanitti GA, Pires Júnior OR, Fontes W, Castro MS. Cytotoxic Activity and Antiproliferative Effects of Crude Skin Secretion from Physalaemus nattereri (Anura: Leptodactylidae) on in vitro Melanoma Cells. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:3989-4005. [PMID: 26457717 PMCID: PMC4626716 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7103989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anuran secretions are rich sources of bioactive molecules, including antimicrobial and antitumoral compounds. The aims of this study were to investigate the therapeutic potential of Physalaemus nattereri skin secretion against skin cancer cells, and to assess its cytotoxic action mechanisms on the murine melanoma cell line B16F10. Our results demonstrated that the crude secretion reduced the viability of B16F10 cells, causing changes in cell morphology (e.g., round shape and structure shrinkage), reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, increase in phosphatidylserine exposure, and cell cycle arrest in S-phase. Together, these changes suggest that tumor cells die by apoptosis. This skin secretion was also subjected to chromatographic fractioning using RP-HPLC, and eluted fractions were assayed for antiproliferative and antibacterial activities. Three active fractions showed molecular mass components in a range compatible with peptides. Although the specific mechanisms causing the reduced cell viability and cytotoxicity after the treatment with crude secretion are still unknown, it may be considered that molecules, such as the peptides found in the secretion, are effective against B16F10 tumor cells. Considering the growing need for new anticancer drugs, data presented in this study strongly reinforce the validity of P. nattereri crude secretion as a rich source of new anticancer molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Cruz e Carvalho
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - César Augusto Prías Márquez
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Ricardo Bentes Azevedo
- Department of Genetics and Morphology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Graziella Anselmo Joanitti
- Department of Genetics and Morphology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Ceilândia/DF, CEP 72.220-140, Brazil.
| | - Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Wagner Fontes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
| | - Mariana S Castro
- Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Protein Chemistry, Department of Cell Biology/IB, University of Brasília, Brasília/DF, CEP 70.910-900, Brazil.
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The Potential Use of Natural and Structural Analogues of Antimicrobial Peptides in the Fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases. Molecules 2015; 20:15392-433. [PMID: 26305243 PMCID: PMC6332049 DOI: 10.3390/molecules200815392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, research into the development of new antimicrobial agents has been driven by the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates as alternatives to current antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections. AMPs are produced by all known living species, displaying direct antimicrobial killing activity and playing an important role in innate immunity. To date, more than 2000 AMPs have been discovered and many of these exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic activity. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are caused by a variety of pathogens and are particularly wide-spread in low-income and developing regions of the world. Alternative, cost effective treatments are desperately needed to effectively battle these medically diverse diseases. AMPs have been shown to be effective against a variety of NTDs, including African trypanosomes, leishmaniosis and Chagas disease, trachoma and leprosy. In this review, the potential of selected AMPs to successfully treat a variety of NTD infections will be critically evaluated.
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Mongui A, Pérez-Llanos FJ, Yamamoto MM, Lozano M, Zambrano MM, Del Portillo P, Fernández-Becerra C, Restrepo S, Del Portillo HA, Junca H. Development of a genetic tool for functional screening of anti-malarial bioactive extracts in metagenomic libraries. Malar J 2015; 14:233. [PMID: 26040274 PMCID: PMC4464701 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-015-0748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The chemical treatment of Plasmodium falciparum for human infections is losing efficacy each year due to the rise of resistance. One possible strategy to find novel anti-malarial drugs is to access the largest reservoir of genomic biodiversity source on earth present in metagenomes of environmental microbial communities. Methods A bioluminescent P. falciparum parasite was used to quickly detect shifts in viability of microcultures grown in 96-well plates. A synthetic gene encoding the Dermaseptin 4 peptide was designed and cloned under tight transcriptional control in a large metagenomic insert context (30 kb) to serve as proof-of-principle for the screening platform. Results Decrease in parasite viability consistently correlated with bioluminescence emitted from parasite microcultures, after their exposure to bacterial extracts containing a plasmid or fosmid engineered to encode the Dermaseptin 4 anti-malarial peptide. Conclusions Here, a new technical platform to access the anti-malarial potential in microbial environmental metagenomes has been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Mongui
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution - CorpoGen, Bogotá, Colombia. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Francy J Pérez-Llanos
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution - CorpoGen, Bogotá, Colombia. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Marcio M Yamamoto
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Marcela Lozano
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution - CorpoGen, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Maria M Zambrano
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution - CorpoGen, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Patricia Del Portillo
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution - CorpoGen, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Carmen Fernández-Becerra
- ICREA at ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr Int Health Res (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Silvia Restrepo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Hernando A Del Portillo
- ICREA at ISGlobal, Barcelona Ctr Int Health Res (CRESIB), Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. .,Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Howard Junca
- RG Microbial Ecology: Metabolism, Genomics & Evolution - CorpoGen, Bogotá, Colombia. .,Present Address: Applied Biology Program, Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada-UMNG, Campus Cajicá, Bogotá, DC, Colombia.
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35
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Gupta R, Rajendran V, Ghosh PC, Srivastava S. Assessment of anti-plasmodial activity of non-hemolytic, non-immunogenic, non-toxic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs LR14) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum LR/14. Drugs R D 2015; 14:95-103. [PMID: 24797399 PMCID: PMC4070454 DOI: 10.1007/s40268-014-0043-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Lactobacillus plantarum strains are known to exhibit an antimicrobial property against bacteria and fungi. In the present investigation, AMPs LR14, antimicrobial peptides produced by L. plantarum strain LR/14, were tested against a protozoan system, Plasmodium falciparum and its non-toxic nature was envisaged on a mammalian system. METHODS Human erythrocytes infected with chloroquine-sensitive and -resistant strains of P. falciparum were treated with purified AMPs LR14. The loss in cell viability was assessed by monitoring the incorporation of [(3)H]-hypoxanthine in the nucleic acid of the parasite. The hemolytic activity of AMPs LR14 was monitored at different concentrations and the investigations into the in vivo toxicity of AMPs LR14 were carried out on a mammalian system (Wistar rat). The level of toxicity in the tissues was visualized by histopathological studies conducted on the liver and kidney of the test and control rats. A study was also undertaken to see the production of antibodies in an animal (rabbit) after it was immunized with AMPs LR14. RESULTS A loss in cell viability was observed in both test strains of P. falciparum. However, the dose required for inhibition of the chloroquine-resistant strain was ~2 times the dose required for the chloroquine-sensitive strain. At these concentrations, no hemolysis of human erythrocytes was observed. The studies conducted on in vivo toxicity of AMPs LR14 suggest that the lethal dose (LD50) is beyond 1,000 mg/kg body weight, suggesting its safe use against microbes and protozoans. Antibodies were also not detected against these peptides, indicating a non-immunogenic nature. CONCLUSION The data indicate that AMPs LR14 are non-toxic, potent anti-plasmodial peptides causing growth inhibition of P. falciparum without causing hemolysis. These results pave the way for the development of bioactive peptides as therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Gupta
- Department of Genetics, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
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Singh AK, Rajendran V, Pant A, Ghosh PC, Singh N, Latha N, Garg S, Pandey KC, Singh BK, Rathi B. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of functionalized phthalimides: A new class of antimalarials and inhibitors of falcipain-2, a major hemoglobinase of malaria parasite. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:1817-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Xu X, Lai R. The chemistry and biological activities of peptides from amphibian skin secretions. Chem Rev 2015; 115:1760-846. [PMID: 25594509 DOI: 10.1021/cr4006704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology , Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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Mahindra A, Gangwal RP, Bansal S, Goldfarb NE, Dunn BM, Sangamwar AT, Jain R. Antiplasmodial activity of short peptide-based compounds. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra00779h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Three series of short peptide-based compounds were synthesized, which upon evaluation against chloroquine-sensitive (D6) and chloroquine-resistant (W2) strains ofPlasmodium falciparum in vitro, produced IC50values ranging between 1.4–4.7 μg mL−1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Mahindra
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
- India
| | - Rahul P. Gangwal
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
- India
| | - Sunil Bansal
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
- India
| | - Nathan E. Goldfarb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- University of Florida
- Gainesville
- USA
| | - Ben M. Dunn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- University of Florida
- Gainesville
- USA
| | - Abhay T. Sangamwar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
- India
| | - Rahul Jain
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research
- India
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Vale N, Aguiar L, Gomes P. Antimicrobial peptides: a new class of antimalarial drugs? Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:275. [PMID: 25566072 PMCID: PMC4271771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A range of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) exhibit activity on malaria parasites, Plasmodium spp., in their blood or mosquito stages, or both. These peptides include a diverse array of both natural and synthetic molecules varying greatly in size, charge, hydrophobicity, and secondary structure features. Along with an overview of relevant literature reports regarding AMP that display antiplasmodial activity, this review makes a few considerations about those molecules as a potential new class of antimalarial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Vale
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Centro de Investigação em Química, University of Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Aguiar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Centro de Investigação em Química, University of Porto Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Centro de Investigação em Química, University of Porto Porto, Portugal
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Sinha S, Medhi B, Sehgal R. Challenges of drug-resistant malaria. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:61. [PMID: 25402734 PMCID: PMC4234044 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2014059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Over the past six decades, the drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum has become an issue of utmost concern. Despite the remarkable progress that has been made in recent years in reducing the mortality rate to about 30% with the scaling-up of vector control, introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies and other malaria control strategies, the confirmation of artemisinin resistance on the Cambodia–Thailand border threatened all the previous success. This review addresses the global scenario of antimalarial resistance and factors associated with it, with the main emphasis on futuristic approaches like nanotechnology and stem cell therapy that may impede resistant malaria, along with novel medications which are preparing to enter the global antimalarial market. These novel studies are likely to escalate over the coming years and will hopefully help to reduce the burden of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Sinha
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rakesh Sehgal
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
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Improved bacterial detection using immobilized acyl-lysyl oligomers. Appl Environ Microbiol 2014; 81:74-80. [PMID: 25304513 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02537-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The global need to improve bacterial detection in liquid media has motivated multidisciplinary research efforts toward developing new approaches that overcome the shortcomings of traditional techniques. We recently proposed the use of oligomers of acylated lysyls (OAKs) in their resin-linked form (ROAKs) for the efficient, robust, and inexpensive filtration of bacteria. Here, to investigate the potential for the use of ROAKs in downstream applications, we first examined the capacity of ROAKs to capture bacteria as a function of environmental conditions and structure-activity relationships (SARs). We next assessed their ability to release the captured bacteria and then combined both abilities to improve real-time PCR outcomes. ROAKs were able to deplete liquid samples of bacterial content after incubation or continuous flow, illustrating the efficient capture of different bacterial species under a wide range of ionic strength and pH conditions. We also show circumstances for the significant release of captured bacteria, live or dead, for further analysis. Finally, the SAR study revealed a shorter ROAK derivative exhibiting a capture capacity similar to that of the parent construct but the increased recovery of ROAK-bound bacteria, enabling improvement of the detection sensitivity by 20-fold. Collectively, the data support the potential usefulness of a simple, robust, and efficient approach for rapid capture/analysis of bacteria from tap water and, possibly, from more complex media.
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Molecular modeling and correlation of PFI1625c-peptide models of bioactive peptides with antimalarial properties. Med Chem Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-014-1232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Song D, Chen Y, Li X, Zhu M, Gu Q. HETEROLOGOUS EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION OF DERMASEPTIN S4 FUSION INEscherichia coliAND RECOVERY OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2014; 44:598-607. [DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2013.835735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Pinto EG, Pimenta DC, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C, Tempone AG. Antimicrobial peptides isolated from Phyllomedusa nordestina (Amphibia) alter the permeability of plasma membrane of Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:655-60. [PMID: 24113627 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Nature has provided inspiration for Drug Discovery studies and amphibian secretions have been used as a promising source of effective peptides which could be explored as novel drug prototypes for neglected parasitic diseases as Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. In this study, we isolated four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from Phyllomedusa nordestina secretion, and studied their effectiveness against Leishmania (L.) infantum and Trypanosoma cruzi. The antiparasitic fractions were characterized by mass spectrometry and Edman degradation, leading to the identification of dermaseptins 1 and 4 and phylloseptins 7 and 8. T. cruzi trypomastigotes were susceptible to peptides, showing IC50 values in the range concentration of 0.25-0.68 μM. Leishmania (L.) infantum showed susceptibility to phylloseptin 7, presenting an IC50 value of 10 μM. Except for phylloseptin 7 which moderate showed cytotoxicity (IC50=34 μM), the peptides induced no cellular damage to mammalian cells. The lack of mitochondrial oxidative activity of parasites detected by the MTT assay, suggested that peptides were leishmanicidal and trypanocidal. By using the fluorescent probe SYTOX(®) Green, dermaseptins 1 and 4 and phylloseptins 7 and 8 showed time-dependent plasma membrane permeabilization of T. cruzi; phylloseptin 7 also showed a similar effect in Leishmania parasites. The present study demonstrates for the first time that AMPs target the plasma membrane of Leishmania and T. cruzi, leading to cellular death. Considering the potential of amphibian peptides against protozoan parasites and the reduced mammalian toxicity, they may contribute as scaffolds for drug design studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Gracielle Pinto
- Departament of Parasitology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 351, 8(o) Andar, 01246-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 470, 05403-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Pérez-Picaso L, Olivo HF, Argotte-Ramos R, Rodríguez-Gutiérrez M, Rios MY. Linear and cyclic dipeptides with antimalarial activity. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:7048-51. [PMID: 23084276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.09.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Several natural and synthetic polypeptides possess important antimalarial activity. Shorter peptides with potent antimalarial activity have also been described, among them linear di-, tri-, tetra- and pentapeptides and their cyclic analogs. In an attempt to find dipeptides with antimalarial activities we show that linear and cyclic dipeptides, the latter known as diketopiperazines, still retain the fundamental core to preserve antimalarial activity. Thirteen linear dipeptides and ten diketopiperazines were investigated. Eight linear dipeptides showed IC(50) values between 2.78 and 7.07 μM, while eight diketopiperazines were also active with IC(50) values between 2.26 and 4.26 μM on Plasmodium berghei schizont cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemuel Pérez-Picaso
- Centro de Investigaciones Químicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Avenida Universidad 1001, Col. Chamilpa, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62209, Mexico
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Coutinho HDM, Lôbo KM, Bezerra DAC, Lôbo I. Peptides and proteins with antimicrobial activity. Indian J Pharmacol 2011; 40:3-9. [PMID: 21264153 PMCID: PMC3023119 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.40481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2007] [Revised: 03/03/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase of microbial resistance to antibiotics has led to a continuing search for newer and more effective drugs. Antimicrobial peptides are generally found in animals, plants, and microorganisms and are of great interest to medicine, pharmacology, and the food industry. These peptides are capable of inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms. They can attack parasites, while causing little or no harm to the host cells. The defensins are peptides found in granules in the polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and are responsible for the defense of the organism. Several animal defensins, like dermaseptin, antileukoprotease, protegrin, and others, have had their activities and efficacy tested and been shown to be effective against bacteria, fungi, and protists; there are also specific defensins from invertebrates, e.g., drosomycin and heliomicin; from plants, e.g., the types A and B; and the bacteriocins, e.g., acrocin, marcescin, etc. The aim of the present work was to compile a comprehensive bibliographic review of the diverse potentially antimicrobial peptides in an effort to systematize the current knowledge on these substances as a contribution for further researches. The currently available bibliography does not give a holistic approach on this subject. The present work intends to show that the mechanism of defense represented by defensins is promising from the perspective of its application in the treatment of infectious diseases in human, animals and plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho
- Departamento De Ciências Físicas E Biológicas - DCFB, Centro De Ciências Biológicas E Da Saúde - CCBS, Universidade Regional Do Cariri - URCA, Brazil
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Inhibition of the Growth of Plasmodium falciparum in Culture by Stearylamine-Phosphatidylcholine Liposomes. J Parasitol Res 2011; 2011:120462. [PMID: 21772979 PMCID: PMC3135048 DOI: 10.1155/2011/120462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We have examined the effect of stearylamine (SA) in liposomes on the viability of Plasmodium falciparum in culture by studying the inhibition of incorporation of [3H]-hypoxanthine in the nucleic acid of parasites. Stearylamine in liposomes significantly inhibits the growth of the parasites depending on the phospholipids composition. The maximum inhibition was observed when SA was delivered through Soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC) liposomes. The chain length of alkyl group and density of SA in liposomes play a significant role in inhibiting the growth of the parasites. Incorporation of either cholesterol or Distearylphosphatidylethanolamine−Methoxy-Polyethylene glycol-2000 (DSPE-mPEG-2000) in Soya phosphatidylcholine-stearylamine (SPC-SA) liposomes improves the efficacy. Intraerythrocytic entry of intact SPC-SA liposomes into infected erythrocytes was visualized using fluorescent microscopy. No hemolysis was observed in uninfected erythrocytes, and slight hemolysis was noted in infected erythrocytes at high concentrations of SPC-SA liposomes. Overall, our data suggested SA in SPC-liposomes might have potential application in malaria chemotherapy.
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Antiplasmodial properties of acyl-lysyl oligomers in culture and animal models of malaria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 55:3803-11. [PMID: 21646484 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00129-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous analysis of antiplasmodial properties exhibited by dodecanoyl-based oligo-acyl-lysyls (OAKs) has outlined basic attributes implicated in potent inhibition of parasite growth and underlined the critical role of excess hydrophobicity in hemotoxicity. To dissociate hemolysis from antiplasmodial effect, we screened >50 OAKs for in vitro growth inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum strains, thus revealing the minimal requirements for antiplasmodial potency in terms of sequence and composition, as confirmed by efficacy studies in vivo. The most active sequence, dodecanoyllysyl-bis(aminooctanoyllysyl)-amide (C(12)K-2α(8)), inhibited parasite growth at submicromolar concentrations (50% inhibitory concentration [IC(50)], 0.3 ± 0.1 μM) and was devoid of hemolytic activity (<0.4% hemolysis at 150 μM). Unlike the case of dodecanoyl-based analogs, which equally affect ring and trophozoite stages of the parasite developmental cycle, the ability of various octanoyl-based OAKs to distinctively affect these stages (rings were 4- to 5-fold more sensitive) suggests a distinct antiplasmodial mechanism, nonmembranolytic to host red blood cells (RBCs). Upon intraperitoneal administration to mice, C(12)K-2α(8) demonstrated sustainable high concentrations in blood (e.g., 0.1 mM at 25 mg/kg of body weight). In Plasmodium vinckei-infected mice, C(12)K-2α(8) significantly affected parasite growth (50% effective dose [ED(50)], 22 mg/kg) but also caused mortality in 2/3 mice at high doses (50 mg/kg/day × 4).
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Azevedo Calderon LD, Silva ADAE, Ciancaglini P, Stábeli RG. Antimicrobial peptides from Phyllomedusa frogs: from biomolecular diversity to potential nanotechnologic medical applications. Amino Acids 2010; 40:29-49. [PMID: 20526637 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0622-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Screening for new bioactive peptides in South American anurans has been pioneered in frogs of the genus Phyllomedusa. All frogs of this genus have venomous skin secretions, i.e., a complex mixture of bioactive peptides against potential predators and pathogens that presumably evolved in a scenario of predator-prey interaction and defense against microbial invasion. For every new anuran species studied new peptides are found, with homologies to hormones, neurotransmitters, antimicrobials, and several other peptides with unknown biological activity. From Vittorio Erspamer findings, this genus has been reported as a "treasure store" of bioactive peptides, and several groups focus their research on these species. From 1966 to 2009, more than 200 peptide sequences from different Phyllomedusa species were deposited in UniProt and other databases. During the last decade, the emergence of high-throughput molecular technologies involving de novo peptide sequencing via tandem mass spectrometry, cDNA cloning, pharmacological screening, and surface plasmon resonance applied to peptide discovery, led to fast structural data acquisition and the generation of peptide molecular libraries. Research groups on bioactive peptides in Brazil using these new technologies, accounted for the exponential increase of new molecules described in the last decade, much higher than in any previous decades. Recently, these secretions were also reported as a rich source of multiple antimicrobial peptides effective against multidrug resistant strains of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and virus, providing instructive lessons for the development of new and more efficient nanotechnological-based therapies for infectious diseases treatment. Therefore, novel drugs arising from the identification and analysis of bioactive peptides from South American anuran biodiversity have a promising future role on nanobiotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo de Azevedo Calderon
- Centro de Estudos de Biomoléculas Aplicadas a Medicina "Professor Dr. José Roberto Giglio" (CEBio), Núcleo de Saúde (NUSAU), Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), Porto Velho, RO, 76800-000, Brazil
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