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Vassey M, Firdaus R, Aslam A, Wheldon LM, Oldfield NJ, Ala’Aldeen DAA, Wooldridge KG. G1 Cell Cycle Arrest Is Induced by the Fourth Extracellular Loop of Meningococcal PorA in Epithelial and Endothelial Cells. Cell Microbiol 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/7480033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis is the most frequent cause of bacterial meningitis and is one of the few bacterial pathogens that can breach the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The 37/67 kDa laminin receptor (LamR) was previously identified as a receptor mediating meningococcal binding to rodent and human brain microvascular endothelial cells, which form part of the BBB. The meningococcal surface proteins PorA and PilQ were identified as ligands for this receptor. Subsequently, the fourth extracellular loop of PorA (PorA-Loop4) was identified as the LamR-binding moiety. Here, we show that PorA-Loop4 targets the 37 kDa laminin receptor precursor (37LRP) on the cell surface by demonstrating that deletion of this loop abrogates the recruitment of 37LRP under meningococcal colonies. Using a circularized peptide corresponding to PorA-Loop4, as well as defined meningococcal mutants, we demonstrate that host cell interaction with PorA-Loop4 results in perturbation of p-CDK4 and Cyclin D1. These changes in cell cycle control proteins are coincident with cellular responses including inhibition of cell migration and a G1 cell cycle arrest. Modulation of the cell cycle of host cells is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of meningococcal disease.
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Diversification of OmpA and OmpF of Yersinia ruckeri is independent of the underlying species phylogeny and evidence of virulence-related selection. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3493. [PMID: 33568758 PMCID: PMC7876001 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82925-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Yersinia ruckeri is the causative agent of enteric redmouth disease (ERM) which causes economically significant losses in farmed salmonids, especially Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum). However, very little is known about the genetic relationships of disease-causing isolates in these two host species or about factors responsible for disease. Phylogenetic analyses of 16 representative isolates based on the nucleotide sequences of 19 housekeeping genes suggests that pathogenic Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout isolates represent distinct host-specific lineages. However, the apparent phylogenies of certain isolates has been influenced by horizontal gene transfer and recombinational exchange. Splits decomposition analysis demonstrated a net-like phylogeny based on the housekeeping genes, characteristic of recombination. Comparative analysis of the distribution of individual housekeeping gene alleles across the isolates demonstrated evidence of genomic mosaicism and recombinational exchange involving certain Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout isolates. Comparative nucleotide sequence analysis of the key outer membrane protein genes ompA and ompF revealed that the corresponding gene trees were both non-congruent with respect to the housekeeping gene phylogenies providing evidence that horizontal gene transfer has influenced the evolution of both these surface protein-encoding genes. Analysis of inferred amino acid sequence variation in OmpA identified a single variant, OmpA.1, that was present in serotype O1 and O8 isolates representing typical pathogenic strains in rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon, respectively. In particular, the sequence of surface-exposed loop 3 differed by seven amino acids to that of other Y. ruckeri isolates. These findings suggest that positive selection has likely influenced the presence of OmpA.1 in these isolates and that loop 3 may play an important role in virulence. Amino acid sequence variation of OmpF was greater than that of OmpA and was similarly restricted mainly to the surface-exposed loops. Two OmpF variants, OmpF.1 and OmpF.2, were associated with pathogenic rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon isolates, respectively. These OmpF proteins had very similar amino acid sequences suggesting that positive evolutionary pressure has also favoured the selection of these variants in pathogenic strains infecting both species.
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Maione A, de Alteriis E, Carraturo F, Galdiero S, Falanga A, Guida M, Di Cosmo A, Maselli V, Galdiero E. The Membranotropic Peptide gH625 to Combat Mixed Candida albicans/ Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilm: Correlation between In Vitro Anti-Biofilm Activity and In Vivo Antimicrobial Protection. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7010026. [PMID: 33466540 PMCID: PMC7824901 DOI: 10.3390/jof7010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The antibiofilm activity of a gH625 analogue was investigated to determine the in vitro inhibition and eradication of a dual-species biofilm of Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae, two leading opportunistic pathogens responsible for several resistant infections. The possibility of effectively exploiting this peptide as an alternative anti-biofilm strategy in vivo was assessed by the investigation of its efficacy on the Galleria mellonella larvae model. Results on larvae survival demonstrate a prophylactic efficacy of the peptide towards the infection of each single microorganism but mainly towards the co-infection. The expression of biofilm-related genes in vivo showed a possible synergy in virulence when these two species co-exist in the host, which was effectively prevented by the peptide. These findings provide novel insights into the treatment of medically relevant bacterial–fungal interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Maione
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Carraturo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via dell'Università 100, 80055 Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Cosmo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cinthia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy
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OctoPartenopin: Identification and Preliminary Characterization of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide from the Suckers of Octopus vulgaris. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:md18080380. [PMID: 32717885 PMCID: PMC7460285 DOI: 10.3390/md18080380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganism resistance to conventional antibiotics represents one of the major global health concerns. This paper focuses on a peptide (OctoPartenopin) extracted from suckers of Octopus vulgaris; bioassay-guided chromatographic fractionation was used to identify this sequence, which holds significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. OctoPartenopin is encrypted within the calponin sequence and was associated with the high levels of proteolytic activity already reported in octopus arm suckers. We synthesized the parent peptide and four analogues; all peptide were tested for their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Preliminary antibiofilm experiments showed that that one of the analogues had the best activity in both inhibition and eradication of biofilm of all three microorganisms tested. The occurrence of OctoPartenopin in arm suckers provided novel speculative information on animal behavior, as concerns maternal care of fertilized eggs. Our results highlight that suckers are a rich source of multifaceted peptides to develop alternative antimicrobial agents and food preservatives.
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Galdiero E, de Alteriis E, De Natale A, D'Alterio A, Siciliano A, Guida M, Lombardi L, Falanga A, Galdiero S. Eradication of Candida albicans persister cell biofilm by the membranotropic peptide gH625. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5780. [PMID: 32238858 PMCID: PMC7113253 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62746-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation poses an important clinical trouble due to resistance to antimicrobial agents; therefore, there is an urgent demand for new antibiofilm strategies that focus on the use of alternative compounds also in combination with conventional drugs. Drug-tolerant persisters are present in Candida albicans biofilms and are detected following treatment with high doses of amphotericin B. In this study, persisters were found in biofilms treated with amphotericin B of two clinical isolate strains, and were capable to form a new biofilm in situ. We investigated the possibility of eradicating persister-derived biofilms from these two Candida albicans strains, using the peptide gH625 analogue (gH625-M). Confocal microscopy studies allowed us to characterize the persister-derived biofilm and understand the mechanism of interaction of gH625-M with the biofilm. These findings confirm that persisters may be responsible for Candida biofilm survival, and prove that gH625-M was very effective in eradicating persister-derived biofilms both alone and in combination with conventional antifungals, mainly strengthening the antibiofilm activity of fluconazole and 5-flucytosine. Our strategy advances our insights into the development of effective antibiofilm therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonino De Natale
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela D'Alterio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", via Cinthia, 80100, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Agricultural Science, University of Naples Federico II, Via Università 100, 80055, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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Zhou Y, Feng S, He X, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Yue H, Tang C, Zhang B. Surface-exposed loops L7 and L8 of Haemophilus (Glaesserella) parasuis OmpP2 contribute to the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in porcine alveolar macrophages. Vet Res 2019; 50:105. [PMID: 31783919 PMCID: PMC6884870 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-019-0721-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Outer membrane protein P2 (OmpP2) of the virulent Haemophilus (Glaesserella) parasuis has been shown to induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines. The OmpP2 protein is composed of eight or nine surface-exposed loops, but it is unclear which of them participates in the OmpP2-induced inflammatory response. In this study, we synthesized linear peptides corresponding to surface-exposed loops L1–L8 of OmpP2 from the virulent H. parasuis SC096 strain to stimulate porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in vitro. We found that both L7 and L8 significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-23 and the chemokines CCL-4 and CCL-5 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Additionally, we constructed ompP2ΔLoop7 and ompP2ΔLoop8 mutant SC096 strains and extracted their native OmpP2 proteins to stimulate PAMs. These mutant proteins induced significantly less mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines than SC096 OmpP2. Next, the amino acid sequences of L7 and L8 from 15 serovars of H. parasuis OmpP2 were aligned. These sequences were relatively conserved among the most virulent reference strains, suggesting that L7 and L8 are the most active peptides of the OmpP2 protein. Furthermore, L7 and L8 significantly upregulated the NF-κB and AP-1 activity levels based on luciferase reporter assays in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, our results demonstrated that both surface-exposed loops L7 and L8 of H. parasuis OmpP2 induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines possibly by activating the NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways in cells infected by H. parasuis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Saixiang Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xinyi He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuanwei Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hua Yue
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Tang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China.,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, 610041, China. .,Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province for Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau Animal Genetic Resource Reservation and Utilization, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Differential Recognition of Vibrio parahaemolyticus OmpU by Toll-Like Receptors in Monocytes and Macrophages for the Induction of Proinflammatory Responses. Infect Immun 2019; 87:IAI.00809-18. [PMID: 30804101 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00809-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a human pathogen, and it is a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in coastal areas. OmpU is one of the major outer membrane porins of V. parahaemolyticus Host-immunomodulatory effects of V. parahaemolyticus OmpU (VpOmpU) have not been elucidated yet. In this study, in an effort towards characterizing the effect of VpOmpU on innate immune responses of the host, we observed that VpOmpU is recognized by the Toll-like receptor 1/2 (TLR1/2) heterodimer in THP-1 monocytes but by both TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 heterodimers in RAW 264.7 macrophages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) recognized by both TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 heterodimers; so far, mainly the synthetic ligand Pam2CSK4 has been known to be recognized by both the TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 heterodimers. We also have shown that VpOmpU can activate monocytes and macrophages, leading to the generation of proinflammatory responses as indicated by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and NO production in macrophages and TNF-α and IL-6 production in monocytes. VpOmpU-mediated proinflammatory responses involve MyD88-IRAK-1 leading to the activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (p38 and Jun N-terminal protein kinase [JNK]) and transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1. Further, we have shown that for the activation of macrophages leading to the proinflammatory responses, the TLR2/6 heterodimer is preferred over the TLR1/2 heterodimer. We have also shown that MAP kinase activation is TLR2 mediated.
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Lombardi L, Shi Y, Falanga A, Galdiero E, de Alteriis E, Franci G, Chourpa I, Azevedo HS, Galdiero S. Enhancing the Potency of Antimicrobial Peptides through Molecular Engineering and Self-Assembly. Biomacromolecules 2019; 20:1362-1374. [PMID: 30735368 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare-associated infections resulting from bacterial attachment and biofilm formation on medical implants are posing significant challenges in particular with the emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Here, we report the design, synthesis and characterization of self-assembled nanostructures, which integrate on their surface antibacterial peptides. The antibacterial WMR peptide, which is a modification of the native sequence of the myxinidin, a marine peptide isolated from the epidermal mucus of hagfish, was used considering its enhanced activity against Gram-negative bacteria. WMR was linked to a peptide segment of aliphatic residues (AAAAAAA) containing a lipidic tail (C19H38O2) attached to the ε-amino of a terminal lysine to generate a peptide amphiphile (WMR PA). The self-assembly of the WMR PA alone, or combined with coassembling shorter PAs, was studied using spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. The designed PAs were shown to self-assemble into stable nanofiber structures and these nanoassemblies significantly inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate the already formed biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria) and Candida albicans (pathogenic fungus) when compared to the native WMR peptide. Our results provide insights into the design of peptide based supramolecular assemblies with antibacterial activity, and establish an innovative strategy to develop self-assembled antimicrobial materials for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine , University of Naples Federico II , Via Mezzocannone 16 , 80134 Naples , Italy.,School of Engineering and Materials Science , Queen Mary, University of London , Mile End Road , London E1 4NS , United Kingdom
| | - Yejiao Shi
- School of Engineering and Materials Science , Queen Mary, University of London , Mile End Road , London E1 4NS , United Kingdom
| | - Annarita Falanga
- CIRPEB, University of Naples Federico II , Via Mezzocannone 16 , 80134 Naples , Italy.,Department of Agricultural Science , University of Naples Federico II , via Università 100 , 80055 Naples , Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology , University of Naples Federico II , via Cinthia , 80100 Naples , Italy
| | - Elisabetta de Alteriis
- Department of Biology , University of Naples Federico II , via Cinthia , 80100 Naples , Italy
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Experimental Medicine , University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli , via Costantinopoli 16 , 80138 Naples , Italy
| | - Igor Chourpa
- EA 6295 Nanomédicaments et Nanosondes, Université François-Rabelais de Tours , 31 avenue Monge , 37000 Tours , France
| | - Helena S Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science , Queen Mary, University of London , Mile End Road , London E1 4NS , United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine , University of Naples Federico II , Via Mezzocannone 16 , 80134 Naples , Italy.,CIRPEB, University of Naples Federico II , Via Mezzocannone 16 , 80134 Naples , Italy
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9
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Melittin Inhibition and Eradication Activity for Resistant Polymicrobial Biofilm Isolated from a Dairy Industry after Disinfection. Int J Microbiol 2019; 2019:4012394. [PMID: 30766602 PMCID: PMC6350607 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4012394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The emerging concern about the increase of antibiotic resistance and associated biofilm has encouraged scientists to look for alternative antibiotics such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study evaluated the ability of melittin to act as an antibacterial biofilm inhibitor and biofilm remover considering isolates from dairy industry. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs), and biofilm removal activities were studied in polymicrobial biofilms produced from isolates. MIC and MBC were set at 1–3 µg/mL and 25–50 µg/mL for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Results demonstrated a good MBIC reaching 85% inhibition ability and a good activity and better penetration in deeper layers against the mixed preformed biofilm, thereby increasing its activity against all isolates also at the lowest tested concentrations. Melittin showed interesting characteristics suggesting its potential to act as an antimicrobial agent for polymicrobial biofilm from dairy industry even in environmental isolates.
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de Alteriis E, Maselli V, Falanga A, Galdiero S, Di Lella FM, Gesuele R, Guida M, Galdiero E. Efficiency of gold nanoparticles coated with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin against biofilm formation and development of Candida spp. clinical isolates. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:915-925. [PMID: 30013374 PMCID: PMC6037145 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s164262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article examines the use of a novel nano-system, gold nanoparticles coated with indolicidin (AuNPs-indolicidin), against pathogenic Candida albicans biofilms. Candida species cause frequent infections owing to their ability to form biofilms, primarily on implant devices. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used an integrated approach, evaluating the effect of AuNPs-indolicidin on prevention and eradication of Candida biofilms formed in multi-well polystyrene plates, with relative gene expression assays. Four biofilm-associated genes (FG1, HWP1, ALS1 and ALS3, and CDR1 and CDR2) involved in efflux pump were analyzed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Treatment with the nano-complex significantly inhibits the capacity of C. albicans to form biofilms and impairs preformed mature biofilms. Treatment with AuNPs-indolicidin results in an increase in the kinetics of Rhodamine 6G efflux and a reduction in the expression of biofilm-related genes. CONCLUSION These data provide a chance to develop novel therapies against nosocomially acquired refractory C. albicans biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy,
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Maria Di Lella
- Section of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital "Luigi Vanvitelli" of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Renato Gesuele
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy,
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy,
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy,
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Falanga A, Mercurio FA, Siciliano A, Lombardi L, Galdiero S, Guida M, Libralato G, Leone M, Galdiero E. Metabolomic and oxidative effects of quantum dots-indolicidin on three generations of Daphnia magna. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 198:158-164. [PMID: 29547731 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of QDs functionalized with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin on oxidative stress and metabolomics profiles of Daphnia magna across three generations (F0, F1, and F2). Exposing D. magna to sub-lethal concentrations of the complex QDs-indolicidin, a normal survival of daphnids was observed from F0 to F2, but a delay of first brood, fewer broods per female, a decrease of length of about 50% compared to control. In addition, QDs-indolicidin induced a significantly higher production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) gradually in each generation and an impairment of enzymes response to oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione transferase (GST). Effects were confirmed by metabolomics profiles that pointed out a gradual decrease of metabolomics content over the three generations and a toxic effect of QDs-indolicidin likely related to the higher accumulation of ROS and decreased antioxidant capacity in F1 and F2 generations. Results highlighted the capability of metabolomics to reveal an early metabolic response to stress induced by environmental QDs-indolicidin complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia A Mercurio
- Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca sui Peptidi Bioattivi, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Siciliano
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Libralato
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Leone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, via Cinthia, 80126, Naples, Italy.
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12
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de Alteriis E, Falanga A, Galdiero S, Guida M, Maselli V, Galdiero E. Genotoxicity of gold nanoparticles functionalized with indolicidin towards Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Environ Sci (China) 2018; 66:138-145. [PMID: 29628080 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2017.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of gold nanoparticles surface-functionalized with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin (AuNPs-indolicidin) towards the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the major eukaryotic model organisms, have been evaluated. Growth and survival, genotoxicity, as measured by comet assay, and expression of the YCA1, an apoptosis indicating gene, following 72hr exposure of yeast to AuNPs-indolicidin, and to AuNPs and indolicidin alone have been examined. The gold nanoparticles exerted toxicity with DNA damage, accompanied by reactive oxygen species production (ROS), but they do not inhibit yeast growth and viability. Genotoxicity was less pronounced for surface-functionalized nanoparticles, showing that S. cerevisiae is quite resistant to the complex AuNPs-indolicidin. A progressive reduction of the genotoxic effect was observed along 72hr exposure, presumably due to the activation of DNA repair mechanisms. These findings suggest the occurrence of a physiological protective response of S. cerevisiae towards nanoparticles, thereby providing useful information to the assessment of the environmental impact of metal nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Guida
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Maselli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Galdiero
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", 80100 Naples, Italy.
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Falanga A, Lombardi L, Franci G, Vitiello M, Iovene MR, Morelli G, Galdiero M, Galdiero S. Marine Antimicrobial Peptides: Nature Provides Templates for the Design of Novel Compounds against Pathogenic Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050785. [PMID: 27213366 PMCID: PMC4881601 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of antibiotics for the treatment of bacterial infections brought the idea that bacteria would no longer endanger human health. However, bacterial diseases still represent a worldwide treat. The ability of microorganisms to develop resistance, together with the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, is mainly responsible for this situation; thus, resistance has compelled the scientific community to search for novel therapeutics. In this scenario, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a promising strategy against a wide array of pathogenic microorganisms, being able to act directly as antimicrobial agents but also being important regulators of the innate immune system. This review is an attempt to explore marine AMPs as a rich source of molecules with antimicrobial activity. In fact, the sea is poorly explored in terms of AMPs, but it represents a resource with plentiful antibacterial agents performing their role in a harsh environment. For the application of AMPs in the medical field limitations correlated to their peptide nature, their inactivation by environmental pH, presence of salts, proteases, or other components have to be solved. Thus, these peptides may act as templates for the design of more potent and less toxic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Falanga
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Lombardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Gianluigi Franci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Vitiello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Maria Rosaria Iovene
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giancarlo Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, II University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Pharmacy, CIRPEB-University of Naples "Federico II", Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
- John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University Chicago, Via Massimi 114, 00136 Roma, Italy.
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Scudiero O, Nigro E, Cantisani M, Colavita I, Leone M, Mercurio FA, Galdiero M, Pessi A, Daniele A, Salvatore F, Galdiero S. Design and activity of a cyclic mini-β-defensin analog: a novel antimicrobial tool. Int J Nanomedicine 2015; 10:6523-39. [PMID: 26508857 PMCID: PMC4610797 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s89610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have designed a cyclic 17-amino acid β-defensin analog featuring a single disulfide bond. This analog, designated "AMC" (ie, antimicrobial cyclic peptide), combines the internal hydrophobic domain of hBD1 and the C-terminal charged region of hBD3. The novel peptide was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as against herpes simplex virus type 1 were analyzed. The cytotoxicity and serum stability were assessed. Nuclear magnetic resonance of AMC in aqueous solution suggests that the structure of the hBD1 region, although not identical, is preserved. Like the parent defensins, AMC is not cytotoxic for CaCo-2 cells. Interestingly, AMC retains the antibacterial activity of the parent hBD1 and hBD3 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli, and exerts dose-dependent activity against herpes simplex virus type 1. Moreover, while the antibacterial and antiviral activities of the oxidized and reduced forms of the parent defensins are similar, those of AMC are significantly different, and oxidized AMC is also considerably more stable in human serum. Taken together, our data also suggest that this novel peptide may be added to the arsenal of tools available to combat antibiotic-resistant infectious diseases, particularly because of its potential for encapsulation in a nanomedicine vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Scudiero
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Scarl, Naples, Italy ; Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marco Cantisani
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marilisa Leone
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Aurora Daniele
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Scarl, Naples, Italy ; Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Scarl, Naples, Italy ; Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy ; IRCCS Fondazione SDN, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy ; Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Naples, Italy
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15
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Immuno-Modulatory Role of Porins: Host Immune Responses, Signaling Mechanisms and Vaccine Potential. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 842:79-108. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-11280-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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16
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Structural insights into and activity analysis of the antimicrobial peptide myxinidin. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:5280-90. [PMID: 24957834 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02395-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The marine environment has been poorly explored in terms of potential new molecules possessing antibacterial activity. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a new potential class of pharmaceuticals; however, further optimization is needed if AMPs are to find broad use as antibiotics. We focused our studies on a peptide derived from the epidermal mucus of hagfish (Myxine glutinosa L.), which was previously characterized and showed high antimicrobial activity against human and fish pathogens. In the present work, the activities of myxinidin peptide analogues were analyzed with the aim of widening the original spectrum of action of myxinidin by suitable changes in the peptide primary structure. The analysis of key residues by alanine scanning allowed for the design of novel peptides with increased activity. We identified the amino acids that are of the utmost importance for the observed antimicrobial activities against a set of pathogens comprising both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Overall, optimized bactericidal potency was achieved by adding a tryptophan residue at the N terminus and by the simultaneous substitution of residues present in positions 3, 4, and 11 with arginine. These results indicate that the myxinidin analogues emerge as an attractive alternative for treating drug-resistant infectious diseases and provide key insights into a rational design for novel agents against these pathogens.
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17
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Zhang B, Tang C, Liao M, Yue H. Update on the pathogenesis of Haemophilus parasuis infection and virulence factors. Vet Microbiol 2014; 168:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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18
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Galdiero S, Falanga A, Cantisani M, Tarallo R, Della Pepa ME, D'Oriano V, Galdiero M. Microbe-host interactions: structure and role of Gram-negative bacterial porins. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2013; 13:843-54. [PMID: 23305369 PMCID: PMC3706956 DOI: 10.2174/138920312804871120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gram negative bacteria have evolved many mechanisms of attaching to and invading host epithelial and immune cells. In particular, many outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are involved in this initial interaction between the pathogen and their host. The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria performs the crucial role of providing an extra layer of protection to the organism without compromising the exchange of material required for sustaining life. The OM, therefore, represents a sophisticated macromolecular assembly, whose complexity has yet to be fully elucidated. This review will summarize the structural information available for porins, a class of OMP, and highlight their role in bacterial pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets. The functional role of porins in microbe-host interactions during various bacterial infections has emerged only during the last few decades, and their interaction with a variety of host tissues for adhesion to and invasion of the cell and for evasion of host-defense mechanisms have placed bacterial porins at the forefront of research in bacterial pathogenesis. This review will discuss the role that porins play in activating immunological responses, in inducing signaling pathways and their influence on antibiotic resistance mechanisms that involve modifications of the properties of the OM lipid barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Biological Sciences, Division of Biostructures, University of Naples "Federico II" and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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19
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Peptide-lipid interactions: experiments and applications. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:18758-89. [PMID: 24036440 PMCID: PMC3794806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140918758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions between peptides and lipids are of fundamental importance in the functioning of numerous membrane-mediated cellular processes including antimicrobial peptide action, hormone-receptor interactions, drug bioavailability across the blood-brain barrier and viral fusion processes. Moreover, a major goal of modern biotechnology is obtaining new potent pharmaceutical agents whose biological action is dependent on the binding of peptides to lipid-bilayers. Several issues need to be addressed such as secondary structure, orientation, oligomerization and localization inside the membrane. At the same time, the structural effects which the peptides cause on the lipid bilayer are important for the interactions and need to be elucidated. The structural characterization of membrane active peptides in membranes is a harsh experimental challenge. It is in fact accepted that no single experimental technique can give a complete structural picture of the interaction, but rather a combination of different techniques is necessary.
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20
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Galdiero S, Falanga A, Cantisani M, Tarallo R, Della Pepa ME, D'Oriano V, Galdiero M. Microbe-host interactions: structure and role of Gram-negative bacterial porins. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2012. [PMID: 23305369 DOI: 10.2174/1389203711213080012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Gram negative bacteria have evolved many mechanisms of attaching to and invading host epithelial and immune cells. In particular, many outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are involved in this initial interaction between the pathogen and their host. The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria performs the crucial role of providing an extra layer of protection to the organism without compromising the exchange of material required for sustaining life. The OM, therefore, represents a sophisticated macromolecular assembly, whose complexity has yet to be fully elucidated. This review will summarize the structural information available for porins, a class of OMP, and highlight their role in bacterial pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets. The functional role of porins in microbe-host interactions during various bacterial infections has emerged only during the last few decades, and their interaction with a variety of host tissues for adhesion to and invasion of the cell and for evasion of host-defense mechanisms have placed bacterial porins at the forefront of research in bacterial pathogenesis. This review will discuss the role that porins play in activating immunological responses, in inducing signaling pathways and their influence on antibiotic resistance mechanisms that involve modifications of the properties of the OM lipid barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Biological Sciences, Division of Biostructures, University of Naples "Federico II" and Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy.
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21
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Mapping the laminin receptor binding domains of Neisseria meningitidis PorA and Haemophilus influenzae OmpP2. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46233. [PMID: 23049988 PMCID: PMC3457995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae are major bacterial agents of meningitis. They each bind the 37/67-kDa laminin receptor (LamR) via the surface protein adhesins: meningococcal PilQ and PorA, H. influenzae OmpP2 and pneumococcal CbpA. We have previously reported that a surface-exposed loop of the R2 domain of CbpA mediates LamR-binding. Here we have identified the LamR-binding regions of PorA and OmpP2. Using truncated recombinant proteins we show that binding is dependent on amino acids 171-240 and 91-99 of PorA and OmpP2, respectively, which are predicted to localize to the fourth and second surface-exposed loops, respectively, of these proteins. Synthetic peptides corresponding to the loops bound LamR and could block LamR-binding to bacterial ligands in a dose dependant manner. Meningococci expressing PorA lacking the apex of loop 4 and H. influenzae expressing OmpP2 lacking the apex of loop 2 showed significantly reduced LamR binding. Since both loops are hyper-variable, our data may suggest a molecular basis for the range of LamR-binding capabilities previously reported among different meningococcal and H. influenzae strains.
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22
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Cantisani M, Vitiello M, Falanga A, Finamore E, Galdiero M, Galdiero S. Peptides complementary to the active loop of porin P2 from Haemophilus influenzae modulate its activity. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:2361-71. [PMID: 22654515 PMCID: PMC3363952 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s30467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is one of the leading causes of invasive bacterial infection in young children. It is characterized by inflammation that is mainly mediated by cytokines and chemokines. One of the most abundant components of the Hib outer membrane is the P2 porin, which has been shown to induce the release of several inflammatory cytokines. A synthetic peptide corresponding to loop L7 of the porin activates JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. We report a novel use of the complementary peptide approach to design a peptide that is able to bind selectively to the protein P2, thereby reducing its activity. This work provides insights into essential molecular details of P2 that may affect the pathogenesis of Hib infections where interruption of the signaling cascade could represent an attractive therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cantisani
- Department of Biological Sciences, CIRPeB and IBB CNR, University of Naples "Federico II," Napoli, Italy
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23
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Vitiello M, Galdiero M, Finamore E, Galdiero S, Galdiero M. NF-κB as a potential therapeutic target in microbial diseases. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2012; 8:1108-20. [DOI: 10.1039/c2mb05335g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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24
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Reyes G, Nivillac NMI, Chalsev M, Coe IR. Analysis of recombinant tagged equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) expressed in E. coli. Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 89:246-55. [PMID: 21455275 DOI: 10.1139/o10-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside transporters (NTs) are integral membrane proteins necessary for the cellular entry of nucleoside analog drugs used in chemotherapeutic treatment of conditions such as cancer and viral or parasitic infections. NTs are also the targets of certain drugs used in the treatment of various cardiovascular conditions. Because of the importance of NTs in drug uptake, determination of the three-dimensional structure of these proteins, particularly hENT1, has the potential to improve these treatments through structure-based design of more specifically targeted and transported drugs. In this paper, we use NMR spectroscopy to investigate the structure of the large intracellular loop between transmembrane domains 6 and 7 and we also describe a method for the successful overexpression of full-length hENT1 in a bacterial system. Recombinant tandem histidine-affinity (HAT) and 3×FLAG tagged hENT1 was overexpressed in E. coli, affinity purified, and functionally characterized by nitrobenzylthioinosine (NBTI) binding. Anti-3×FLAG immunodetection confirmed the expression of N-HAT-3×FLAG-hENT1, while increased NBTI binding (3.2-fold compared with controls) confirmed the conformational integrity of the recombinant hENT1 within the bacterial inner membrane. Yields of recombinant hENT1 using this approach were ~15 µg/L of bacterial culture and this approach provides a basis for large-scale production of protein for a variety of purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- German Reyes
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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25
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Vitiello M, Finamore E, Cantisani M, Bevilacqua P, Incoronato N, Falanga A, Galdiero E, Galdiero M. P2 porin and loop L7 from Haemophilus influenzae modulate expression of IL-6 and adhesion molecules in astrocytes. Microbiol Immunol 2011; 55:347-56. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2011.00318.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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26
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Cigarette smoke inhibits airway epithelial cell innate immune responses to bacteria. Infect Immun 2010; 78:2146-52. [PMID: 20194598 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01410-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human upper respiratory tract, including the nasopharynx, is colonized by a diverse array of microorganisms. While the host generally exists in harmony with the commensal microflora, under certain conditions, these organisms may cause local or systemic disease. Respiratory epithelial cells act as local sentinels of the innate immune system, responding to conserved microbial patterns through activation of signal transduction pathways and cytokine production. In addition to colonizing microbes, these cells may also be influenced by environmental agents, including cigarette smoke (CS). Because of the strong relationship among secondhand smoke exposure, bacterial infection, and sinusitis, we hypothesized that components in CS might alter epithelial cell innate immune responses to pathogenic bacteria. We examined the effect of CS condensate (CSC) or extract (CSE) on signal transduction and cytokine production in primary and immortalized epithelial cells of human or murine origin in response to nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus. We observed that epithelial production of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6 in response to bacterial stimulation was significantly inhibited in the presence of CS (P < 0.001 for inhibition by either CSC or CSE). In contrast, epithelial production of beta interferon (IFN-beta) was not inhibited. CSC decreased NF-kappaB activation (P < 0.05) and altered the kinetics of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in cells exposed to bacteria. Treatment of CSC with antioxidants abrogated CSC-mediated reduction of epithelial IL-8 responses to bacteria (P > 0.05 compared to cells without CSC treatment). These results identify a novel oxidant-mediated immunosuppressive role for CS in epithelial cells.
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27
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Severino V, Chambery A, Vitiello M, Cantisani M, Galdiero S, Galdiero M, Malorni L, Di Maro A, Parente A. Proteomic Analysis of Human U937 Cell Line Activation Mediated by Haemophilus influenzae Type b P2 Porin and Its Surface-Exposed Loop 7. J Proteome Res 2010; 9:1050-62. [DOI: 10.1021/pr900931n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Severino
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Angela Chambery
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Mariateresa Vitiello
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Marco Cantisani
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Stefania Galdiero
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Livia Malorni
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Antimo Di Maro
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
| | - Augusto Parente
- Department of Life Science, Second University of Naples, Via Vivaldi 43, I-81100 Caserta, Italy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, Via De Crecchio 7, I-80138 Napoli, Italy, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, C.N.R., Via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134, Napoli, Italy, and Proteomic and Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry Center, Institute of Food Science and
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Characterization and comparative analysis of the genes encoding Haemophilus parasuis outer membrane proteins P2 and P5. J Bacteriol 2009; 191:5988-6002. [PMID: 19633080 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00469-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemophilus parasuis is a swine pathogen of significant industry concern, but little is known about how the organism causes disease. A related human pathogen, Haemophilus influenzae, has been better studied, and many of its virulence factors have been identified. Two of these, outer membrane proteins P2 and P5, are known to have important virulence properties. The goals of this study were to identify, analyze, and compare the genetic relatedness of orthologous genes encoding P2 and P5 proteins in a diverse group of 35 H. parasuis strains. Genes encoding P2 and P5 proteins were detected in all H. parasuis strains evaluated. The predicted amino acid sequences for both P2 and P5 proteins exhibit considerable heterogeneity, particularly in regions corresponding to predicted extracellular loops. Twenty-five variants of P2 and 17 variants of P5 were identified. The P2 proteins of seven strains were predicted to contain a highly conserved additional extracellular loop compared to the remaining strains and to H. influenzae P2. Antigenic-site predictions coincided with predicted extracellular loop regions of both P2 and P5. Neighbor-joining trees constructed using P2 and P5 sequences predicted divergent evolutionary histories distinct from those predicted by a multilocus sequence typing phylogeny based on partial sequencing of seven housekeeping genes. Real-time reverse transcription-PCR indicated that both genes are expressed in all of the strains.
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Pathophysiological changes of gram-negative bacterial infection can be reproduced by a synthetic peptide mimicking loop L7 sequence of Haemophilus influenzae porin. Microbes Infect 2008; 10:657-63. [PMID: 18462971 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2008.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2007] [Revised: 02/26/2008] [Accepted: 03/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Several in vivo models have been used to dissect the molecular mechanisms that contribute to activate the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems by bacteria and bacterial products but many aspects remain poorly understood. In this study we examined the in vivo effect of the synthetic peptide corresponding to loop L7 from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) porin to evaluate its role on the coagulative/fibrinolytic cascade and the circulating markers of endothelial injury. Plasma was obtained from rats injected intravenously with loop L7, Hib porin or a scrambled peptide and tested for fragment 1+2 (F1+2), tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type I (PAI-1) antigen, von Willebrand factor (vWF) and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin). The coagulative/fibrinolytic cascade was impaired as shown by PAI-1 level increased. Concomitantly, E-selectin, a marker of endothelial injury, was also significantly elevated. In addition either loop L7 or Hib porin injection induced hyperglycaemia and inflammatory cytokine production. The data were correlated with hemodynamic functions. The results indicate that loop L7 plays an essential role in the pathophysiologic events observed during gram-negative infection. These findings may have implications for the development of alternative therapies to counteract excessive inflammatory responses during septic shock.
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Elazar M, Halfon D, Pechatnikov I, Nitzan Y. Porin Isolated from the Outer Membrane of Erwinia amylovora and Its Encoding Gene. Curr Microbiol 2007; 54:155-61. [PMID: 17211539 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-006-0368-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2006] [Accepted: 09/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A major Erwinia amylovora outer-membrane protein (Omp-EA) and the gene encoding for this protein (omp-EA) were isolated and characterized. The native Omp-EA protein forms a trimeric structure of approximately 114 kDa. This protein demonstrated high resistance to detergents such as SDS and octyl-glucopyranoside, but disaggregated to monomers with a molecular weight (MW) of approximately 39 kDa after heating at 95 degrees C for 10 minutes in sample buffer. The pore-forming ability of the oligomeric Omp-EA was determined by the liposome swelling assay, demonstrating that the oligomeric protein formed nonspecific channels with an exclusion limit of approximately 660 Da. On dissociation, the monomers did not exhibit pore-forming ability. The omp-EA gene was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. DQ184680). Sequence analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1152 bases. The deduced amino-acid sequence had 383 amino acids. The mature protein consisted of 362 amino acids and had a calculated MW of 39,210 Da. Multiple-sequence alignment of Omp-EA with other porins from the Enterobacteriaceae family revealed 51% to 63% identity. The first 16 amino acids from the N-terminal exhibited the highest identity (100%) to the porins OmpC, OmpF, and PhoE of Escherichia coli. Two methods were used to predict the secondary structure: APSSP2 and Hidden and Markov's model. The monomers of Omp-EA porin presented a topology of 16 transmembranal beta-strands. The area of the loops between the beta -strands was proposed. It is suggested that further research on the porin and its loops may be important for understanding the mechanism of E. amylovor to invade plant tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Elazar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 52900, Israel
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Neary JM, Murphy TF. Antibodies directed at a conserved motif in loop 6 of outer membrane protein P2 of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae recognize multiple strains in immunoassays. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 46:251-61. [PMID: 16487307 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2005.00033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The P2 porin is the most abundant protein in the outer membrane of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae. Analysis of P2 sequences from a limited number of strains reveals the presence of both heterogeneous and conserved surface-exposed loops of the P2 molecule among strains. We have previously shown that antibodies raised against the loop 6 sequence of P2 from strain 5657 are bactericidal against multiple isolates. In this study, we determined the nucleotide sequence of the loop 6 region of the P2 molecule from 108 strains of nontypeable H. influenzae in order to assess more rigorously the degree of conservation of loop 6. Based on this analysis, we identified a conserved sequence, different from that of strain 5657, that occurs in approximately one-third of the strains sequenced. To assess the potential of this peptide as a vaccine antigen, antibodies raised to a multiple antigenic peptide corresponding to this sequence were characterized with respect to specificity for the P2 molecule and reactivity with heterologous strains in immunoblot assay, flow cytometry and bactericidal assays. Antibodies were reactive to the P2 molecule of 16 of 20 strains tested by immunoblot assay. Antibodies recognized nine of the 20 strains in a flow cytometry assay, and 13 of 20 demonstrated complement-mediated killing in bactericidal assays. These results support the concept of using conserved regions of the P2 protein as a vaccine antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Neary
- Department of Microbiology, University of Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Slevogt H, Schmeck B, Jonatat C, Zahlten J, Beermann W, van Laak V, Opitz B, Dietel S, N'Guessan PD, Hippenstiel S, Suttorp N, Seybold J. Moraxella catarrhalis induces inflammatory response of bronchial epithelial cells via MAPK and NF-kappaB activation and histone deacetylase activity reduction. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2006; 290:L818-26. [PMID: 16399788 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00428.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Moraxella catarrhalis is a major cause of infectious exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and may also contribute to the pathogenesis of COPD. Little is known about M. catarrhalis-bronchial epithelium interaction. We investigated activation of M. catarrhalis infected bronchial epithelial cells and characterized the signal transduction pathways. Moreover, we tested the hypothesis that the M. catarrhalis-induced cytokine expression is regulated by acetylation of histone residues and controlled by histone deacetylase activity (HDAC). We demonstrated that M. catarrhalis induced a strong time- and dose-dependent inflammatory response in the bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B), characterized by the release of IL-8 and GM-CSF. For this cytokine liberation activation of the ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases and transcription factor NF-kappaB was required. Furthermore, M. catarrhalis-infected bronchial epithelial cells showed an enhanced acetylation of histone H3 and H4 globally and at the promoter of the il8 gene. Preventing histone deacetylation by the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A augmented the M. catarrhalis-induced IL-8 response. After exposure to M. catarrhalis, we found a decrease in global histone deacetylase expression and activity. Our findings suggest that M. catarrhalis-induced activation of il8 gene transcription was caused by interference with epigenetic mechanisms regulating il8 gene accessibility. Our findings provide insight into important molecular and cellular mechanisms of M. catarrhalis-induced activation of human bronchial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hortense Slevogt
- Dept. of Internal Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
Pathogenic spirochetes are the causative agents of several important diseases including syphilis, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, swine dysentery, periodontal disease and some forms of relapsing fever. Spirochetal bacteria possess two membranes and the proteins present in the outer membrane are at the site of interaction with host tissue and the immune system. This review describes the current knowledge in the field of spirochetal outer membrane protein (OMP) biology. What is known concerning biogenesis and structure of OMPs, with particular regard to the atypical signal peptide cleavage sites observed amongst the spirochetes, is discussed. We examine the functions that have been determined for several spirochetal OMPs including those that have been demonstrated to function as adhesins, porins or to have roles in complement resistance. A detailed description of the role of spirochetal OMPs in immunity, including those that stimulate protective immunity or that are involved in antigenic variation, is given. A final section is included which covers experimental considerations in spirochetal outer membrane biology. This section covers contentious issues concerning cellular localization of putative OMPs, including determination of surface exposure. A more detailed knowledge of spirochetal OMP biology will hopefully lead to the design of new vaccines and a better understanding of spirochetal pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Cullen
- Australian Bacterial Pathogenesis Program, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3800, Australia
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Vic. 3800, Australia
| | - David A. Haake
- School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Veteran Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Ben Adler
- Australian Bacterial Pathogenesis Program, Department of Microbiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic. 3800, Australia
- Victorian Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University, Vic. 3800, Australia
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +61-3-9905-4815; fax: +61-3-9905-4811. E-mail address: (B. Adler)
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Galdiero M, Vitiello M, Galdiero S. Eukaryotic cell signaling and transcriptional activation induced by bacterial porins. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2003; 226:57-64. [PMID: 13129608 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1097(03)00562-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein composition of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria consists of about 20 immunochemically distinct proteins, termed outer membrane proteins (OMPs). Apart from their structural role, OMPs have been shown to have other functions, particularly with regard to transport, and have been classified as permeases and porins. Porins, during their interaction with the host, are immunogenic and also directly stimulate several cellular functions. Porins work both as molecules present on the bacterial surface and as molecules released by bacteria. Lipopolysaccharide and OMPs, the major structural macromolecular constituents of the outer membrane, carry out a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Gram-negative infections. This brief review describes the multiple facets of the biological activities of porins both in vitro and in vivo, particularly focusing on their ability to induce the expression of cytokines and other factors that modulate cellular activities with either pathological or adaptive consequences. This brief discussion will focus on the signal transmission mechanisms induced by bacterial porins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Galdiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sezione di Microbiologia e Microbiologia Clinica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli, Via De Crecchio 7, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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