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Wang J, Zhang M, Li C, Liu M, Qi Y, Xie X, Zhou C, Ma L. A novel cathelicidin TS-CATH derived from Thamnophis sirtalis combats drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2388-2406. [PMID: 38882682 PMCID: PMC11176561 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.020] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising therapeutic agents for treating drug-resistant bacterial disease due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and decreased susceptibility to evolutionary resistance. In this study, three novel cathelicidin antimicrobial peptides were identified from Thamnophis sirtalis, Balaenoptera musculus, and Lipotes vexillifer by protein database mining and sequence alignment and were subsequently named TS-CATH, BM-CATH, and LV-CATH, respectively. All three peptides exhibited satisfactory antibacterial activity and broad antibacterial spectra against clinically isolated E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii in vitro. Among them, TS-CATH displayed the best antimicrobial/bactericidal activity, with a rapid elimination efficiency against the tested drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria within 20 min, and exhibited the lowest cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells. Furthermore, TS-CATH effectively enhanced the survival rate of mice with ceftazidime-resistant E. coli bacteremia and promoted wound healing in meropenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. These results were achieved through the eradication of bacterial growth in target organs and wounds, further inhibiting the systemic dissemination of bacteria and the inflammatory response. TS-CATH exhibited direct antimicrobial activity by damaging the inner and outer membranes, resulting in leakage of the bacterial contents at super-MICs. Moreover, TS-CATH disrupted the bacterial respiratory chain, which inhibited ATP synthesis and induced ROS formation, significantly contributing to its antibacterial efficacy at sub-MICs. Overall, TS-CATH has potential for use as an antibacterial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Meina Zhang
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Chao Li
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Mengyuan Liu
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yixin Qi
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xiaolin Xie
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Lingman Ma
- Institution of all authors: College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
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Athira PP, Anooja VV, Anju MV, Archana K, Neelima S, Muhammed Musthafa S, Bright Singh IS, Philip R. Antibacterial Efficacy and Mechanisms of Action of a Novel Beta-Defensin from Snakehead Murrel, Channa striata. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10307-2. [PMID: 38963507 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Beta-defensins, identified from fishes, constitute a crucial category of antimicrobial peptides important in combating bacterial fish pathogens. The present investigation centers on the molecular and functional characterization of CsDef, a 63-amino acid beta-defensin antimicrobial peptide derived from snakehead murrel (Channa striata). The physicochemical attributes of CsDef align with the distinctive characteristics observed in AMPs. CsDef was recombinantly produced, and the recombinant peptide, rCsDef, exhibited notable antibacterial efficacy against bacterial fish pathogens with an MIC of 16 μM for V. proteolyticus. A. hydrophila exhibited 91% inhibition, E. tarda 92%, and V. harveyi 53% at 32 μM of rCsDef. The rCsDef exhibited a multifaceted mechanism of action against bacteria, i.e., through membrane depolarization, membrane permeabilization, and generation of ROS. The rCsDef was non-hemolytic to hRBCs and non-cytotoxic to normal mammalian cell line CHO-K1. However, it exhibited anticancer properties in MCF-7. rCsDef demonstrated notable stability with respect to pH, temperature, salt, metal ions, and proteases. These findings suggest it is a potential candidate molecule for prospective applications in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Athira
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - V V Anooja
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - M V Anju
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - K Archana
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - S Neelima
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - S Muhammed Musthafa
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - I S Bright Singh
- National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India
| | - Rosamma Philip
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, Kerala, 682016, India.
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Kong X, Vishwanath V, Neelakantan P, Ye Z. Harnessing antimicrobial peptides in endodontics. Int Endod J 2024; 57:815-840. [PMID: 38441321 DOI: 10.1111/iej.14043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Endodontic therapy includes various procedures such as vital pulp therapy, root canal treatment and retreatment, surgical endodontic treatment and regenerative endodontic procedures. Disinfection and tissue repair are crucial for the success of these therapies, necessitating the development of therapeutics that can effectively target microbiota, eliminate biofilms, modulate inflammation and promote tissue repair. However, no current endodontic agents can achieve these goals. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are sequences of amino acids, have gained attention due to their unique advantages, including reduced susceptibility to drug resistance, broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and the ability to modulate the immune response of the organism effectively. This review systematically discusses the structure, mechanisms of action, novel designs and limitations of AMPs. Additionally, it highlights the efforts made by researchers to overcome peptide shortcomings and emphasizes the potential applications of AMPs in endodontic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinzi Kong
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Vijetha Vishwanath
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
| | - Prasanna Neelakantan
- Department of Endodontics, University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zhou Ye
- Applied Oral Sciences and Community Dental Care, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China
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Lamba S, Heruka De Zoysa G, Wang K, Lu J, Swift S, Sarojni V. Homo and Hetero-Branched Lipopeptide Dendrimers: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107567. [PMID: 38936047 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107567] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Di-branched and tetra-branched versions of a previously reported analogue of the lipopeptide battacin were successfully synthesised using thiol-maleimide click and 1, 2, 3-triazole click chemistry. Antimicrobial studies against drug resistant clinical isolates of Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli Ctx-M14), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa Q502), and Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA ATCC 33593), as well as clinically isolated Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii ATCC 19606), and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), revealed that the dendrimeric peptides have antimicrobial activity in the low micromolar range (0.5 -- 4 μM) which was 10 times more potent than the monomer peptides. Under high salt concentrations (150 mM NaCl, 2 mM MgCl2, and 2.5 mM CaCl2) the di-branched lipopeptides retained their antimicrobial activity while the monomer peptides were not active (>100 μM). The di-branched triazole click lipopeptide, Peptide 12, was membrane lytic, showed faster killing kinetics, and exhibited antibiofilm activity against A. baumannii and MRSA and eradicated > 85 % preformed biofilms at low micromolar concentrations. The di-branched analogues were > 30-fold potent than the monomers against Candida albicans. Peptide 12 was not haemolytic (HC10 = 932.12 μM) and showed up to 40-fold higher selectivity against bacteria and fungi than the monomer peptide. Peptide 12 exhibited strong proteolytic stability (>80 % not degraded) in rat serum over 24 h whereas > 95 % of the thiol-maleimide analogue (Peptide 10) was degraded. The tetra-branched peptides showed comparable antibacterial potency to the di-branched analogues. These findings indicate that dual branching using triazole click chemistry is a promising strategy to improve the antimicrobial activity and proteolytic stability of battacin based lipopeptides. The information gathered can be used to build effective antimicrobial dendrimeric peptides as new peptide antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Lamba
- School of Chemical Sciences and The Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
| | - Gayan Heruka De Zoysa
- School of Chemical Sciences and The Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Kelvin Wang
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jun Lu
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Simon Swift
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Vijayalekshmi Sarojni
- School of Chemical Sciences and The Centre for Green Chemical Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington 6012, New Zealand.
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Dersch L, Stahlhut A, Eichberg J, Paas A, Hardes K, Vilcinskas A, Lüddecke T. Engineering a wolf spider A-family toxin towards increased antimicrobial activity but low toxicity. Toxicon 2024; 247:107810. [PMID: 38880255 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107810] [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: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Spider-derived peptides with insecticidal, antimicrobial and/or cytolytic activities, also known as spider venom antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), can be found in the venoms of RTA-clade spiders. They show translational potential as therapeutic leads. A set of 52 AMPs has been described in the Chinese wolf spider (Lycosa shansia), and many have been shown to exhibit antibacterial effects. Here we explored the potential to enhance their antimicrobial activity using bioengineering. We generated a panel of artificial derivatives of an A-family peptide and screened their activity against selected microbial pathogens, vertebrate cells and insects. In several cases, we increased the antimicrobial activity of the derivatives while retaining the low cytotoxicity of the parental molecule. Furthermore, we injected the peptides into adult Drosophila suzukii and found no evidence of insecticidal effects, confirming the low levels of toxicity. Our data therefore suggest that spider venom linear peptides naturally defend the venom gland against microbial colonization and can be modified into more potent antimicrobial agents that could help to battle infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Dersch
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Antonia Stahlhut
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Johanna Eichberg
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Anne Paas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kornelia Hardes
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; BMBF Junior Research Group in Infection Research "ASCRIBE", Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany; Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
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Muniz Seif EJ, Icimoto MY, Silva Júnior PI. In silico bioprospecting of receptors associated with the mechanism of action of Rondonin, an antifungal peptide from spider Acanthoscurria rondoniae haemolymph. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:55. [PMID: 38863478 PMCID: PMC11162988 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple drug-resistant fungal species are associated with the development of diseases. Thus, more efficient drugs for the treatment of these aetiological agents are needed. Rondonin is a peptide isolated from the haemolymph of the spider Acanthoscurria rondoniae. Previous studies have shown that this peptide has antifungal activity against Candida sp. and Trichosporon sp. strains, acting on their genetic material. However, the molecular targets involved in its biological activity have not yet been described. Bioinformatics tools were used to determine the possible targets involved in the biological activity of Rondonin. The PharmMapper server was used to search for microorganismal targets of Rondonin. The PatchDock server was used to perform the molecular docking. UCSF Chimera software was used to evaluate these intermolecular interactions. In addition, the I-TASSER server was used to predict the target ligand sites. Then, these predictions were contrasted with the sites previously described in the literature. Molecular dynamics simulations were conducted for two promising complexes identified from the docking analysis. Rondonin demonstrated consistency with the ligand sites of the following targets: outer membrane proteins F (id: 1MPF) and A (id: 1QJP), which are responsible for facilitating the passage of small molecules through the plasma membrane; the subunit of the flavoprotein fumarate reductase (id: 1D4E), which is involved in the metabolism of nitrogenous bases; and the ATP-dependent Holliday DNA helicase junction (id: 1IN4), which is associated with histone proteins that package genetic material. Additionally, the molecular dynamics results indicated the stability of the interaction of Rondonin with 1MPF and 1IN4 during a 10 ns simulation. These interactions corroborate with previous in vitro studies on Rondonin, which acts on fungal genetic material without causing plasma membrane rupture. Therefore, the bioprospecting methods used in this research were considered satisfactory since they were consistent with previous results obtained via in vitro experimentation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00224-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Jorge Muniz Seif
- Postgraduate Program of Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001 Brazil
- Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling-CeT-ICS/CEPID, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo 05503-900 Brazil
| | - Marcelo Yudi Icimoto
- Biophysics Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo 04024-002 Brazil
| | - Pedro Ismael Silva Júnior
- Postgraduate Program of Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Biochemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo 04021-001 Brazil
- Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling-CeT-ICS/CEPID, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, São Paulo 05503-900 Brazil
- Postgraduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, São Paulo Brazil
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Shaon MSH, Karim T, Sultan MF, Ali MM, Ahmed K, Hasan MZ, Moustafa A, Bui FM, Al-Zahrani FA. AMP-RNNpro: a two-stage approach for identification of antimicrobials using probabilistic features. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12892. [PMID: 38839785 PMCID: PMC11153637 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63461-6] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobials are molecules that prevent the formation of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The necessity to detect antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) using machine learning and deep learning arises from the need for efficiency to accelerate the discovery of AMPs, and contribute to developing effective antimicrobial therapies, especially in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance. This study introduced AMP-RNNpro based on Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), an innovative model for detecting AMPs, which was designed with eight feature encoding methods that are selected according to four criteria: amino acid compositional, grouped amino acid compositional, autocorrelation, and pseudo-amino acid compositional to represent the protein sequences for efficient identification of AMPs. In our framework, two-stage predictions have been conducted. Initially, this study analyzed 33 models on these feature extractions. Then, we selected the best six models from these models using rigorous performance metrics. In the second stage, probabilistic features have been generated from the selected six models in each feature encoding and they are aggregated to be fed into our final meta-model called AMP-RNNpro. This study also introduced 20 features with SHAP, which are crucial in the drug development fields, where we discover AAC, ASDC, and CKSAAGP features are highly impactful for detection and drug discovery. Our proposed framework, AMP-RNNpro excels in the identification of novel Amps with 97.15% accuracy, 96.48% sensitivity, and 97.87% specificity. We built a user-friendly website for demonstrating the accurate prediction of AMPs based on the proposed approach which can be accessed at http://13.126.159.30/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shazzad Hossain Shaon
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Tasmin Karim
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Fahim Sultan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mamun Ali
- Health Informatics Research Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada
- Department of Software Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City (DSC), Birulia, Savar, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Kawsar Ahmed
- Health Informatics Research Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada.
- Group of Bio-photomatiχ, Information and Communication Technology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail, 1902, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Zahid Hasan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
- Health Informatics Research Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Moustafa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Psychology, Centre for Data Analytics, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Francis M Bui
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada
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Zielke C, Nielsen JE, Lin JS, Barron AE. Between good and evil: Complexation of the human cathelicidin LL-37 with nucleic acids. Biophys J 2024; 123:1316-1328. [PMID: 37919905 PMCID: PMC11163296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system provides a crucial first line of defense against invading pathogens attacking the body. As the only member of the human cathelicidin family, the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been shown to have antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. In complexation with nucleic acids, LL-37 is suggested to maintain its beneficial health effects while also acting as a condensation agent for the nucleic acid. Complexes formed by LL-37 and nucleic acids have been shown to be immunostimulatory with a positive impact on the human innate immune system. However, some studies also suggest that in some circumstances, LL-37/nucleic acid complexes may be a contributing factor to autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of research highlighting the beneficial health effects of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes, as well as discussing observed detrimental effects. We will emphasize why it is important to investigate and elucidate structural characteristics, such as condensation patterns of nucleic acids within complexation, and their mechanisms of action, to shed light on the intricate physiological effects of LL-37 and the seemingly contradictory role of LL-37/nucleic acid complexes in the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Zielke
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Josefine Eilsø Nielsen
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California; Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Jennifer S Lin
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California
| | - Annelise E Barron
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Schools of Medicine and of Engineering, Stanford, California.
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Wei Y, Li Y, Li X, Zhao Y, Xu J, Wang H, Rong X, Xiong J, Chen X, Luo G, Lv G, Lin C, Han C, Yu H, Zhang Y, Tang S, Fan Y, Tu J, Xia C, Zu H, Liu W, Liu C, Liu J, Zhang B, Nong Q, Li T, Wang L, Song G, Su Y, Chen Z, Lai W, Fu Y, Yu J, Zhang P, Yang W, Yao G, Zhang H, Fan K, Dong H, Chen Y, Wu J. Peceleganan Spray for the Treatment of Skin Wound Infections: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2415310. [PMID: 38861260 PMCID: PMC11167495 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Peceleganan spray is a novel topical antimicrobial agent targeted for the treatment of skin wound infections. However, its efficacy and safety remain unclear. Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of peceleganan spray for the treatment of wound infections. Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, open-label, phase 3 randomized clinical trial recruited and followed up 570 adult patients diagnosed with secondary open wound infections from 37 hospitals in China from August 23, 2021, to July 16, 2022. Interventions Patients were randomized to 2 groups with a 2:1 allocation. One group received treatment with 2% peceleganan spray (n = 381) and the other with 1% silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream (n = 189). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary efficacy outcome was the clinical efficacy rate (the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for efficacy of the number of patients receiving the treatment) on the first day following the end of treatment (day 8). The secondary outcomes included the clinical efficacy rate on day 5 and the bacterial clearance rate (cases achieving negative bacteria cultures after treatment of all cases with positive bacteria cultures before treatment) on days 5 and 8. The safety outcomes included patients' vital signs, physical examination results, electrocardiographic findings, blood test results, and adverse reactions. Results Among the 570 patients randomized to 1 of the 2 groups, 375 (98.4%) in the 2% peceleganan treatment group and 183 (96.8%) in the 1% SSD control group completed the trial (n = 558). Of these, 361 (64.7%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 48.6 (15.3) years. The demographic characteristics were similar between groups. On day 8, clinical efficacy was achieved by 339 patients (90.4%) in the treatment group and 144 (78.7%) in the control group (P < .001). On day 5, clinical efficacy was achieved by 222 patients (59.2%) in the treatment group and 90 (49.2%) in the control group (P = .03). On day 8, bacterial clearance was achieved by 80 of 334 patients (24.0%) in the treatment group and in 75 of 163 (46.0%) in the control group (P < .001). On day 5, bacterial clearance was achieved by 55 of 334 patients (16.5%) in the treatment group and 50 of 163 (30.7%) in the control group (P < .001). The adverse events related to the application of peceleganan spray and SSD cream were similar. Conclusions and Relevance This randomized clinical trial found that peceleganan spray is a safe topical antimicrobial agent with a satisfactory clinical efficacy rate for the treatment of skin wound infections, while the effectiveness of bacterial clearance remains uncertain. Trial Registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2100047202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Wei
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yi Li
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Xiaojian Li
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaohua Zhao
- Jiangyin People’s Hospital, Jiangyin, Wuxi, China
| | - Junci Xu
- Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | | | - Xinzhou Rong
- Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Xiaodong Chen
- The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | | | - Guozhong Lv
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Cai Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, New District of the First Hospital of Wenyi Hospital, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chunmao Han
- The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | | | - Yi Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Youfen Fan
- Ningbo Huamei Hospital of University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiajin Tu
- Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Chengde Xia
- Zhengzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongxu Zu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jinhui Liu
- Jilin Province People’s Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Baolin Zhang
- First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qingwen Nong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Nanshi Hospital of Nanyang, Nanyang, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Yongtao Su
- Peking University Care Luzhong Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Zhaohong Chen
- Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen Lai
- Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjie Fu
- Linyi People’s Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Jia’ao Yu
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pihong Zhang
- Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weixi Yang
- The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Gang Yao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongyan Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kunwu Fan
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hu Dong
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Jiangyin, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Jiangsu Protelight Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Jiangyin, China
| | - Jun Wu
- Departments of Burn and Plastic Surgery and Wound Repair, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Human Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Paediatrics and Gynecology, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
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10
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Ouyang M, Wu F, Hu C. Efficacy of Short Novel Antimicrobial Peptides in a Mouse Model of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius Skin Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:508. [PMID: 38927175 PMCID: PMC11200854 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13060508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As the clinical application of antibiotics for bacterial skin infections in companion animals becomes increasingly prevalent, the issue of bacterial resistance has become more pronounced. Antimicrobial peptides, as a novel alternative to traditional antibiotics, have garnered widespread attention. In our study, synthetic peptides ADD-A and CBD3-ABU were tested against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius skin infections in KM mice. ADD-A was applied topically and through intraperitoneal injection, compared with control groups and treatments including CBD3-ABU, ampicillin sodium, and saline. Wound contraction, bacterial counts and histology were assessed on days 3 and 11 post-infection. ADD-A and ampicillin treatments significantly outperformed saline in wound healing (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). ADD-A also showed a markedly lower bacterial count than ampicillin (p < 0.0001). Histologically, ADD-A-applied wounds had better epidermal continuity and a thicker epidermis than normal, with restored follicles and sebaceous glands. ADD-A's effectiveness suggests it as a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating skin infections in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Changmin Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; (M.O.); (F.W.)
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11
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Hyun JE, Hwang CY. Antimicrobial Peptide Reduces Cytotoxicity and Inflammation in Canine Epidermal Keratinocyte Progenitor Cells Induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. Vet Sci 2024; 11:235. [PMID: 38921982 PMCID: PMC11209461 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11060235] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The direct effects and antimicrobial activity of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) obtained from dogs, including cBD, cBD103, and cCath, against P. aeruginosa wild-type strain PAO1 and canine keratinocytes were analyzed. Antibacterial effects on planktonic bacteria were assessed by determining the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of AMPs and by a time-kill assay. Antibiofilm effects were assessed using the microtiter plate assay. We also evaluated the effects of AMPs on cell cytotoxicity and host immune response induced by stimulating canine epidermal keratinocyte progenitor (CPEK) cells with PAO1 and its LPS. cBD, cBD103, and cCath all exhibited dose-dependent antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects. In particular, 25 μg/mL cBD103 showed rapid bactericidal activity within 60 min and inhibited biofilm formation. In addition, pretreatment with cBD103 (25 µg/mL) and cCath (50 µg/mL) 1 h before stimulation significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of the CPEK cells by PAO1 and LPS-induced IL-6 and TNF-a expressions. cBD had little effect on the response to PAO1 and LPS in the cells. These results indicate the therapeutic potential of AMPs in P. aeruginosa skin infections. However, further studies on the mechanism of action of AMPs in keratinocytes and clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Eun Hyun
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Yong Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Dermatology, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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12
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Yang Y, Yu Z, Ba Z, Ouyang X, Li B, Yang P, Zhang J, Wang Y, Liu Y, Yang T, Zhao Y, Wu X, Zhong C, Liu H, Zhang Y, Gou S, Ni J. Arginine and tryptophan-rich dendritic antimicrobial peptides that disrupt membranes for bacterial infection in vivo. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116451. [PMID: 38691892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The potent antibacterial activity and low resistance of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) render them potential candidates for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Herein, a minimalist design strategy was proposed employing the "golden partner" combination of arginine (R) and tryptophan (W), along with a dendritic structure to design AMPs. By extension, the α/ε-amino group and the carboxyl group of lysine (K) were utilized to link R and W, forming dendritic peptide templates αRn(εRn)KWm-NH2 and αWn(εWn)KRm-NH2, respectively. The corresponding linear peptide templates R2nKWm-NH2 and W2nKRm-NH2 were used as controls. Their physicochemical properties, activity, toxicity, and stability were compared. Among these new peptides, the dendritic peptide R2(R2)KW4 was screened as a prospective candidate owing to its preferable antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and stability. Additionally, R2(R2)KW4 not only effectively restrained the progression of antibiotic resistance, but also demonstrated synergistic utility when combined with conventional antibiotics due to its unique membrane-disruptive mechanism. Furthermore, R2(R2)KW4 possessed low toxicity (LD50 = 109.31 mg/kg) in vivo, while efficiently clearing E. coli in pulmonary-infected mice. In conclusion, R2(R2)KW4 has the potential to become an antimicrobial regent or adjuvant, and the minimalist design strategy of dendritic peptides provides innovative and encouraging thoughts in designing AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyin Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zhongwei Yu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zufang Ba
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xu Ouyang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Beibei Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yao Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yuhuan Zhao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China
| | - Sanhu Gou
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China.
| | - Jingman Ni
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, P. R. China; Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, No. 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Beijing, 100050, P. R. China.
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13
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Chen C, Shi J, Wang D, Kong P, Wang Z, Liu Y. Antimicrobial peptides as promising antibiotic adjuvants to combat drug-resistant pathogens. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:267-284. [PMID: 36890767 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2186215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR) calls for the development of new antimicrobial strategies. Antibiotic adjuvant rescues antibiotic activity and increases the life span of the antibiotics, representing a more productive, timely, and cost-effective strategy in fighting drug-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from synthetic and natural sources are considered new-generation antibacterial agents. Besides their direct antimicrobial activity, growing evidence shows that some AMPs effectively enhance the activity of conventional antibiotics. The combinations of AMPs and antibiotics display an improved therapeutic effect on antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and minimize the emergence of resistance. In this review, we discuss the value of AMPs in the age of resistance, including modes of action, limiting evolutionary resistance, and their designing strategies. We summarise the recent advances in combining AMPs and antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as their synergistic mechanisms. Lastly, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of AMPs as potential antibiotic adjuvants. This will shed new light on the deployment of synergistic combinations to address the AMR crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pan Kong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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14
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Pennone V, Rosini E, Mascheroni E, Gianola S, Castellini G, Bargeri S, Lovati AB. Revolutionizing orthopedic healthcare: a systematic review unveiling recombinant antimicrobial peptides. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1370826. [PMID: 38756724 PMCID: PMC11097975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1370826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing demand for orthopedic surgeries, including joint replacements, is driven by an aging population and improved diagnosis of joint conditions. Orthopedic surgeries carry a risk of infection, especially in patients with comorbidities. The rise of antibiotic resistance exacerbates this issue, necessitating alternatives like in vitro bioengineered antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), offering broad-spectrum activity and multiple action mechanisms. This review aimed to assess the prevalence of antimicrobial potential and the yield after purification among recombinant AMP families. The antimicrobial potential was evaluated using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values against the most common bacteria involved in clinical infections. This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, focusing on in vitro studies of recombinant AMPs. The search strategy was run on PubMed, Scopus and Embase up to 30th March 2023. The Population, Exposure and Outcome model was used to extract the data from studies and ToxRTool for the risk of bias analysis. This review included studies providing peptide production yield data and MIC values against pathogenic bacteria. Non-English texts, reviews, conference abstracts, books, studies focusing solely on chemical synthesis, those reporting incomplete data sets, using non-standard MIC assessment methods, or presenting MIC values as ranges rather than precise concentrations, were excluded. From 370 publications, 34 studies on AMPs were analyzed. These covered 46 AMPs across 18 families, with Defensins and Hepcidins being most common. Yields varied from 0.5 to 2,700 mg/L. AMPs were tested against 23 bacterial genera, with MIC values ranging from 0.125 to >1,152 μg/mL. Arenicins showed the highest antimicrobial activity, particularly against common orthopedic infection pathogens. However, AMP production yields varied and some AMPs demonstrated limited effectiveness against certain bacterial strains. This systematic review emphasizes the critical role of bioengineered AMPs to cope infections and antibiotic resistance. It meticulously evaluates recombinant AMPs, focusing on their antimicrobial efficacy and production yields. The review highlights that, despite the variability in AMP yields and effectiveness, Arenicins and Defensins are promising candidates for future research and clinical applications in treating antibiotic-resistant orthopedic infections. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of AMPs in healthcare, underscoring their potential in addressing the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance. Systematic review registration:https://osf.io/2uq4c/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Pennone
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Rosini
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elena Mascheroni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Gianola
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Castellini
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bargeri
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna B. Lovati
- Cell and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
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15
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Li B, Ouyang X, Liu Y, Ba Z, Yang Y, Zhang J, Yang P, Yang T, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Mao W, Zhong C, Liu H, Zhang Y, Gou S, Ni J. Novel β-Hairpin Antimicrobial Peptide Containing the β-Turn Sequence of -NG- and the Tryptophan Zippers Facilitate Self-Assembly into Nanofibers, Exhibiting Excellent Antimicrobial Performance. J Med Chem 2024; 67:6365-6383. [PMID: 38436574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising agents to combat the antibiotic resistance crisis due to their rapid bactericidal activity and low propensity for drug resistance. However, AMPs face challenges in terms of balancing enhanced antimicrobial efficacy with increased toxicity during modification processes. In this study, de novo d-type β-hairpin AMPs are designed. The conformational transformation of self-assembling peptide W-4 in the environment of the bacterial membrane and the erythrocyte membrane affected its antibacterial activity and hemolytic activity and finally showed a high antibacterial effect and low toxicity. Furthermore, W-4 displays remarkable stability, minimal occurrence of drug resistance, and synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics. The in vivo studies confirm its high safety and potent wound-healing properties at the sites infected by bacteria. This study substantiates that nanostructured AMPs possess enhanced biocompatibility. These advances reveal the superiority of self-assembled AMPs and contribute to the development of nanoantibacterial materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Li
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Xu Ouyang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Zufang Ba
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yinyin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Jingying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Yuhuan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Mao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Sanhu Gou
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Jingman Ni
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
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16
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Ruppelt D, Trollmann MFW, Dema T, Wirtz SN, Flegel H, Mönnikes S, Grond S, Böckmann RA, Steinem C. The antimicrobial fibupeptide lugdunin forms water-filled channel structures in lipid membranes. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3521. [PMID: 38664456 PMCID: PMC11045845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47803-6] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, a novel cyclo-heptapeptide composed of alternating D,L-amino acids and a unique thiazolidine heterocycle, called lugdunin, was discovered, which is produced by the nasal and skin commensal Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Lugdunin displays potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria, including challenging-to-treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Lugdunin specifically inhibits target bacteria by dissipating their membrane potential. However, the precise mode of action of this new class of fibupeptides remains largely elusive. Here, we disclose the mechanism by which lugdunin rapidly destabilizes the bacterial membrane potential using an in vitro approach. The peptide strongly partitions into lipid compositions resembling Gram-positive bacterial membranes but less in those harboring the eukaryotic membrane component cholesterol. Upon insertion, lugdunin forms hydrogen-bonded antiparallel β-sheets by the formation of peptide nanotubes, as demonstrated by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations. These hydrophilic nanotubes filled with a water wire facilitate not only the translocation of protons but also of monovalent cations as demonstrated by voltage-clamp experiments on black lipid membranes. Collectively, our results provide evidence that the natural fibupeptide lugdunin acts as a peptidic channel that is spontaneously formed by an intricate stacking mechanism, leading to the dissipation of a bacterial cell's membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Ruppelt
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität, Tammannstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marius F W Trollmann
- Computational Biology, Department Biologie & Erlangen National High Perfomance Computing Center (NHR@FAU), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Taulant Dema
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian N Wirtz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Flegel
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität, Tammannstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sophia Mönnikes
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität, Tammannstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Grond
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 18, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rainer A Böckmann
- Computational Biology, Department Biologie & Erlangen National High Perfomance Computing Center (NHR@FAU), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 5, 91058, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Claudia Steinem
- Institute of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry, Georg-August-Universität, Tammannstraße 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
- Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Am Faßberg 17, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
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17
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Mangoni ML, Loffredo MR, Casciaro B, Ferrera L, Cappiello F. An Overview of Frog Skin-Derived Esc Peptides: Promising Multifunctional Weapons against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Pulmonary and Ocular Surface Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4400. [PMID: 38673985 PMCID: PMC11049899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a silent pandemic harming human health, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most common bacterium responsible for chronic pulmonary and eye infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. In this review, the in vitro/in vivo activities of the frog skin-derived AMP Esc(1-21) are shown. Esc(1-21) rapidly kills both the planktonic and sessile forms of P. aeruginosa and stimulates migration of epithelial cells, likely favoring repair of damaged tissue. However, to undertake preclinical studies, some drawbacks of AMPs (cytotoxicity, poor biostability, and limited delivery to the target site) must be overcome. For this purpose, the stereochemistry of two amino acids of Esc(1-21) was changed to obtain the diastereomer Esc(1-21)-1c, which is more stable, less cytotoxic, and more efficient in treating P. aeruginosa-induced lung and cornea infections in mouse models. Incorporation of these peptides (Esc peptides) into nanoparticles or immobilization to a medical device (contact lens) was revealed to be an effective strategy to ameliorate and/or to prolong the peptides' antimicrobial efficacy. Overall, these data make Esc peptides encouraging candidates for novel multifunctional drugs to treat lung pathology especially in patients with cystic fibrosis and eye dysfunctions, characterized by both tissue injury and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Maria Rosa Loffredo
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Bruno Casciaro
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
| | - Loretta Ferrera
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Floriana Cappiello
- Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.R.L.); (B.C.); (F.C.)
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18
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Zhao B, Zhang Q, Yang H, Yu S, Fu R, Shi S, Wang Y, Zhou W, Cui Y, Guo Q, Zhang X. Peptide KN-17-Loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel Induces the Regeneration of the Pulp-Dentin Complex. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:2523-2533. [PMID: 38445444 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Regenerating the pulp-dentin complex remains a decisive factor during apexification for immature permanent teeth. Peptide KN-17, which was modified based on the structure of cecropin B, could effectively interfere with bacterial growth and induce the migration of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs). This study aimed to investigate the effect of KN-17 on the tissue regeneration. To our surprise, KN-17 can significantly stimulate angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, which may provide a guarantee for apical closure. Herein, a novel peptide/KN-17 coassembled hydrogel is developed via a heating-cooling process. Npx-FFEY/KN-17 supramolecular hydrogel can induce vessel development, stimulate odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), and exert an antibacterial effect on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Furthermore, coronal pulp excised rat molars are supplied with KN-17 or KN-17-loaded hydrogel and transplanted subcutaneously in BALB/c-nu mice. After 4 weeks, the hydrogel Npx-FFEY/KN-17 stimulates the formation of multiple odontoblast-like cells and dentin-like structures. Our findings demonstrate that the KN-17-loaded hydrogel can promote the regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex for continued root development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borui Zhao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Houzhi Yang
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shuipeng Yu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Rui Fu
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Shurui Shi
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Immunology, Microenvironment & Metastasis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Yange Cui
- Program in Gene Expression and Regulation, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Qingxiang Guo
- College of Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Technology, Hohhot 010051, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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19
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Zhang M, Yang B, Shi J, Wang Z, Liu Y. Host defense peptides mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance in physiologically relevant condition. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0126123. [PMID: 38415983 PMCID: PMC10994823 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01261-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance represents a significant challenge to public health and human safety. The primary driver behind the dissemination of antibiotic resistance is the horizontal transfer of plasmids. Current conjugative transfer assay is generally performed in a standardized manner, ignoring the effect of the host environment. Host defense peptides (HDPs) possess a wide range of biological targets and play an essential role in the innate immune system. Herein, we reveal that sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations of HDPs facilitate the conjugative transfer of RP4-7 plasmid in the Luria Broth medium, and this observation is reversed in the RPMI medium, designed to simulate the host environment. Out of these HDPs, indolicidin (Ind), a cationic tridecapeptide from bovine neutrophils, significantly inhibits the conjugation of multidrug resistance plasmids in a dose-dependent manner, including blaNDM- and tet(X4)-bearing plasmids. We demonstrate that the addition of Ind to RPMI medium as the incubation substrate downregulates the expression of conjugation-related genes. In addition, Ind weakens the tricarboxylic acid cycle, impedes the electron transport chain, and disrupts the proton motive force, consequently diminishing the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate and limiting the energy supply. Our findings highlight the importance of the host-like environments for the development of horizontal transfer inhibitors and demonstrate the potential of HDPs in preventing the spread of resistance plasmids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Zhang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Bingqing Yang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Shi
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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20
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Chong H, Liu X, Fang S, Yang X, Zhang Y, Wang T, Liu L, Kan Y, Zhao Y, Fan H, Zhang J, Wang X, Yao H, Yang Y, Gao Y, Zhao Q, Li S, Plymoth M, Xi J, Zhang Y, Wang C, Pang H. Organo-Pt ii Complexes for Potent Photodynamic Inactivation of Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria and the Influence of Configuration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306936. [PMID: 38298088 PMCID: PMC11005693 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PtII based organometallic photosensitizers (PSs) have emerged as novel potent photodynamic inactivation (PDI) reagents through their enhanced intersystem crossing (ISC) processes. Currently, few PtII PSs have been investigated as antibacterial materials, with relatively poor performances reported and with structure-activity relationships not well described. Herein, a pair of configurational isomers are reported of Bis-BODIPY (4,4-difluoro-boradizaindacene) embedded PtII PSs. The cis-isomer (cis-BBP) displayed enhanced 1O2 generation and better bacterial membrane anchoring capability as compared to the trans-isomer (trans-BBP). The effective PDI concentrations (efficiency > 99.9%) for cis-BBP in Acinetobacter baumannii (multi-drug resistant (MDR)) and Staphylococcus aureus are 400 nM (12 J cm-2) and 100 nM (18 J cm-2), respectively; corresponding concentrations and light doses for trans-BBP in the two bacteria are 2.50 µM (30 J cm-2) and 1.50 µM (18 J cm-2), respectively. The 50% and 90% minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50 and MIC90) ratio of trans-BBP to cis-BBP is 22.22 and 24.02 in A. baumannii (MDR); 21.29 and 22.36 in methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), respectively. Furthermore, cis-BBP displays superior in vivo antibacterial performance, with acceptable dark and photoinduced cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate cis-BBP is a robust light-assisted antibacterial reagent at sub-micromolecular concentrations. More importantly, configuration of PtII PSs should be an important issue to be considered in further PDI reagents design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chong
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Xuanwei Liu
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Siyu Fang
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Xiaofei Yang
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Yuefei Zhang
- Department of EmergencyAffiliated Hospital of Yangzhou UniversityYangzhouJiangsu225000China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of NursingYangzhou UniversityYangzhou225009P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention andTreatment of Senile DiseasesNo. 88 South University Rd.Yangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Yinshi Kan
- School of NursingYangzhou UniversityYangzhou225009P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention andTreatment of Senile DiseasesNo. 88 South University Rd.Yangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Yueqi Zhao
- School of NursingYangzhou UniversityYangzhou225009P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention andTreatment of Senile DiseasesNo. 88 South University Rd.Yangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Hongying Fan
- Testing Center of Yangzhou UniversityNo. 48 Wenhui East Rd.Yangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Jingqi Zhang
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijing100083P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology BeijingBeijing100083P. R. China
| | - Hang Yao
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Yi Yang
- Center LaboratoryAffiliated Hospital of Yangzhou UniversityYangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Yijian Gao
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Qi Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Shengliang Li
- College of Pharmaceutical SciencesSoochow UniversitySuzhou215123P. R. China
| | - Martin Plymoth
- Westmead hospitalSydneyNSW 2145Australia
- Department of Clinical MicrobiologyUmeå UniversityUmeå90187Sweden
| | - Juqun Xi
- Department of PharmacologyInstitute of Translational MedicineSchool of MedicineYangzhou UniversityYangzhou225009P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention andTreatment of Senile DiseasesYangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhang
- School of NursingYangzhou UniversityYangzhou225009P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention andTreatment of Senile DiseasesNo. 88 South University Rd.Yangzhou225009P. R. China
| | - Chengyin Wang
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
| | - Huan Pang
- Department of Chemical and Chemical EngineeringYangzhou UniversityNo. 180, Si‐Wang‐Ting Rd.YangzhouJiangsu225009P. R. China
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21
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Campos RP, Mailart MC, Matuda AGN, Yui KCK, Chagas GDS, Rocha MB, Tay FR, Pucci CR. Effect of Nisin-based pretreatment solution on dentin bond strength, antibacterial property, and MMP activity of the adhesive interface. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 152:106407. [PMID: 38277911 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of a Nisin-based dentin pretreatment solution on microtensile bond strength, antibacterial activity, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity of the adhesive interface. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 human molars were sectioned to expose dentin. The teeth were assigned to five groups (n = 20), according to the dentin pretreatment: 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% Nisin; 0.12% chlorhexidine (positive control), and no solution (negative control), and divided into 2 subgroups: no aging, and thermomechanical aging. Specimens were etched with 37% H3PO4 for 15 s and submitted to the dentin pretreatment. Then, they were bonded with an adhesive (Adper Single Bond 2) and a resin composite for microtensile bond strength (μTBS) evaluation. Antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans was qualitatively examined using an agar diffusion test. Anti-MMP activity within hybrid layers was examined using in-situ zymography. Data were analyzed with two-factor ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.050). RESULTS For μTBS, significant differences were identified for the factors "solutions" (p = 0.002), "aging" (p = 0.017), and interaction of the two factors (p = 0.002). In the absence of aging, higher μTBS was observed for the group 0.5% Nisin. In the presence of aging, all groups showed similar μTBS values. All Nisin concentrations were effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans. Endogenous MMP activity was more significantly inhibited using 0.5% and 1.0% Nisin (p < 0.050). CONCLUSION 0.5% and 1.0% Nisin solutions do not adversely affect resin-dentin bond strength and exhibit a potential bactericidal effect against S. mutans. Both concentrations effectively reduce endogenous gelatinolytic activity within the hybrid layer. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The use of 0.5% and 1.0% Nisin solutions for dentin pretreatment potentially contributes to preserving the adhesive interface, increasing the longevity of composite restorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Pinto Campos
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mariane Cintra Mailart
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil.
| | - Amanda Guedes Nogueira Matuda
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Karen Cristina Kazue Yui
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriela da Silva Chagas
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcella Batista Rocha
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Franklin R Tay
- Department of Endodontics, The Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, USA
| | - Cesar Rogerio Pucci
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Institute of Science and Technology, Sao Paulo State University, Sao José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
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22
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Cont D, Harm S, Schildböck C, Kolm C, Kirschner AKT, Farnleitner AH, Pilecky M, Zottl J, Hartmann J, Weber V. The neutralizing effect of heparin on blood-derived antimicrobial compounds: impact on antibacterial activity and inflammatory response. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373255. [PMID: 38585266 PMCID: PMC10995223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Acting through a combination of direct and indirect pathogen clearance mechanisms, blood-derived antimicrobial compounds (AMCs) play a pivotal role in innate immunity, safeguarding the host against invading microorganisms. Besides their antimicrobial activity, some AMCs can neutralize endotoxins, preventing their interaction with immune cells and avoiding an excessive inflammatory response. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of unfractionated heparin, a polyanionic drug clinically used as anticoagulant, on the endotoxin-neutralizing and antibacterial activity of blood-derived AMCs. Serum samples from healthy donors were pre-incubated with increasing concentrations of heparin for different time periods and tested against pathogenic bacteria (Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus) and endotoxins from E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. Heparin dose-dependently decreased the activity of blood-derived AMCs. Consequently, pre-incubation with heparin led to increased activity of LPS and higher values of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Accordingly, higher concentrations of A. baumannii, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa were observed as well. These findings underscore the neutralizing effect of unfractionated heparin on blood-derived AMCs in vitro and may lead to alternative affinity techniques for isolating and characterizing novel AMCs with the potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Cont
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Microbiology, Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Stephan Harm
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Claudia Schildböck
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Claudia Kolm
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Microbiology, Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander K. T. Kirschner
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Microbiology, Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Water Microbiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas H. Farnleitner
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Microbiology, Division Water Quality and Health, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Institute of Chemical, Environmental and Bioscience Engineering, Research Group Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics, Vienna University of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pilecky
- Research Lab Aquatic Ecosystem Research and Health, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
- Water Cluster Lunz Biological Station, Lunz, Austria
| | - Jennifer Zottl
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Jens Hartmann
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Viktoria Weber
- Department for Biomedical Research, University for Continuing Education Krems, Krems an der Donau, Austria
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23
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Sudhakaran G, Kesavan D, Selvam M, Arasu A, Guru A, Arockiaraj J. Gonorrhea caused due to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae treated using probiotic peptide. In Silico Pharmacol 2024; 12:17. [PMID: 38525049 PMCID: PMC10957827 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-023-00185-x] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease from gonorrhea that lacks treatment; despite the urgency, the absence of adequate drugs, lack of human correlates of protection, and inadequate animal models of infection have delayed progress toward the prevention of gonococcal infection. Lactobacillus crispatus is a lactic acid bacterium typically found in the human vaginal microbiota. Peptides from L. crispatus have shown a potential therapeutic option for targetting N. gonorrhea. Bioinformatics analysis is important for speeding up drug target acquisition, screening refinement, and evaluating adverse effects and drug resistance prediction. Therefore, this study identified an antimicrobial peptide from the bacteriocin immunity protein (BIP) of L. crispatus using the bioinformatics tool and Collection of Antimicrobial Peptide (CAMPR3). Based on the AMP score and highest ADMET properties, the peptide SM20 was chosen for docking analysis. SM20 was docked against multiple proteins from the genome of the AMR bacterium N. gonorrhea using an online tool; protein-peptide interactions were established and visualized using the PyMol visualizing tool. Molecular docking was carried out using the CABSdock tool, and multiple conformations were obtained against the membrane proteins of N. gonorrhoea. The peptide SM20 exhibited higher docking scores and ADMET properties. Therefore, SM20 could be further encapsulated with cellulose; it can be applied topically to the genital tract to target N. gonorrhea infection. The controlled release of the antimicrobial peptide from the gel can provide sustained delivery of the treatment, increasing its efficacy and reducing the risk of resistance development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gokul Sudhakaran
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077 Tamil Nadu India
| | - D. Kesavan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Madesh Selvam
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Abirami Arasu
- Department of Microbiology, SRM Arts and Science College, Kattankulathur, Chennai, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Ajay Guru
- Department of Cariology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 600077 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603203 Tamil Nadu India
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24
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Xiao Z, Qin Y, Han L, Liu Y, Wang Z, Huang Y, Ma Y, Zou Y. Effects of wastewater treatment plant effluent on microbial risks of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance in the receiving river. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123461. [PMID: 38286261 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
The increase in effluent discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) into urban rivers has raised concerns about the potential effects on pathogen risks. This study utilized metagenomic sequencing combined with flow cytometry to analyze pathogen concentrations and antibiotic resistance in a typical effluent-receiving river. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was employed to assess the microbial risks of pathogens. The results indicated obvious spatial-temporal differences (i.e., summer vs. winter and effluent vs. river) in microbial composition. Microcystis emerged as a crucial species contributing to these variations. Pathogen concentrations were found to be higher in the river than in the effluent, with the winter exhibiting higher concentrations compared to the summer. The effluent discharge slightly increased the pathogen concentrations in the river in summer but dramatically reduced them in winter. The combined effects of cyanobacterial bloom and high temperature were considered key factors suppressing pathogen concentrations in summer. Moreover, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance of pathogens in the river was inferior to that in the effluent, with higher levels in winter than in summer. Three high-concentration pathogens (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were selected for QMRA. The results showed that the risks of pathogens exceeded the recommended threshold value. Escherichia coli posed the highest risks. And the fishing scenario posed significantly higher risks than the walking scenario. Importantly, the effluent discharge helped reduce the microbial risks in the receiving river in winter. The study contributes to the management and decision-making regarding microbial risks in the effluent-receiving river.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Xiao
- The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China; Dayu College, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Qin
- Dayu College, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Li Han
- Dayu College, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yifan Liu
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yanping Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yujing Ma
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China
| | - Yina Zou
- The National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Yangtze Institute for Conservation and Development, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, PR China.
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25
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Chen X, Yang J, Qu C, Zhang Q, Sun S, Liu L. Anti- Staphylococcus aureus effects of natural antimicrobial peptides and the underlying mechanisms. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:355-372. [PMID: 38440873 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus can cause localized infections such as abscesses and pneumonia, as well as systemic infections such as bacteremia and sepsis. Especially, methicillin-resistant S. aureus often presents multidrug resistance, which becomes a major clinical challenge. One of the most common reasons for methicillin-resistant S. aureus antibiotic resistance is the presence of biofilms. Natural antimicrobial peptides derived from different species have shown effectiveness in combating S. aureus biofilms. In this review, we summarize the inhibitory activity of antimicrobial peptides against S. aureus planktonic cells and biofilms. We also summarize the possible inhibitory mechanisms, involving cell adhesion inhibition, membrane fracture, biofilm disruption and DNA disruption. We believe this can provide the basis for further research against S. aureus biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiuli Yang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Shandong Engineering & Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Shandong Medicine & Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Daxing District Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine. Beijing, 102600, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital. Jinan, 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
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26
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Müller R, König A, Groth S, Zarnowski R, Visser C, Handrianz T, Maufrais C, Krüger T, Himmel M, Lee S, Priest EL, Yildirim D, Richardson JP, Blango MG, Bougnoux ME, Kniemeyer O, d'Enfert C, Brakhage AA, Andes DR, Trümper V, Nehls C, Kasper L, Mogavero S, Gutsmann T, Naglik JR, Allert S, Hube B. Secretion of the fungal toxin candidalysin is dependent on conserved precursor peptide sequences. Nat Microbiol 2024; 9:669-683. [PMID: 38388771 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans damages host cells via its peptide toxin, candidalysin. Before secretion, candidalysin is embedded in a precursor protein, Ece1, which consists of a signal peptide, the precursor of candidalysin and seven non-candidalysin Ece1 peptides (NCEPs), and is found to be conserved in clinical isolates. Here we show that the Ece1 polyprotein does not resemble the usual precursor structure of peptide toxins. C. albicans cells are not susceptible to their own toxin, and single NCEPs adjacent to candidalysin are sufficient to prevent host cell toxicity. Using a series of Ece1 mutants, mass spectrometry and anti-candidalysin nanobodies, we show that NCEPs play a role in intracellular Ece1 folding and candidalysin secretion. Removal of single NCEPs or modifications of peptide sequences cause an unfolded protein response (UPR), which in turn inhibits hypha formation and pathogenicity in vitro. Our data indicate that the Ece1 precursor is not required to block premature pore-forming toxicity, but rather to prevent intracellular auto-aggregation of candidalysin sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Müller
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Annika König
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Sabrina Groth
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Robert Zarnowski
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Corissa Visser
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Tom Handrianz
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Corinne Maufrais
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Krüger
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Maximilian Himmel
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Sejeong Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily L Priest
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Deniz Yildirim
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan P Richardson
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew G Blango
- RNA Biology of Fungal Infections, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Bougnoux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
- Unité de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Service de Microbiologie Clinique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants-Malades, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Paris, France
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christophe d'Enfert
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité Biologie et Pathogénicité Fongiques, Paris, France
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - David R Andes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Verena Trümper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Nehls
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Selene Mogavero
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Gutsmann
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Julian R Naglik
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Stefanie Allert
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department of Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knoell Institute (HKI), Jena, Germany.
- Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence Balance of the Microverse, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.
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27
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Nehls C, Schröder M, Haubenthal T, Haas A, Gutsmann T. The mechanistic basis of the membrane-permeabilizing activities of the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) from Rhodococcus equi. Mol Microbiol 2024; 121:578-592. [PMID: 38308564 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15233] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pathogenic Rhodococcus equi release the virulence-associated protein A (VapA) within macrophage phagosomes. VapA permeabilizes phagosome and lysosome membranes and reduces acidification of both compartments. Using biophysical techniques, we found that VapA interacts with model membranes in four steps: (i) binding, change of mechanical properties, (ii) formation of specific membrane domains, (iii) permeabilization within the domains, and (iv) pH-specific transformation of domains. Biosensor data revealed that VapA binds to membranes in one step at pH 6.5 and in two steps at pH 4.5 and decreases membrane fluidity. The integration of VapA into lipid monolayers was only significant at lateral pressures <20 mN m-1 indicating preferential incorporation into membrane regions with reduced integrity. Atomic force microscopy of lipid mono- and bilayers showed that VapA increased the surface heterogeneity of liquid disordered domains. Furthermore, VapA led to the formation of a new microstructured domain type and, at pH 4.5, to the formation of 5 nm high domains. VapA binding, its integration and lipid domain formation depended on lipid composition, pH, protein concentration and lateral membrane pressure. VapA-mediated permeabilization is clearly distinct from that caused by classical microbial pore formers and is a key contribution to the multiplication of Rhodococcus equi in phagosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nehls
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcel Schröder
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | | | - Albert Haas
- Cell Biology Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Gutsmann
- Division of Biophysics, Research Center Borstel - Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Centre for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB), Hamburg, Germany
- Kiel Nano, Surface and Interface Science KiNSIS, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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28
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Appiah C, Chen S, Pori AI, Retyunskiy V, Tzeng C, Zhao Y. Study of alloferon, a novel immunomodulatory antimicrobial peptide (AMP), and its analogues. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1359261. [PMID: 38434708 PMCID: PMC10904621 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1359261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely distributed throughout the biosphere and represent a class of conserved peptide molecules with intrinsic antimicrobial properties. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low risk to induce resistance have led to increased interest in AMPs as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Among the AMPs, alloferon has been addressed due to its immunomodulatory properties that augment both innate and adaptive immune responses against various pathogens. Alloferon and its analogues have demonstrated pharmaceutical potential through their ability to enhance Natural Killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and stimulate interferon (IFN) synthesis in both mouse and human models. Additionally, they have shown promise in augmenting antiviral and antitumor activities in mice. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the biological effects of alloferon and its analogues, incorporating our own research findings as well. These insights may contribute to a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of these novel AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Appiah
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shitian Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | - Afia Ibnat Pori
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - Chimeng Tzeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, China
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29
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Hu Y, Ling Y, Qin Z, Huang J, Jian L, Ren DF. Isolation, identification, and synergistic mechanism of a novel antimicrobial peptide and phenolic compound from fermented walnut meal and their application in Rosa roxbughii Tratt spoilage fungus. Food Chem 2024; 433:137333. [PMID: 37696092 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify an antimicrobial peptide and phenolic compound combination derived from fermented walnut meal against Penicillium. victoriae, a fungus responsible for Rosa. roxbughii Tratt spoilage, and ultimately investigate their synergistic mechanism. YVVPW and salicylic acid (SA) had the highest antifungal activity among identified 4 antimicrobial peptides, including FGGDSTHP, ALGGGY, YVVPW, and PLLRW, and 15 phenolic compounds, respectively. Molecular docking verified that YVVPW bound to regulatory subunit via hydrogen-bond, hydrophobic, and π-π conjugate interactions. YVVPW and SA exhibited synergistic effects with average minimal inhibitory concentration decreasing by 85.44 ± 8.04%. Fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated quenching of intrinsic Trp and Tyr fluorescence by interaction. FTIR and molecular docking results revealed formation of 3 hydrogen bonds via OH, CO, NH, and CH bonds in YVVPW + SA, with π-π stacking occurring between the benzene ring and five-membered ring. These reinforce potential application of this combination as an effective fungistatic combination in fruit preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Yuxi Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Zhouyi Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Jingmei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Liuyu Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Di Feng Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Safety in Forestry, Department of Food Science and Engineering, College of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Beijing Forestry University, 100083 Beijing, China.
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30
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Dong Z, Zhang X, Zhang Q, Tangthianchaichana J, Guo M, Du S, Lu Y. Anticancer Mechanisms and Potential Anticancer Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides and Their Nano Agents. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1017-1039. [PMID: 38317847 PMCID: PMC10840538 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445333] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional chemotherapy is one of the main methods of cancer treatment, which is largely limited by severe side effects and frequent development of multi-drug resistance by cancer cells. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with high efficiency and low toxicity, as one of the most promising new drugs to replace chemoradiotherapy, have become a current research hotspot, attracting the attention of worldwide researchers. AMPs are natural-source small peptides from the innate immune system, and certain AMPs can selectively kill a broad spectrum of cancer cells while exhibiting less damage to normal cells. Although it involves intracellular mechanisms, AMPs exert their anti-cancer effects mainly through membrane destruction effect; thus, AMPs also hold unique advantages in fighting drug-resistant cancer cells. However, the poor stability and hemolytic toxicity of peptides limit their clinical application. Fortunately, functionalized nanoparticles have many possibilities in overcoming the shortcomings of AMPs, which provides a huge prospect for better application of AMPs. In this paper, we briefly introduce the characteristics and different sources of AMPs, review and summarize the mechanisms of action and the research status of AMPs used as an anticancer therapy, and finally focus on the further use of AMPs nano agents in the anti-cancer direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Dong
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Research and Development Centre in Beijing, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Limited, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jakkree Tangthianchaichana
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Mingxue Guo
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shouying Du
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lu
- Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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31
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Khavani M, Mehranfar A, Mofrad MRK. Antimicrobial peptide interactions with bacterial cell membranes. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38263741 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2304683] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives for common antibiotics because of their greater activity and efficiency against a broad range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. In this project, two antimicrobial peptides including magainin 2 and protegrin 1 with α-helix and β-sheet secondary structures were selected to investigate their interactions with different lipid bilayers such as 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoserine (POPS), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (POPG), and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), POPC/POPG (7:3), POPC/POPS (7:3), POPG/POPE(1:3), and POPG/POPE(3:1). The obtained structures of the AMPs illustrated that protegrin 1 cannot maintain its secondary structure in the solution phase in contrast to magainin 2. The head groups of the lipid units play a key role in the stability of the lipid bilayers. The head parts of the lipid membranes by increasing the internal H-bond contribute to membrane compactness. The POPG and POPS units inside the POPC/POPG and POPC/POPS membranes increase the order of the POPC units. The cationic residues of the AMPs form remarkable electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged membrane surfaces, which play a key role in the stabilization process of the peptide secondary structures. The Arg residues of protegrin 1 and the Gly1, Lys4, Lys10, Lys11, Lys14, and Glu19 of the magainin 2 have the most important roles in the complexation process. The values of Gibbs binding energies (ΔG) indicate that the complexation process between AMPs and different bacterial membranes is favorable from the thermodynamic viewpoint and AMPs could form stable complexes with the lipid bilayers. As a result of ΔG values, protegrin 1 forms a more stable complex with POPG/POPE(3:1), while the α-helix has more affinity to the POPG/POPE(1:3) bacterial membranes. Therefore, it can be considered that β-sheet and α-helix AMPs are more effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, respectively. The results of this study can provide useful details about the antimicrobial peptide interactions with the bacterial cell, which can be employed for designing new antimicrobial materials with greater efficiency.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khavani
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Aliyeh Mehranfar
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Mohammad R K Mofrad
- Molecular Cell Biomechanics Laboratory, Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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32
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He S, Deber CM. Interaction of designed cationic antimicrobial peptides with the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1894. [PMID: 38253659 PMCID: PMC10803810 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51716-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane (OM) is a hallmark feature of gram-negative bacteria that provides the species with heightened resistance against antibiotic threats while cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) are natural antibiotics broadly recognized for their ability to disrupt bacterial membranes. It has been well-established that lipopolysaccharides present on the OM are among major targets of CAP activity against gram-negative species. Here we investigate how the relative distribution of charged residues along the primary peptide sequence, in conjunction with its overall hydrophobicity, affects such peptide-OM interactions in the natural CAP Ponericin W1. Using a designed peptide library derived from Ponericin W1, we determined that the consecutive placement of Lys residues at the peptide N- or C-terminus (ex. "PonN": KKKKKKWLGSALIGALLPSVVGLFQ) enhances peptide binding affinity to OM lipopolysaccharides compared to constructs where Lys residues are interspersed throughout the primary sequence (ex. "PonAmp": WLKKALKIGAKLLPSVVKLFKGSGQ). Antimicrobial activity against multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was similarly found to be highest among Lys-clustered sequences. Our findings suggest that while native Ponericin W1 exerts its initial activity at the OM, Lys-clustering may be a promising means to enhance potency towards this interface, thereby augmenting peptide entry and activity at the IM, with apparent advantage against multidrug-resistant species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelley He
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Charles M Deber
- Program in Molecular Medicine, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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33
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Beyer L, Schäfer AB, Undabarrena A, Mattsby-Baltzer I, Tietze D, Svensson E, Stubelius A, Wenzel M, Cámara B, Tietze AA. Mimicking Nonribosomal Peptides from the Marine Actinomycete Streptomyces sp. H-KF8 Leads to Antimicrobial Peptides. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:79-92. [PMID: 38113038 PMCID: PMC10788856 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00206] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms within the marine environment have been shown to be very effective sources of naturally produced antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Several nonribosomal peptides were identified based on genome mining predictions of Streptomyces sp. H-KF8, a marine Actinomycetota isolated from a remote Northern Chilean Patagonian fjord. Based on these predictions, a series of eight peptides, including cyclic peptides, were designed and chemically synthesized. Six of these peptides showed antimicrobial activity. Mode of action studies suggest that two of these peptides potentially act on the cell membrane via a novel mechanism allowing the passage of small ions, resulting in the dissipation of the membrane potential. This study shows that though structurally similar peptides, determined by NMR spectroscopy, the incorporation of small sequence mutations results in a dramatic influence on their bioactivity including mode of action. The qualified hit sequence can serve as a basis for more potent AMPs in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa
I. Beyer
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular
and Translational Medicine, University of
Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan
7B, Gothenburg 413 90, Sweden
- Center
for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, Göteborg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Ann-Britt Schäfer
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Kemigården 4, Göteborg 412 96, Sweden
- Center
for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, Göteborg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Agustina Undabarrena
- Departamento
de Química & Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay
Lowitt, Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología
Ambiental, Universidad Técnica Federico
Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Inger Mattsby-Baltzer
- Department
of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska
Academy at University of Gothenburg, University
of Gothenburg, Box 440, Göteborg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Daniel Tietze
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular
and Translational Medicine, University of
Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan
7B, Gothenburg 413 90, Sweden
- Center
for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, Göteborg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Elin Svensson
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Kemigården 4, Göteborg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Alexandra Stubelius
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Kemigården 4, Göteborg 412 96, Sweden
| | - Michaela Wenzel
- Department
of Life Sciences, Chalmers University of
Technology, Kemigården 4, Göteborg 412 96, Sweden
- Center
for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, Göteborg 405 30, Sweden
| | - Beatriz Cámara
- Departamento
de Química & Centro de Biotecnología Daniel Alkalay
Lowitt, Laboratorio de Microbiología Molecular y Biotecnología
Ambiental, Universidad Técnica Federico
Santa María, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Alesia A. Tietze
- Department
of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Wallenberg Centre for Molecular
and Translational Medicine, University of
Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan
7B, Gothenburg 413 90, Sweden
- Center
for Antibiotic Resistance Research in Gothenburg, University of Gothenburg, Box 100, Göteborg 405 30, Sweden
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34
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Mildenberger V, Alpízar-Pedraza D, Martell-Huguet EM, Krämer M, Bolotnikov G, Otero-Gonzalez AJ, Weil T, Rodriguez-Alfonso A, Preising N, Ständker L, Vogel V, Spellerberg B, Kissmann AK, Rosenau F. The Designed Pore-Forming Antimicrobial Peptide C14R Combines Excellent Activity against the Major Opportunistic Human Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Low Cytotoxicity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:83. [PMID: 38256916 PMCID: PMC10820675 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The diminishing portfolio of mankind's available antibiotics urges science to develop novel potent drugs. Here, we present a peptide fitting the typical blueprint of amphipathic and membrane-active antimicrobial peptides, denominated C14R. This 2 kDa peptide consists of 16 amino acid residues, with seven being either hydrophobic, aromatic, or non-polar, and nine being polar or positively charged, strictly separated on opposite sides of the predicted α-helix. The affinity of the peptide C14R to P. aeruginosa membranes and its intrinsic tendency to productively insert into membranes of such composition were analyzed by dynamic simulations. Its biological impact on the viability of two different P. aeruginosa reference strains was demonstrated by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), which were found to be in the range of 10-15 µg/mL. C14R's pore-forming capability was verified in a permeabilization assay based on the peptide-triggered uptake of fluorescent dyes into the bacterial cells. Finally, the peptide was used in radial diffusion assays, which are commonly used for susceptibility testing of antimicrobial peptides in clinical microbiology. In comparison to reference strains, six clinical P. aeruginosa isolates were clearly affected, thereby paving the way for further in-depth analyses of C14R as a promising new AMP drug in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Mildenberger
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.M.); (M.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Daniel Alpízar-Pedraza
- Center for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (CIDEM), 26th Avenue, No. 1605, Nuevo Vedado, La Habana 10400, Cuba;
| | - Ernesto M. Martell-Huguet
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 and I, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (E.M.M.-H.); (A.J.O.-G.)
| | - Markus Krämer
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.M.); (M.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Grigory Bolotnikov
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.M.); (M.K.); (G.B.)
| | - Anselmo J. Otero-Gonzalez
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, 25 and I, La Habana 10400, Cuba; (E.M.M.-H.); (A.J.O.-G.)
| | - Tanja Weil
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Armando Rodriguez-Alfonso
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics (CFP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.-A.); (N.P.); (L.S.)
- Core Unit of Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Nico Preising
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics (CFP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.-A.); (N.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Ludger Ständker
- Core Facility for Functional Peptidomics (CFP), Faculty of Medicine, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.R.-A.); (N.P.); (L.S.)
| | - Verena Vogel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic of Ulm, TBC1 Forschung, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany (B.S.)
| | - Barbara Spellerberg
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Clinic of Ulm, TBC1 Forschung, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany (B.S.)
| | - Ann-Kathrin Kissmann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.M.); (M.K.); (G.B.)
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Frank Rosenau
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (V.M.); (M.K.); (G.B.)
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35
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Lei R, Yang C, Sun Y, Li D, Hao L, Li Y, Wu S, Li H, Lan C, Fang X. Turning cationic antimicrobial peptide KR-12 into self-assembled nanobiotics with potent bacterial killing and LPS neutralizing activities. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:887-902. [PMID: 38105768 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05174a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative sepsis has become a substantial and escalating global healthcare challenge due to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis and the sluggish development of new antibiotics. LL-37, a unique Cathelicidin species found in humans, exhibits a wide range of bioactive properties, including direct bactericidal effects, inflammation regulation, and LPS neutralization. KR-12, the smallest yet potent peptide fragment of LL-37, has been modified to create more effective antimicrobials. In this study, we designed two myristoylated derivatives of KR-12, referred to as Myr-KR-12N and Myr-KR-12C. These derivatives displayed remarkable ability to spontaneously assemble into nanoparticles when mixed with deionized water. Myristoylated KR-12 derivatives exhibited broad-spectrum and intensified bactericidal activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. In particular, Myr-KR-12N showed superior capability to rescue mice from lethal E. coli-induced sepsis in comparison with the conventional antibiotic meropenem. We also confirmed that the myristoylated KR-12 nanobiotic possesses significant LPS binding capacity and effectively reduces inflammation in vitro. In an in vivo context, Myr-KR-12N outperformed polymyxin B in rescuing mice from LPS-induced sepsis. Crucially, toxicological assessments revealed that neither Myr-KR-12N nor Myr-KR-12C nanobiotics induced meaningful hemolysis or caused damage to the liver and kidneys. Collectively, our study has yielded an innovative nanobiotic with dual capabilities of bactericidal action and LPS-neutralization, offering substantial promise for advancing the clinical translation of antimicrobial peptides and the development of novel antibiotics. This addresses the critical need for effective solutions to combat Gram-negative sepsis, a pressing global medical challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Lei
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Chujun Yang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yaqi Sun
- China National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310052, China
| | - Dejian Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Liman Hao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Shuijing Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
| | - Chao Lan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Xiangming Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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36
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Stefanik O, Majerova P, Kovac A, Mikus P, Piestansky J. Capillary electrophoresis in the analysis of therapeutic peptides-A review. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:120-164. [PMID: 37705480 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300141] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic peptides are a growing class of innovative drugs with high efficiency and a low risk of adverse effects. These biomolecules fall within the molecular mass range between that of small molecules and proteins. However, their inherent instability and potential for degradation underscore the importance of reliable and effective analytical methods for pharmaceutical quality control, therapeutic drug monitoring, and compliance testing. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has long time been the "gold standard" conventional method for peptide analysis, but capillary electrophoresis (CE) is increasingly being recognized as a complementary and, in some cases, superior, highly efficient, green, and cost-effective alternative technique. CE can separate peptides composed of different amino acids owing to differences in their net charge and size, determining their migration behavior in an electric field. This review provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic peptides that have been used in the clinical environment for the last 25 years. It describes the properties, classification, current trends in development, and clinical use of therapeutic peptides. From the analytical point of view, it discusses the challenges associated with the analysis of therapeutic peptides in pharmaceutical and biological matrices, as well as the evaluation of CE as a whole and the comparison with LC methods. The article also highlights the use of microchip electrophoresis, nonaqueous CE, and nonconventional hydrodynamically closed CE systems and their applications. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of developing new CE-based analytical methods to ensure the high quality, safety, and efficacy of therapeutic peptides in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Stefanik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Petra Majerova
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Andrej Kovac
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Peter Mikus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Juraj Piestansky
- Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Department of Galenic Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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37
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Bulitta JB, Shin E, Bergen PJ, Lang Y, Forrest A, Tsuji BT, Moya B, Li J, Nation RL, Landersdorfer CB. Distinguishing Inducible and Non-Inducible Resistance to Colistin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Quantitative and Systems Pharmacology Modeling at Low and Standard Inocula. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:202-213. [PMID: 37879409 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Colistin is a polymyxin and peptide antibiotic that can yield rapid bacterial killing, but also leads to resistance emergence. We aimed to develop a novel experimental and Quantitative and Systems Pharmacology approach to distinguish between inducible and non-inducible resistance. Viable count profiles for the total and less susceptible populations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 from static and dynamic in vitro infection models were simultaneously modeled. We studied low and normal initial inocula to distinguish between inducible and non-inducible resistance. A novel cutoff filter approach allowed us to describe the eradication and inter-conversion of bacterial populations. At all inocula, 4.84 mg/L of colistin (sulfate) yielded ≥4 log10 killing, followed by >4 log10 regrowth. A pre-existing, less susceptible population was present at standard but not at low inocula. Formation of a non-pre-existing, less susceptible population was most pronounced at intermediate colistin (sulfate) concentrations (0.9 to 5 mg/L). Both less susceptible populations inter-converted with the susceptible population. Simultaneously modeling of the total and less susceptible populations at low and standard inocula enabled us to identify the de novo formation of an inducible, less susceptible population. Inducible resistance at intermediate colistin concentrations highlights the importance of rapidly achieving efficacious polymyxin concentrations by front-loaded dosage regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen B Bulitta
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
| | - Eunjeong Shin
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Phillip J Bergen
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville campus), Parkville, Australia
| | - Yinzhi Lang
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Alan Forrest
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Brian T Tsuji
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bartolome Moya
- Servicio de Microbiología and Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Son Espases, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Jian Li
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville campus), Parkville, Australia; Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Infection Program, Department of Microbiology and Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Roger L Nation
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville campus), Parkville, Australia
| | - Cornelia B Landersdorfer
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville campus), Parkville, Australia
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38
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Wang J, Chen L, Qin S, Xie M, Luo SZ, Li W. Advances in biosynthesis of peptide drugs: Technology and industrialization. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300256. [PMID: 37884278 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300256] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Peptide drugs are developed from endogenous or synthetic peptides with specific biological activities. They have advantages of strong target specificity, high efficacy and low toxicity, thus showing great promise in the treatment of many diseases such as cancer, infections, and diabetes. Although an increasing number of peptide drugs have entered market in recent years, the preparation of peptide drug substances is yet a bottleneck problem for their industrial production. Comparing to the chemical synthesis method, peptide biosynthesis has advantages of simple synthesis, low cost, and low contamination. Therefore, the biosynthesis technology of peptide drugs has been widely used for manufacturing. Herein, we reviewed the development of peptide drugs and recent advances in peptide biosynthesis technology, in order to shed a light to the prospect of industrial production of peptide drugs based on biosynthesis technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
- College of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Long Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Song Qin
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Mingyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Physics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi-Zhong Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioprocess, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Abedi Dorcheh F, Balmeh N, Hejazi SH, Allahyari Fard N. Investigation of the mutated antimicrobial peptides to inhibit ACE2, TMPRSS2 and GRP78 receptors of SARS-CoV-2 and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) as well as controlling COVID-19 disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-24. [PMID: 38109185 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2292307] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a global problem nowadays. Based on studies, some human receptors are involved in binding to SARS-CoV-2. Thus, the inhibition of these receptors can be effective in the treatment of Covid-19. Because of the proven benefits of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the side effects of chemical drugs, they can be known as an alternative to recent medicines. RCSB PDB to obtain PDB id, StraPep and PhytAMP to acquire Bio-AMPs information and 3-D structure, and AlgPred, Toxinpred, TargetAntiAngio, IL-4pred, IL-6pred, ACPred and Hemopred databases were used to find the best score peptide features. HADDOCK 2.2 was used for molecular docking analysis, and UCSF Chimera software version 1.15, SWISS-MODEL and BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer4.5 were used for mutation and structure modeling. Furthermore, MD simulation results were achieved from GROMACS 4.6.5. Based on the obtained results, the Moricin peptide was found to have the best affinity for ACE2. Moreover, Bacteriocin leucocin-A had the highest affinity for GRP78, Cathelicidin-6 had the best affinity for AT1R, and Bacteriocin PlnK had the best binding affinity for TMPRSS2. Additionally, Bacteriocin glycocin F, Bacteriocin lactococcin-G subunit beta and Cathelicidin-6 peptides were the most common compounds among the four receptors. However, these peptides also have some side effects. Consequently, the mutation eliminated the side effects, and MD simulation results indicated that the mutation proved the result of the docking analysis. The effect of AMPs on ACE2, GRP78, TMPRSS2 and AT1R receptors can be a novel treatment for Covid-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Abedi Dorcheh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University of Isfahan, Sepahan Shahr, Iran
| | - Negar Balmeh
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Hejazi
- Skin Diseases and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Najaf Allahyari Fard
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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40
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Chung CR, Liou JT, Wu LC, Horng JT, Lee TY. Multi-label classification and features investigation of antimicrobial peptides with various functional classes. iScience 2023; 26:108250. [PMID: 38025779 PMCID: PMC10679894 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108250] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The challenge of drug-resistant bacteria to global public health has led to increased attention on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as a targeted therapeutic alternative with a lower risk of resistance. However, high production costs and limitations in functional class prediction have hindered progress in this field. In this study, we used multi-label classifiers with binary relevance and algorithm adaptation techniques to predict different functions of AMPs across a wide range of pathogen categories, including bacteria, mammalian cells, fungi, viruses, and cancer cells. Our classifiers attained promising AUC scores varying from 0.8492 to 0.9126 on independent testing data. Forward feature selection identified sequence order and charge as critical, with specific amino acids (C and E) as discriminative. These findings provide valuable insights for the design of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with multiple functionalities, thus contributing to the broader effort to combat drug-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ru Chung
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jhen-Ting Liou
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jorng-Tzong Horng
- Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Tzong-Yi Lee
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Biodevices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
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41
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Song P, Zhao L, Zhu L, Sha G, Dong W. BsR1, a broad-spectrum antibacterial peptide with potential for plant protection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0257823. [PMID: 37948344 PMCID: PMC10714738 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02578-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE This study addresses the critical need for new antibacterial drugs in the face of bacterial multidrug resistance resulting from antibiotic overuse. It highlights the significance of antimicrobial peptides as essential components of innate immunity in animals and plants, which have been proven effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria and are difficult to develop resistance against. This study successfully synthesizes a broad-spectrum antibacterial peptide, BsR1, with strong inhibitory activities against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. BsR1 demonstrates favorable stability and a mode of action that damages bacterial cell membranes, leading to cell death. It also exhibits biological safety and shows potential in enhancing disease resistance in rice. This research offers a novel approach and potential medication for antibacterial drug development, presenting a valuable tool in combating pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Song
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring & Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring & Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring & Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gan Sha
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring & Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wubei Dong
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring & Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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42
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Chang DH, Lee MR, Wang N, Lynn DM, Palecek SP. Establishing Quantifiable Guidelines for Antimicrobial α/β-Peptide Design: A Partial Least-Squares Approach to Improve Antimicrobial Activity and Reduce Mammalian Cell Toxicity. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2632-2651. [PMID: 38014670 PMCID: PMC10807133 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates to combat pathogens that are resistant to conventional antimicrobial drugs because they operate through mechanisms that involve membrane disruption. However, the use of AMPs in clinical settings has been limited, at least in part, by their susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and their lack of selectivity toward pathogenic microbes vs mammalian cells. We recently reported on the design of α- and β-peptide oligomers structurally templated upon the naturally occurring α-helical AMP aurein 1.2. These α/β-peptide oligomers are more proteolytically stable than aurein 1.2 and have several other attributes that render them attractive as alternatives to conventional AMPs. This study describes the influence of peptide physicochemical properties on the broad-spectrum activity of aurein 1.2-based α/β-peptide mimics against nine bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cell lines. We used a partial least-squares regression (PLSR)-supervised machine learning model to quantify and visualize relationships between experimentally determined physicochemical properties (e.g., hydrophobicity, charge, and helicity) and experimentally measured cell-type-specific activities of 21 peptides in a 149-member α/β-peptide library. Using this approach, we identified several peptides that were predicted to exhibit enhanced broad-spectrum selectivity, a measure that evaluates antimicrobial activity relative to mammalian cell toxicity compared to aurein 1.2. Experimental validation demonstrated high model predictive performance, and characterization of compounds with the highest broad-spectrum selectivity revealed peptide hydrophobicity, helicity, and helical rigidity to be strong predictors of broad-spectrum selectivity. The most selective peptide identified from the model prediction has more than a 13-fold improvement in broad-spectrum selectivity than that of aurein 1.2, demonstrating the ability of using PLSR models to identify quantitative structure-function relationships for nonstandard amino acid-containing peptides. Overall, this work establishes quantifiable guidelines for the rational design of helical antimicrobial α/β-peptides and identifies promising new α/β-peptides with significantly reduced mammalian toxicities and improved antifungal and antibacterial activities relative to aurein 1.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas H. Chang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Myung-Ryul Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nathan Wang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M. Lynn
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sean P. Palecek
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
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43
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Bellavita R, Falanga A, Merlino F, D'Auria G, Molfetta N, Saviano A, Maione F, Galdiero U, Catania MR, Galdiero S, Grieco P, Roscetto E, Falcigno L, Buommino E. Unveiling the mechanism of action of acylated temporin L analogues against multidrug-resistant Candida albicans. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2023; 38:36-50. [PMID: 36305289 PMCID: PMC9621209 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2134359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing resistance of fungi to conventional antifungal drugs has prompted worldwide the search for new compounds. In this work, we investigated the antifungal properties of acylated Temporin L derivatives, Pent-1B and Dec-1B, against Candida albicans, including the multidrug-resistant strains. Acylated peptides resulted to be active both on reference and clinical strains with MIC values ranging from 6.5 to 26 µM, and they did not show cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes. In addition, we also observed a synergistic or additive effect with voriconazole for peptides Dec-1B and Pent-1B through the checkerboard assay on voriconazole-resistant Candida strains. Moreover, fluorescence-based assays, NMR spectroscopy, and confocal microscopy elucidated a potential membrane-active mechanism, consisting of an initial electrostatic interaction of acylated peptides with fungal membrane, followed by aggregation and insertion into the lipid bilayer and causing membrane perturbation probably through a carpeting effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Bellavita
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Merlino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Molfetta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anella Saviano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Maione
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Galdiero
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Catania
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Roscetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Monaghan MG, Borah R, Thomsen C, Browne S. Thou shall not heal: Overcoming the non-healing behaviour of diabetic foot ulcers by engineering the inflammatory microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115120. [PMID: 37884128 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a devastating complication for diabetic patients that have debilitating effects and can ultimately lead to limb amputation. Healthy wounds progress through the phases of healing leading to tissue regeneration and restoration of the barrier function of the skin. In contrast, in diabetic patients dysregulation of these phases leads to chronic, non-healing wounds. In particular, unresolved inflammation in the DFU microenvironment has been identified as a key facet of chronic wounds in hyperglyceamic patients, as DFUs fail to progress beyond the inflammatory phase and towards resolution. Thus, control over and modulation of the inflammatory response is a promising therapeutic avenue for DFU treatment. This review discusses the current state-of-the art regarding control of the inflammatory response in the DFU microenvironment, with a specific focus on the development of biomaterials-based delivery strategies and their cargos to direct tissue regeneration in the DFU microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Monaghan
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland; CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Rajiv Borah
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research (AMBER), Centre at Trinity College Dublin and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Charlotte Thomsen
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Shane Browne
- CÚRAM, Centre for Research in Medical Devices, National University of Ireland, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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45
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Zhang T, Luo X, Xu K, Zhong W. Peptide-containing nanoformulations: Skin barrier penetration and activity contribution. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115139. [PMID: 37951358 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery presents a less invasive pathway, circumventing the need to pass through the gastrointestinal tract and liver, thereby reducing drug breakdown, initial metabolism, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Nevertheless, the unique composition and dense structure of the stratum corneum present a significant barrier to transdermal delivery. This article presents an overview of the current developments in peptides and nanotechnology to address this challenge. Initially, we sum up peptide-containing nanoformulations for transdermal drug delivery, examining them through the lenses of both inorganic and organic materials. Particular emphasis is placed on the diverse roles that peptides play within these nanoformulations, including conferring functionality upon nanocarriers and enhancing the biological efficacy of drugs. Subsequently, we summarize innovative strategies for enhancing skin penetration, categorizing them into passive and active approaches. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic potential of peptide-containing nanoformulations in addressing a range of diseases, drawing insights from the biological activities and functions of peptides. Furthermore, the challenges hindering clinical translation are also discussed, providing valuable insights for future advancements in transdermal drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xuan Luo
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Keming Xu
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Wenying Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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46
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Ansari MA, Chauhan W, Shoaib S, Alyahya SA, Ali M, Ashraf H, Alomary MN, Al-Suhaimi EA. Emerging therapeutic options in the management of diabetes: recent trends, challenges and future directions. Int J Obes (Lond) 2023; 47:1179-1199. [PMID: 37696926 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-023-01369-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is a serious health issue that causes a progressive dysregulation of carbohydrate metabolism due to insufficient insulin hormone, leading to consistently high blood glucose levels. According to the epidemiological data, the prevalence of diabetes has been increasing globally, affecting millions of individuals. It is a long-term condition that increases the risk of various diseases caused by damage to small and large blood vessels. There are two main subtypes of diabetes: type 1 and type 2, with type 2 being the most prevalent. Genetic and molecular studies have identified several genetic variants and metabolic pathways that contribute to the development and progression of diabetes. Current treatments include gene therapy, stem cell therapy, statin therapy, and other drugs. Moreover, recent advancements in therapeutics have also focused on developing novel drugs targeting these pathways, including incretin mimetics, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have shown promising results in improving glycemic control and reducing the risk of complications. However, these treatments are often expensive, inaccessible to patients in underdeveloped countries, and can have severe side effects. Peptides, such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are being explored as a potential therapy for diabetes. These peptides are postprandial glucose-dependent pancreatic beta-cell insulin secretagogues and have received much attention as a possible treatment option. Despite these advances, diabetes remains a major health challenge, and further research is needed to develop effective treatments and prevent its complications. This review covers various aspects of diabetes, including epidemiology, genetic and molecular basis, and recent advancements in therapeutics including herbal and synthetic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Azam Ansari
- Department of Epidemic Disease Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC), Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Waseem Chauhan
- Department of Hematology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Shoaib Shoaib
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sami A Alyahya
- Wellness and Preventive Medicine Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubashshir Ali
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Neuroscience Institute, Department of Molecular Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hamid Ashraf
- Rajiv Gandhi Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohammad N Alomary
- Advanced Diagnostic and Therapeutic Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh, 11442, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ebtesam A Al-Suhaimi
- King Abdulaziz & his Companions Foundation for Giftedness & Creativity, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Pan K, Xu H, Yan C, Chen J, Jiang X, Song Y, Qi X, Long J, Liu H. Hepcidin from Onychostoma macrolepis: Response to Aeromonas hydrophila infection by down-regulating expression of inflammatory factor genes and regulating iron homeostasis potentially. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 143:109187. [PMID: 37923182 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepcidin, as an antimicrobial peptide, is associated with innate immunity and is considered a potential antibiotic substitute. In the present study, the hepcidin gene from the cavefish - Onychostoma macrolepis was identified and analyzed. The recombinant hepcidin protein (rOmhepc) was obtained by prokaryotic expression, evaluating the inhibitory effect of 5 pathogenic bacteria in vitro. Sixty O. macrolepis injected with 100 μL A. hydrophila (1.5 × 108 CFU/mL) were randomly divided into the therapeutic group and infection group, and therapeutic group was injected with 100 μL rOmhepc (100 μg/mL) at 6 and 18 h. The survival rates of O. macrolepis and bacterial load in liver were measured at 24 h. The liver tissues were collected at 0, 6, 12, and 24 h after A. hydrophila injection for investigating expression levels of immune-related, inflammatory factor genes and FPN1 gene. The results demonstrated that the hepcidin CDS contained 279 bp and encoded 93 aa. Hepcidin protein has a hydrophobic surface formed by multiple hydrophobic residues (CCGCCYC), and the theoretical pI was 7.53. Omhepc gene was expressed at varying levels in tested tissues, with the liver showing the highest expression, followed by the spleen. The expression of hepcidin gene following A. hydrophila infection was up-regulated and then down-regulated in liver, and the highest expression level was found at 12 h with a 10.93-fold. The rOmhepc remarkably inhibited the growth of A. hydrophila, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus agalactiae, with inhibition rates reaching 69.67 %, 42.97 %, and 65.74 % at 100 μg/mL. The mortality rates of O. macrolepis and bacterial load in liver were significantly decreased in the therapeutic group than that of infection group (p < 0.05). After the rOmhepc therapeutic, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly down-regulated with 14.4-fold and 106.07-fold at 24 h. Furthermore, the expression of immune-related genes (C3, TNF-α, IFN-γ) and Ferroportin gene (FPN1) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The integrated analyses indicated that the rOmhepc could significantly inhibit the growth of A. hydrophila both in vitro and in vivo, attenuating the over-expression of inflammatory factor, FPN1 and immune-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuiquan Pan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongzhou Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chenyang Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Information Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinxin Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanzhen Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyu Qi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingfei Long
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haixia Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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48
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Meier S, Ridgway ZM, Picciano AL, Caputo GA. Impacts of Hydrophobic Mismatch on Antimicrobial Peptide Efficacy and Bilayer Permeabilization. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1624. [PMID: 37998826 PMCID: PMC10669323 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12111624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance continues to be a major threat to world health, with the continued emergence of resistant bacterial strains. Antimicrobial peptides have emerged as an attractive option for the development of novel antimicrobial compounds in part due to their ubiquity in nature and the general lack of resistance development to this class of molecules. In this work, we analyzed the antimicrobial peptide C18G and several truncated forms for efficacy and the underlying mechanistic effects of the sequence truncation. The peptides were screened for antimicrobial efficacy against several standard laboratory strains, and further analyzed using fluorescence spectroscopy to evaluate binding to model lipid membranes and bilayer disruption. The results show a clear correlation between the length of the peptide and the antimicrobial efficacy. Furthermore, there is a correlation between peptide length and the hydrophobic thickness of the bilayer, indicating that hydrophobic mismatch is likely a contributing factor to the loss of efficacy in shorter peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Meier
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA (A.L.P.)
| | - Zachary M. Ridgway
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA (A.L.P.)
| | - Angela L. Picciano
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA (A.L.P.)
| | - Gregory A. Caputo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA (A.L.P.)
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
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49
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Wu P, Yang J, Chen C, Li R, Chen S, Weng Y, Lin Y, Chen Z, Yu F, Lü X, Ni L, Han J. Rational design of Abhisin-like peptides enables generation of potent antimicrobial activity against pathogens. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:6621-6640. [PMID: 37672069 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Infections caused by pathogens can be a significant challenge in wound healing, particularly when antimicrobial resistance is a factor. This can pose a serious threat to human health and well-being. In this scenario, it is imperative to explore novel antimicrobial agents to fight against multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogenic bacteria. This study employed rational design strategies, including truncation, amino acid replacement, and heterozygosity, to obtain seven α-helical, cationic, and engineered peptides based on the original template of Abhisin. Among the analogs of Abhisin, AB7 displayed broad-spectrum and potent antimicrobial activity, superior targeting of membranes and DNA, and the ability to disrupt biofilms and anti-endotoxins in vitro. Additionally, we evaluated the anti-infection ability of AB7 using a murine skin wound model infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and found that AB7 displayed negligible toxicity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, AB7 exhibited desirable therapeutic efficacy by reducing bacterial burden and pro-inflammatory mediators, modulating cytokines, promoting wound healing, and enhancing angiogenesis. These results highlight the potential of AB7 as a promising candidate for a new antibiotic. KEY POINTS: • A α-helical, cationic, and engineered peptide AB7 was obtained based on Abhisin. • AB7 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity and multiple bactericidal actions. • AB7 effectively treated infected skin wounds in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peifen Wu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Chi Chen
- College of Modern Agricultural Engineering, Fujian Vocational College of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350303, China
| | - Ruili Li
- College of Food Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Food Processing and Quality Control, Ministry of Agriculture of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Shunxian Chen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Yanlin Weng
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Yayi Lin
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Fengfan Yu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Xucong Lü
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Li Ni
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Jinzhi Han
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
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50
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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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