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Paul R, Dutta D, Mukhopadhyay TK, Müller D, Lala B, Datta A, Schwalbe H, Dash J. A non-B DNA binding peptidomimetic channel alters cellular functions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5275. [PMID: 38902227 PMCID: PMC11190219 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49534-0] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA binding transcription factors possess the ability to interact with lipid membranes to construct ion-permeable pathways. Herein, we present a thiazole-based DNA binding peptide mimic TBP2, which forms transmembrane ion channels, impacting cellular ion concentration and consequently stabilizing G-quadruplex DNA structures. TBP2 self-assembles into nanostructures, e.g., vesicles and nanofibers and facilitates the transportation of Na+ and K+ across lipid membranes with high conductance (~0.6 nS). Moreover, TBP2 exhibits increased fluorescence when incorporated into the membrane or in cellular nuclei. Monomeric TBP2 can enter the lipid membrane and localize to the nuclei of cancer cells. The coordinated process of time-dependent membrane or nuclear localization of TBP2, combined with elevated intracellular cation levels and direct G-quadruplex (G4) interaction, synergistically promotes formation and stability of G4 structures, triggering cancer cell death. This study introduces a platform to mimic and control intricate biological functions, leading to the discovery of innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Paul
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Debasish Dutta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Titas Kumar Mukhopadhyay
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Diana Müller
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe, University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Strasse 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Binayak Lala
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Ayan Datta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe, University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue Strasse 7, 60438, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jyotirmayee Dash
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, India.
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2
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Nutini A. Amyloid oligomers and their membrane toxicity - A perspective study. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 187:9-20. [PMID: 38211711 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2024.01.002] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Amyloidosis is a condition involving a disparate group of pathologies characterized by the extracellular deposition of insoluble fibrils composed of broken-down proteins. These proteins can accumulate locally, causing peculiar symptoms, or in a widespread way, involving many organs and. causing severe systemic failure. The damage that is created is related not only to the accumulation of. amyloid fibrils but above all to the precursor oligomers of the fibrils that manage to enter the cell in a very particular way. This article analyzes the current state of research related to the entry of these oligomers into the cell membrane and the theories related to their toxicity. The paper proposed here not only aims to review the contents in the literature but also proposes a new vision of amyloid toxicity. that could occur in a multiphase process catalyzed by the cell membrane itself. In this process, the denaturation of the lipid bilayer is followed by the stabilization of a pore through energetically favorable self-assembly processes which are achieved through particular oligomeric structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Nutini
- Biology and Biomechanics Dept - Centro Studi Attività Motorie, Italy.
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3
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Tunbridge M, Grivei A, Kassianos AJ, Davis H, Stewart A, Healy H, Mon SY, John GT. Minimal change disease with Jack jumper ant stings: A case report. Nephrology (Carlton) 2022; 27:908-909. [PMID: 36113860 PMCID: PMC9826226 DOI: 10.1111/nep.14104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tunbridge
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Anca Grivei
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Conjoint Internal Medicine LaboratoryChemical Pathology, Pathology QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Kassianos
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Conjoint Internal Medicine LaboratoryChemical Pathology, Pathology QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Helen Davis
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Anne Stewart
- Anatomical PathologyPathology QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Helen Healy
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Conjoint Internal Medicine LaboratoryChemical Pathology, Pathology QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Saw Yu Mon
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - George T. John
- Kidney Health ServiceRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia,Faculty of MedicineUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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4
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Yuan Y, Li S, Zhao Z, Deng B, Li Z, Jing X, Zhang W, Li Z. In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity of a lysine-rich scorpion peptide derivative. Toxicon 2022; 209:1-9. [PMID: 35121065 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are widely acknowledged as an alternative class of antimicrobial agents. In this study, a lysine-rich scorpion peptide derivative Pacavin-5K was designed, which showed an improved antibacterial spectrum, significantly higher antibacterial activity, and lower toxicity compared to the native peptide. It also showed an improved thermal and serum stability. Notably, Pacavin-5K significantly decreased the bacterial counts in the wounded region in the mouse cutaneous infection model caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, Pacavin-5K did not induce bacterial resistance associated with its antibacterial mechanism disrupting the membrane. Furthermore, Pacavin-5K could kill the S. aureus cells at the biofilm state. Overall, Pacavin-5K could be a potential alternative antibacterial agent against skin infection caused by S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Shasha Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Zhuoran Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Bo Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Ziyi Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Jing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
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5
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Pavlicevic M, Marmiroli N, Maestri E. Immunomodulatory peptides-A promising source for novel functional food production and drug discovery. Peptides 2022; 148:170696. [PMID: 34856531 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunomodulatory peptides are a complex class of bioactive peptides that encompasses substances with different mechanisms of action. Immunomodulatory peptides could also be used in vaccines as adjuvants which would be extremely desirable, especially in response to pandemics. Thus, immunomodulatory peptides in food of plant origin could be regarded both as valuable suplements of novel functional food preparation and/or as precursors or possible active ingredients for drugs design for treatment variety of conditions arising from impaired function of immune system. Given variety of mechanisms, different tests are required to assess effects of immunomodulatory peptides. Some of those effects show good correlation with in vivo results but others, less so. Certain plant peptides, such as defensins, show both immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effect, which makes them interesting candidates for preparation of functional food and feed, as well as templates for design of synthetic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Pavlicevic
- Institute for Food Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nelson Marmiroli
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Maestri
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, and Interdepartmental Center SITEIA.PARMA, Parco Area delle Scienze 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
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6
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
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7
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Major D, Flanzbaum L, Lussier L, Davies C, Caldo KMP, Acedo JZ. Transporter Protein-Guided Genome Mining for Head-to-Tail Cyclized Bacteriocins. Molecules 2021; 26:7218. [PMID: 34885800 PMCID: PMC8659200 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Head-to-tail cyclized bacteriocins are ribosomally synthesized antimicrobial peptides that are defined by peptide backbone cyclization involving the N- and C- terminal amino acids. Their cyclic nature and overall three-dimensional fold confer superior stability against extreme pH and temperature conditions, and protease degradation. Most of the characterized head-to-tail cyclized bacteriocins were discovered through a traditional approach that involved the screening of bacterial isolates for antimicrobial activity and subsequent isolation and characterization of the active molecule. In this study, we performed genome mining using transporter protein sequences associated with experimentally validated head-to-tail cyclized bacteriocins as driver sequences to search for novel bacteriocins. Biosynthetic gene cluster analysis was then performed to select the high probability functional gene clusters. A total of 387 producer strains that encode putative head-to-tail cyclized bacteriocins were identified. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that this class of bacteriocins is more diverse than previously thought. Furthermore, our genome mining strategy captured hits that were not identified in precursor-based bioprospecting, showcasing the utility of this approach to expanding the repertoire of head-to-tail cyclized bacteriocins. This work sets the stage for future isolation of novel head-to-tail cyclized bacteriocins to serve as possible alternatives to traditional antibiotics and potentially help address the increasing threat posed by resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Major
- Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada; (D.M.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Lara Flanzbaum
- Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada; (D.M.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Leah Lussier
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada;
| | - Carly Davies
- Department of Biology, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada; (D.M.); (L.F.); (C.D.)
| | - Kristian Mark P. Caldo
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada;
| | - Jeella Z. Acedo
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Mount Royal University, Calgary, AB T3E 6K6, Canada;
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8
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The Cytotoxicity and Clearance of Mutant Huntingtin and Other Misfolded Proteins. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112835. [PMID: 34831058 PMCID: PMC8616338 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein misfolding and aggregation are implicated in many neurodegenerative diseases. One of these diseases is Huntington's, which is caused by increased glutamine-encoding trinucleotide repeats within the Huntingtin gene. Like other misfolded proteins, mutated Huntingtin proteins with polyglutamine expansions are prone to aggregation. Misfolded proteins exist as soluble monomers, small aggregates, or as large insoluble inclusion bodies. Misfolded protein aggregates are believed to be cytotoxic by stressing the protein degradation machinery, disrupting membrane structure, or sequestering other proteins. We recently showed that expression of misfolded proteins lowers cellular free ubiquitin levels, which compromises the protein degradation machinery. Therefore, the efficient degradation of misfolded proteins is critical to preserve cell health. Cells employ two major mechanisms to degrade misfolded proteins. The first is the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which ubiquitinates and degrades misfolded proteins with the assistance of segregase Cdc48/p97. The UPS pathway is mainly responsible for the clearance of misfolded proteins present as monomers or smaller aggregates. The second pathway is macroautophagy/autophagy, in which protein aggregates or inclusion bodies are recruited into an autophagosome before transport to the vacuole/lysosome for degradation. This review is focused on the current understanding of the cytotoxicity of misfolded proteins as well as their clearance pathways, with a particular emphasis on mutant Huntingtin.
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9
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Nasiri F, Atanaki FF, Behrouzi S, Kavousi K, Bagheri M. CpACpP: In Silico Cell-Penetrating Anticancer Peptide Prediction Using a Novel Bioinformatics Framework. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:19846-19859. [PMID: 34368571 PMCID: PMC8340416 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c02569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating anticancer peptides (Cp-ACPs) are considered promising candidates in solid tumor and hematologic cancer therapies. Current approaches for the design and discovery of Cp-ACPs trust the expensive high-throughput screenings that often give rise to multiple obstacles, including instrumentation adaptation and experimental handling. The application of machine learning (ML) tools developed for peptide activity prediction is importantly of growing interest. In this study, we applied the random forest (RF)-, support vector machine (SVM)-, and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost)-based algorithms to predict the active Cp-ACPs using an experimentally validated data set. The model, CpACpP, was developed on the basis of two independent cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and anticancer peptide (ACP) subpredictors. Various compositional and physiochemical-based features were combined or selected using the multilayered recursive feature elimination (RFE) method for both data sets. Our results showed that the ACP subclassifiers obtain a mean performance accuracy (ACC) of 0.98 with an area under curve (AUC) ≈ 0.98 vis-à-vis the CPP predictors displaying relevant values of ∼0.94 and ∼0.95 via the hybrid-based features and independent data sets, respectively. Also, the predicting evaluation of Cp-ACPs gave accuracies of ∼0.79 and 0.89 on a series of independent sequences by applying our CPP and ACP classifiers, respectively, which leaves the performance of our predictors better than the earlier reported ACPred, mACPpred, MLCPP, and CPPred-RF. The described consensus-based fusion method additionally reached an AUC of 0.94 for the prediction of Cp-ACP (http://cbb1.ut.ac.ir/CpACpP/Index).
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Nasiri
- Peptide
Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry
and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14335, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Fallah Atanaki
- Laboratory
of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department
of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Saman Behrouzi
- Laboratory
of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department
of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Kaveh Kavousi
- Laboratory
of Complex Biological Systems and Bioinformatics (CBB), Department
of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14411, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Bagheri
- Peptide
Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry
and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran 14176-14335, Iran
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Parrasia S, Rossa A, Varanita T, Checchetto V, De Lorenzi R, Zoratti M, Paradisi C, Ruzza P, Mattarei A, Szabò I, Biasutto L. An Angiopep2-PAPTP Construct Overcomes the Blood-Brain Barrier. New Perspectives against Brain Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020129. [PMID: 33562146 PMCID: PMC7914648 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A developing family of chemotherapeutics—derived from 5-(4-phenoxybutoxy)psoralen (PAP-1)—target mitochondrial potassium channel mtKv1.3 to selectively induce oxidative stress and death of diseased cells. The key to their effectiveness is the presence of a positively charged triphenylphosphonium group which drives their accumulation in the organelles. These compounds have proven their preclinical worth in murine models of cancers such as melanoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In in vitro experiments they also efficiently killed glioblastoma cells, but in vivo they were powerless against orthotopic glioma because they were completely unable to overcome the blood-brain barrier. In an effort to improve brain delivery we have now coupled one of these promising compounds, PAPTP, to well-known cell-penetrating and brain-targeting peptides TAT48–61 and Angiopep-2. Coupling has been obtained by linking one of the phenyl groups of the triphenylphosphonium to the first amino acid of the peptide via a reversible carbamate ester bond. Both TAT48–61 and Angiopep-2 allowed the delivery of 0.3–0.4 nmoles of construct per gram of brain tissue upon intravenous (i.v.) injection of 5 µmoles/kg bw to mice. This is the first evidence of PAPTP delivery to the brain; the chemical strategy described here opens the possibility to conjugate PAPTP to small peptides in order to fine-tune tissue distribution of this interesting compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Parrasia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.Z.)
| | - Andrea Rossa
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.R.); (R.D.L.); (C.P.); (P.R.)
| | - Tatiana Varanita
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (T.V.); (V.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Vanessa Checchetto
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (T.V.); (V.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Riccardo De Lorenzi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.R.); (R.D.L.); (C.P.); (P.R.)
- CNR Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Zoratti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.Z.)
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristina Paradisi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.R.); (R.D.L.); (C.P.); (P.R.)
| | - Paolo Ruzza
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.R.); (R.D.L.); (C.P.); (P.R.)
- CNR Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Via F. Marzolo 1, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Mattarei
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Ildikò Szabò
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (T.V.); (V.C.); (I.S.)
| | - Lucia Biasutto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.Z.)
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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11
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Pathological ATX3 Expression Induces Cell Perturbations in E. coli as Revealed by Biochemical and Biophysical Investigations. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020943. [PMID: 33477953 PMCID: PMC7835732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid aggregation of human ataxin-3 (ATX3) is responsible for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, which belongs to the class of polyglutamine neurodegenerative disorders. It is widely accepted that the formation of toxic oligomeric species is primarily involved in the onset of the disease. For this reason, to understand the mechanisms underlying toxicity, we expressed both a physiological (ATX3-Q24) and a pathological ATX3 variant (ATX3-Q55) in a simplified cellular model, Escherichia coli. It has been observed that ATX3-Q55 expression induces a higher reduction of the cell growth compared to ATX3-Q24, due to the bacteriostatic effect of the toxic oligomeric species. Furthermore, the Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy investigation, supported by multivariate analysis, made it possible to monitor protein aggregation and the induced cell perturbations in intact cells. In particular, it has been found that the toxic oligomeric species associated with the expression of ATX3-Q55 are responsible for the main spectral changes, ascribable mainly to the cell envelope modifications. A structural alteration of the membrane detected through electron microscopy analysis in the strain expressing the pathological form supports the spectroscopic results.
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13
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14
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Mikkola R, Andersson M, Kharechkina E, Kruglova S, Kruglov A. Fusaricidin-Type Compounds Create Pores in Mitochondrial and Plasma Membranes of Mammalian Cells. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9090433. [PMID: 31480526 PMCID: PMC6770722 DOI: 10.3390/biom9090433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusaricidins and related LI-F compounds are effective bactericides and fungicides. Recently, we have found that they are highly toxic to mammalian cells. Here, we studied the effect of fusaricidin-type compounds (FTCs) on the membranes of mammalian cells. Ethanol extracts from Paenibacillus polymyxa strains, RS10 and I/Sim, were fractionated and analyzed by HPLC and mass spectrometry. The effects of FTCs on mitochondrial functions and integrity were studied by standard methods: measurements of swelling, membrane potential (ΔΨm), respiration rate, cytochrome c release, and pore sizes. Superoxide flashes were registered by 3,7-dihydro-2-methyl-6-(4-methoxyphenyl)imidazol[1,2-a]pyrazine-3-one (MCLA). Plasma membrane permeability was assessed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and ATP release. FTCs caused the permeabilization of the inner mitochondria membrane (IMM) to ions and low-molecular-weight (~750 Da) solutes. The permeabilization did not depend on the permeability transition pore (mPTP) but was strongly dependent on ΔΨm. Fusaricidins A plus B, LI-F05a, and LI-F05b-LI-F07b permeabilized IMM with comparable efficiency. They created pores and affected mitochondrial functions and integrity similarly to mPTP opening. They permeabilized the sperm cell plasma membrane to ATP and PI. Thus, the formation of pores in polarized membranes underlays the toxicity of FTCs to mammals. Besides, FTCs appeared to be superior reference compounds for mPTP studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimo Mikkola
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Maria Andersson
- Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aalto University, 00076 Aalto, Finland
| | - Ekaterina Kharechkina
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142292 Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Svetlana Kruglova
- Institute of Basic Biological Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142292 Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Alexey Kruglov
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142292 Moscow Region, Russia.
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Zhu B, He H, Hou T. A Comprehensive Review of Corn Protein-derived Bioactive Peptides: Production, Characterization, Bioactivities, and Transport Pathways. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2018; 18:329-345. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Zhu
- College of Food Science and Technology; Huazhong Agricultural Univ.; Wuhan 430070 China
- Key Lab of Environment Correlative Dietology (Huazhong Agricultural Univ.); Ministry of Education; Wuhan 43000 China
| | - Hui He
- College of Food Science and Technology; Huazhong Agricultural Univ.; Wuhan 430070 China
- Key Lab of Environment Correlative Dietology (Huazhong Agricultural Univ.); Ministry of Education; Wuhan 43000 China
| | - Tao Hou
- College of Food Science and Technology; Huazhong Agricultural Univ.; Wuhan 430070 China
- Key Lab of Environment Correlative Dietology (Huazhong Agricultural Univ.); Ministry of Education; Wuhan 43000 China
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16
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Cámara-Almirón J, Caro-Astorga J, de Vicente A, Romero D. Beyond the expected: the structural and functional diversity of bacterial amyloids. Crit Rev Microbiol 2018; 44:653-666. [PMID: 30354913 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2018.1491527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intense research has confirmed the formerly theoretical distribution of amyloids in nature, and studies on different systems have illustrated the role of these proteins in microbial adaptation and in interactions with the environment. Two lines of research are expanding our knowledge on functional amyloids: (i) structural studies providing insights into the molecular machineries responsible for the transition from monomer to fibers and (ii) studies showing the way in which these proteins might participate in the microbial fitness in natural settings. Much is known about how amyloids play a role in the social behavior of bacteria, or biofilm formation, and in the adhesion of bacteria to surfaces; however, we are still in the initial stages of understanding a complementary involvement of amyloids in bacteria-host interactions. This review will cover the following two topics: first, the key aspects of the microbial platforms dedicated to the assembly of the fibers, and second, the mechanisms by which bacteria utilize the morphological and biochemical variability of amyloids to modulate the immunological response of the host, plants and humans, contributing to (i) infection, in the case of pathogenic bacteria or (ii) promotion of the health of the host, in the case of beneficial bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Cámara-Almirón
- a Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea ''La Mayora'' - Departamento de Microbiología , Universidad de Málaga , Málaga , Spain
| | - Joaquin Caro-Astorga
- a Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea ''La Mayora'' - Departamento de Microbiología , Universidad de Málaga , Málaga , Spain
| | - Antonio de Vicente
- a Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea ''La Mayora'' - Departamento de Microbiología , Universidad de Málaga , Málaga , Spain
| | - Diego Romero
- a Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea ''La Mayora'' - Departamento de Microbiología , Universidad de Málaga , Málaga , Spain
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17
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Moreels L, Peigneur S, Galan DT, De Pauw E, Béress L, Waelkens E, Pardo LA, Quinton L, Tytgat J. APETx4, a Novel Sea Anemone Toxin and a Modulator of the Cancer-Relevant Potassium Channel K V10.1. Mar Drugs 2017; 15:md15090287. [PMID: 28902151 PMCID: PMC5618426 DOI: 10.3390/md15090287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human ether-à-go-go channel (hEag1 or KV10.1) is a cancer-relevant voltage-gated potassium channel that is overexpressed in a majority of human tumors. Peptides that are able to selectively inhibit this channel can be lead compounds in the search for new anticancer drugs. Here, we report the activity-guided purification and electrophysiological characterization of a novel KV10.1 inhibitor from the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. Purified sea anemone fractions were screened for inhibitory activity on KV10.1 by measuring whole-cell currents as expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes using the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique. Fractions that showed activity on Kv10.1 were further purified by RP-HPLC. The amino acid sequence of the peptide was determined by a combination of MALDI- LIFT-TOF/TOF MS/MS and CID-ESI-FT-ICR MS/MS and showed a high similarity with APETx1 and APETx3 and was therefore named APETx4. Subsequently, the peptide was electrophysiologically characterized on KV10.1. The selectivity of the toxin was investigated on an array of voltage-gated ion channels, including the cardiac human ether-à-go-go-related gene potassium channel (hERG or Kv11.1). The toxin inhibits KV10.1 with an IC50 value of 1.1 μM. In the presence of a similar toxin concentration, a shift of the activation curve towards more positive potentials was observed. Similar to the effect of the gating modifier toxin APETx1 on hERG, the inhibition of Kv10.1 by the isolated toxin is reduced at more positive voltages and the peptide seems to keep the channel in a closed state. Although the peptide also induces inhibitory effects on other KV and NaV channels, it exhibits no significant effect on hERG. Moreover, APETx4 induces a concentration-dependent cytotoxic and proapoptotic effect in various cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. This newly identified KV10.1 inhibitor can be used as a tool to further characterize the oncogenic channel KV10.1 or as a scaffold for the design and synthesis of more potent and safer anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lien Moreels
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Diogo T Galan
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Edwin De Pauw
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-MolSys, University of Liege, Liege 4000, Belgium.
| | - Lászlo Béress
- Immunology and Rheumatology, Section of Peptide Chemistry, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover 30625, Germany.
| | - Etienne Waelkens
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
| | - Luis A Pardo
- Oncophysiology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine; Göttingen 37075, Germany.
| | - Loïc Quinton
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-MolSys, University of Liege, Liege 4000, Belgium.
| | - Jan Tytgat
- Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium.
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18
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Ponnappan N, Chugh A. Cell-penetrating and cargo-delivery ability of a spider toxin-derived peptide in mammalian cells. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2017; 114:145-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Acedo JZ, van Belkum MJ, Lohans CT, Towle KM, Miskolzie M, Vederas JC. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Solution Structures of Lacticin Q and Aureocin A53 Reveal a Structural Motif Conserved among Leaderless Bacteriocins with Broad-Spectrum Activity. Biochemistry 2016; 55:733-42. [PMID: 26771761 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b01306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Lacticin Q (LnqQ) and aureocin A53 (AucA) are leaderless bacteriocins from Lactococcus lactis QU5 and Staphylococcus aureus A53, respectively. These bacteriocins are characterized by the absence of an N-terminal leader sequence and are active against a broad range of Gram-positive bacteria. LnqQ and AucA consist of 53 and 51 amino acids, respectively, and have 47% identical sequences. In this study, their three-dimensional structures were elucidated using solution nuclear magnetic resonance and were shown to consist of four α-helices that assume a very similar compact, globular overall fold (root-mean-square deviation of 1.7 Å) with a highly cationic surface and a hydrophobic core. The structures of LnqQ and AucA resemble the shorter two-component leaderless bacteriocins, enterocins 7A and 7B, despite having low levels of sequence identity. Homology modeling revealed that the observed structural motif may be shared among leaderless bacteriocins with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive organisms. The elucidated structures of LnqQ and AucA also exhibit some resemblance to circular bacteriocins. Despite their similar overall fold, inhibition studies showed that LnqQ and AucA have different antimicrobial potency against the Gram-positive strains tested, suggesting that sequence disparities play a crucial role in their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeella Z Acedo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - Marco J van Belkum
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - Christopher T Lohans
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - Kaitlyn M Towle
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - Mark Miskolzie
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
| | - John C Vederas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta , Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G2
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20
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Dubovskii PV, Vassilevski AA, Kozlov SA, Feofanov AV, Grishin EV, Efremov RG. Latarcins: versatile spider venom peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4501-22. [PMID: 26286896 PMCID: PMC11113828 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms feature the presence of cytolytic peptides believed to act synergetically with neurotoxins to paralyze prey or deter aggressors. Many of them are linear, i.e., lack disulfide bonds. When isolated from the venom, or obtained by other means, these peptides exhibit common properties. They are cationic; being mostly disordered in aqueous solution, assume amphiphilic α-helical structure in contact with lipid membranes; and exhibit general cytotoxicity, including antifungal, antimicrobial, hemolytic, and anticancer activities. To suit the pharmacological needs, the activity spectrum of these peptides should be modified by rational engineering. As an example, we provide a detailed review on latarcins (Ltc), linear cytolytic peptides from Lachesana tarabaevi spider venom. Diverse experimental and computational techniques were used to investigate the spatial structure of Ltc in membrane-mimicking environments and their effects on model lipid bilayers. The antibacterial activity of Ltc was studied against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, the action of Ltc on erythrocytes and cancer cells was investigated in detail with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the present review, we give a critical account of the progress in the research of Ltc. We explore the relationship between Ltc structure and their biological activity and derive molecular characteristics, which can be used for optimization of other linear peptides. Current applications of Ltc and prospective use of similar membrane-active peptides are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey A Kozlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey V Feofanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya, Moscow, 101000, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
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21
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Viperatoxin-II: A novel viper venom protein as an effective bactericidal agent. FEBS Open Bio 2015; 5:928-41. [PMID: 26793432 PMCID: PMC4688439 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Two novel viperatoxins (VipTx-I and VipTx-II) from Indian Russell’s viper snake venom were purified and characterized. VipTx-II but not VipTx-I showed strong antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and Burkholderia pseudomallei (strains KHW/TES), Proteus vulgaris and P. mirabilis. In broth dilution assays, VipTx-II had a potent bactericidal effect at the lowest dilutions against B. pseudomallei (strains KHW/TES), S. aureus and P. mirabilis. Protein-induced bactericidal potency was closely associated with pore formation and membrane damage. These proteins showed a low level of cytotoxic effects on human cells.
Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have become a rising threat to public health. There is an urgent need for development of promising new therapeutic agents against drug resistant bacteria like S. aureus. This report discusses purification and characterization of proteins from Indian Russell’s viper snake venom. Novel 15-kDa proteins called “Viperatoxin” (VipTx-I and VipTx-II) were extracted from the whole venom and evaluated using in vitro antimicrobial experiments. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of “Viperatoxin” showed high sequence homology to daboiatoxin isolated from the same venom and also matched phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzymes isolated from other snake venoms. In an in vitro plate assay, VipTx-II but not VipTx-I showed strong antimicrobial effects against S. aureus and Burkholderia pseudomallei (KHW & TES), Proteus vulgaris and P. mirabilis. The VipTx-II was further tested by a broth-dilution assay at 100–3.1 μg/ml concentrations. The most potent bactericidal effect was found at the lowest dilutions (MICs of 6.25 μg/ml) against B. pseudomallei, S. aureus and P. vulgaris (MICs of 12.25 μg/ml). Electron microscopic investigation revealed that the protein-induced bactericidal potency was closely associated with pore formation and membrane damage, even at the lowest concentrations (<20 μg/ml). The toxin caused a low level of cytotoxic effects as observed in human (THP-1) cells at higher concentrations. Molecular weight determinations of VipTx-II by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed one major, along with a few minor bands. The results indicate that VipTx-II plays a significant role in bactericidal and membrane damaging effects in vitro. Non-cytotoxic properties on human cells highlight it as a promising candidate for further evaluation of antimicrobial potential in vivo.
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Key Words
- Bactericidal
- Daboia russelli russelli
- MALDI-TOF/MS, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight/mass spectrometer
- MDR, multi-drug resistant
- MH, Mueller Hinton
- MICs, minimum inhibitory concentrations
- MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- MTXs, myotoxins
- PLA2, phospholipase A2
- Phospholipase A2
- SEM, scanning electron microscopy
- TEM, transmission electron microscopy
- TS, Tryptic Soya
- VipTx-I and VipTx-II, viperatoxins I and II
- Viperatoxin-I
- Viperatoxin-II
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22
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Peptides and Peptidomimetics for Antimicrobial Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2015; 8:366-415. [PMID: 26184232 PMCID: PMC4588174 DOI: 10.3390/ph8030366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to introduce and highlight a few classes of traditional antimicrobial peptides with a focus on structure-activity relationship studies. After first dissecting the important physiochemical properties that influence the antimicrobial and toxic properties of antimicrobial peptides, the contributions of individual amino acids with respect to the peptides antibacterial properties are presented. A brief discussion of the mechanisms of action of different antimicrobials as well as the development of bacterial resistance towards antimicrobial peptides follows. Finally, current efforts on novel design strategies and peptidomimetics are introduced to illustrate the importance of antimicrobial peptide research in the development of future antibiotics.
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Wanandy T, Gueven N, Davies NW, Brown SG, Wiese MD. Pilosulins: A review of the structure and mode of action of venom peptides from an Australian ant Myrmecia pilosula. Toxicon 2015; 98:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Welling MM, Nabuurs RJA, van der Weerd L. Potential role of antimicrobial peptides in the early onset of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2014; 11:51-7. [PMID: 24637300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jalz.2013.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 11/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is thought to play a major role in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease. Environmental influences, including chronic bacterial or viral infections, are thought to alter the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and thereby facilitate cerebral colonization by opportunistic pathogens. This may eventually trigger Aβ overproduction and aggregation. Host biomolecules that target and combat these pathogens, for instance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as Aβ itself, are an interesting option for the detection and diagnostic follow-up of such cerebral infections. As part of the innate immune system, AMPs are defensive peptides that efficiently penetrate infected cells and tissues beyond many endothelial barriers, most linings, including the BBB, and overall specifically target pathogens. Based on existing literature, we postulate a role for labeled AMPs as a marker to target pathogens that play a role in the aggregation of amyloid in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mick M Welling
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Rob J A Nabuurs
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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25
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Ardisson-Araújo DMP, Morgado FDS, Schwartz EF, Corzo G, Ribeiro BM. A new theraphosid spider toxin causes early insect cell death by necrosis when expressed in vitro during recombinant baculovirus infection. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84404. [PMID: 24349574 PMCID: PMC3862797 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviruses are the most studied insect viruses in the world and are used for biological control of agricultural and forest insect pests. They are also used as versatile vectors for expression of heterologous proteins. One of the major problems of their use as biopesticides is their slow speed to kill insects. Thus, to address this shortcoming, insect-specific neurotoxins from arachnids have been introduced into the baculovirus genome solely aiming to improve its virulence. In this work, an insecticide-like toxin gene was obtained from a cDNA derived from the venom glands of the theraphosid spider Brachypelma albiceps. The mature form of the peptide toxin (called Ba3) has a high content of basic amino acid residues, potential for three possible disulfide bonds, and a predicted three-stranded β-sheetDifferent constructions of the gene were engineered for recombinant baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nuclepolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) expression. Five different forms of Ba3 were assessed; (1) the full-length sequence, (2) the pro-peptide and mature region, (3) only the mature region, and the mature region fused to an (4) insect or a (5) virus-derived signal peptide were inserted separately into the genome of the baculovirus. All the recombinant viruses induced cell death by necrosis earlier in infection relative to a control virus lacking the toxin gene. However, the recombinant virus containing the mature portion of the toxin gene induced a faster cell death than the other recombinants. We found that the toxin construct with the signal peptide and/or pro-peptide regions delayed the necrosis phenotype. When infected cells were subjected to ultrastructural analysis, the cells showed loss of plasma membrane integrity and structural changes in mitochondria before death. Our results suggest this use of baculovirus is a potential tool to help understand or to identify the effect of insect-specific toxic peptides when produced during infection of insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Bergmann Morais Ribeiro
- Departmento de Biologia Celular, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
In vertebrates and invertebrates, morphological and functional features of gastrointestinal (GI) tracts generally reflect food chemistry, such as content of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and material(s) refractory to rapid digestion (e.g., cellulose). The expression of digestive enzymes and nutrient transporters approximately matches the dietary load of their respective substrates, with relatively modest excess capacity. Mechanisms explaining differences in hydrolase activity between populations and species include gene copy number variations and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Transcriptional and posttranscriptional adjustments mediate phenotypic changes in the expression of hydrolases and transporters in response to dietary signals. Many species respond to higher food intake by flexibly increasing digestive compartment size. Fermentative processes by symbiotic microorganisms are important for cellulose degradation but are relatively slow, so animals that rely on those processes typically possess special enlarged compartment(s) to maintain a microbiota and other GI structures that slow digesta flow. The taxon richness of the gut microbiota, usually identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, is typically an order of magnitude greater in vertebrates than invertebrates, and the interspecific variation in microbial composition is strongly influenced by diet. Many of the nutrient transporters are orthologous across different animal phyla, though functional details may vary (e.g., glucose and amino acid transport with K+ rather than Na+ as a counter ion). Paracellular absorption is important in many birds. Natural toxins are ubiquitous in foods and may influence key features such as digesta transit, enzymatic breakdown, microbial fermentation, and absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Karasov
- Forest and Wildlife Ecology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
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27
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The cytotoxic effect of magainin II on the MDA-MB-231 and M14K tumour cell lines. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:831709. [PMID: 24222919 PMCID: PMC3809593 DOI: 10.1155/2013/831709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Many studies have highlighted the tumoricidal properties of some natural peptides known to have antimicrobial virtues. Also, the increasingly higher resistance to conventional antibiotics has become a global public health issue, and the need for new antibiotics has stimulated interest in finding and synthesizing new antimicrobial peptides, which may also be used as chemotherapeutic agents. Relying on the literature, the purpose of our in vitro research was to assess the tumoricidal potential of magainin II on a series of tumour cell lines, namely, MDA-MB-231 (breast adenocarcinoma) and M14K (human mesothelioma). The experimental results of our study revealed that the cytotoxic effects of magainin II depend on its concentration. Its efficiency is significant at 120 μM concentrations, and, although it is much lower, it persists even at 60 μM concentrations. The effects were insignificant at 30 μM concentrations. In our experimental research, the tumoricidal effect of magainin II was not significantly dependent on the type of tumour cell line used.
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28
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Vilches S, Vergara C, Nicolás O, Sanclimens G, Merino S, Varón S, Acosta GA, Albericio F, Royo M, Río JAD, Gavín R. Neurotoxicity of prion peptides mimicking the central domain of the cellular prion protein. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70881. [PMID: 23940658 PMCID: PMC3733940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological functions of PrP(C) remain enigmatic, but the central domain, comprising highly conserved regions of the protein may play an important role. Indeed, a large number of studies indicate that synthetic peptides containing residues 106-126 (CR) located in the central domain (CD, 95-133) of PrP(C) are neurotoxic. The central domain comprises two chemically distinct subdomains, the charge cluster (CC, 95-110) and a hydrophobic region (HR, 112-133). The aim of the present study was to establish the individual cytotoxicity of CC, HR and CD. Our results show that only the CD peptide is neurotoxic. Biochemical, Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy experiments demonstrated that the CD peptide is able to activate caspase-3 and disrupt the cell membrane, leading to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vilches
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Vergara
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oriol Nicolás
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Sanclimens
- Combinatorial Chemistry Unit, Scientific Park of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Merino
- Department of Physicochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Varón
- Combinatorial Chemistry Unit, Scientific Park of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerardo A. Acosta
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Albericio
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miriam Royo
- Combinatorial Chemistry Unit, Scientific Park of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José A. Del Río
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosalina Gavín
- Molecular and Cellular Neurobiotechnology, Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Prediction of antimicrobial activity of synthetic peptides by a decision tree model. Appl Environ Microbiol 2013; 79:3156-9. [PMID: 23455341 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02804-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a persistent problem in the public health sphere. However, recent attempts to find effective substitutes to combat infections have been directed at identifying natural antimicrobial peptides in order to circumvent resistance to commercial antibiotics. This study describes the development of synthetic peptides with antimicrobial activity, created in silico by site-directed mutation modeling using wild-type peptides as scaffolds for these mutations. Fragments of antimicrobial peptides were used for modeling with molecular modeling computational tools. To analyze these peptides, a decision tree model, which indicated the action range of peptides on the types of microorganisms on which they can exercise biological activity, was created. The decision tree model was processed using physicochemistry properties from known antimicrobial peptides available at the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD). The two most promising peptides were synthesized, and antimicrobial assays showed inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Colossomin C and colossomin D were the most inhibitory peptides at 5 μg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The methods described in this work and the results obtained are useful for the identification and development of new compounds with antimicrobial activity through the use of computational tools.
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Annexin-phospholipid interactions. Functional implications. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:2652-83. [PMID: 23358253 PMCID: PMC3588008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14022652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Revised: 01/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Annexins constitute an evolutionary conserved multigene protein superfamily characterized by their ability to interact with biological membranes in a calcium dependent manner. They are expressed by all living organisms with the exception of certain unicellular organisms. The vertebrate annexin core is composed of four (eight in annexin A6) homologous domains of around 70 amino acids, with the overall shape of a slightly bent ring surrounding a central hydrophilic pore. Calcium- and phospholipid-binding sites are located on the convex side while the N-terminus links domains I and IV on the concave side. The N-terminus region shows great variability in length and amino acid sequence and it greatly influences protein stability and specific functions of annexins. These proteins interact mainly with acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine, but differences are found regarding their affinity for lipids and calcium requirements for the interaction. Annexins are involved in a wide range of intra- and extracellular biological processes in vitro, most of them directly related with the conserved ability to bind to phospholipid bilayers: membrane trafficking, membrane-cytoskeleton anchorage, ion channel activity and regulation, as well as antiinflammatory and anticoagulant activities. However, the in vivo physiological functions of annexins are just beginning to be established.
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Abstract
Venoms consist of a complex mixture of toxic components that are used by a variety of animal species for defense and predation. Envenomation of mammalian species leads to an acute inflammatory response and can lead to the development of IgE-dependent venom allergy. However, the mechanisms by which the innate immune system detects envenomation and initiates inflammatory and allergic responses to venoms remain largely unknown. Here we show that bee venom is detected by the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome and can trigger activation of caspase-1 and the subsequent processing and unconventional secretion of the leaderless proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in macrophages. Whereas activation of the inflammasome by bee venom induces a caspase-1-dependent inflammatory response, characterized by recruitment of neutrophils to the site or envenomation, the inflammasome is dispensable for the allergic response to bee venom. Finally, we find that caspase-1-deficient mice are more susceptible to the noxious effects of bee and snake venoms, suggesting that a caspase-1-dependent immune response can protect against the damaging effects of envenomation.
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Salay LC, Ferreira M, Oliveira ON, Nakaie CR, Schreier S. Headgroup specificity for the interaction of the antimicrobial peptide tritrpticin with phospholipid Langmuir monolayers. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2012; 100:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 04/23/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Dendrimers reduce toxicity of Aβ 1-28 peptide during aggregation and accelerate fibril formation. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2012; 8:1372-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2011] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Kinnunen PKJ, Kaarniranta K, Mahalka AK. Protein-oxidized phospholipid interactions in cellular signaling for cell death: from biophysics to clinical correlations. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:2446-55. [PMID: 22542574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is associated with several major ailments. However, it is only recently that the developments in our molecular level understanding of the consequences of oxidative stress in modifying the chemical structures of biomolecules, lipids in particular, are beginning to open new emerging insights into the significance of oxidative stress in providing mechanistic insights into the etiologies of these diseases. In this brief review we will first discuss the role of lipid oxidation in controlling the membrane binding of cytochrome c, a key protein in the control of apoptosis. We then present an overview of the impact of oxidized phospholipids on the biophysical properties of lipid bilayers and continue to discuss, how these altered properties can account for the observed enhancement of formation of intermediate state oligomers by cytotoxic amyloid forming peptides associated with pathological conditions as well as host defense peptides of innate immunity. In the third part, we will discuss how the targeting of oxidized phospholipids by i) pathology associated peptides and ii) host defense peptides can readily explain the observed clinical correlations associating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases with increased risk for type 2 diabetes and age-related macular degeneration, and the apparent protective effect of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases from some cancers, as well as the inverse, apparent protection by cancer from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Oxidized phospholipids-Their properties and interactions with proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paavo K J Kinnunen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.
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35
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Connelly L, Arce FT, Jang H, Capone R, Kotler SA, Ramachandran S, Kagan BL, Nussinov R, Lal R. Atomic force microscopy and MD simulations reveal pore-like structures of all-D-enantiomer of Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide: relevance to the ion channel mechanism of AD pathology. J Phys Chem B 2012; 116:1728-35. [PMID: 22217000 PMCID: PMC4342054 DOI: 10.1021/jp2108126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a protein misfolding disease characterized by a buildup of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide as senile plaques, uncontrolled neurodegeneration, and memory loss. AD pathology is linked to the destabilization of cellular ionic homeostasis and involves Aβ peptide-plasma membrane interactions. In principle, there are two possible ways through which disturbance of the ionic homeostasis can take place: directly, where the Aβ peptide either inserts into the membrane and creates ion-conductive pores or destabilizes the membrane organization, or, indirectly, where the Aβ peptide interacts with existing cell membrane receptors. To distinguish between these two possible types of Aβ-membrane interactions, we took advantage of the biochemical tenet that ligand-receptor interactions are stereospecific; L-amino acid peptides, but not their D-counterparts, bind to cell membrane receptors. However, with respect to the ion channel-mediated mechanism, like L-amino acids, D-amino acid peptides will also form ion channel-like structures. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we imaged the structures of both D- and L-enantiomers of the full length Aβ(1-42) when reconstituted in lipid bilayers. AFM imaging shows that both L- and D-Aβ isomers form similar channel-like structures. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations support the AFM imaged 3D structures. Previously, we have shown that D-Aβ(1-42) channels conduct ions similarly to their L- counterparts. Taken together, our results support the direct mechanism of Aβ ion channel-mediated destabilization of ionic homeostasis rather than the indirect mechanism through Aβ interaction with membrane receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Connelly
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ricardo Capone
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Samuel A. Kotler
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bruce L. Kagan
- Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine, Semel Institute for Neuroscience Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Departments of Bioengineering and of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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36
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New molecular rods — Characterization of their interaction with membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1808:2781-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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37
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Design and Construction of a First-Generation High-Throughput Integrated Robotic Molecular Biology Platform for Bioenergy Applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 16:292-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jala.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The molecular biological techniques for plasmid-based assembly and cloning of gene open reading frames are essential for elucidating the function of the proteins encoded by the genes. High-throughput integrated robotic molecular biology platforms that have the capacity to rapidly clone and express heterologous gene open reading frames in bacteria and yeast and to screen large numbers of expressed proteins for optimized function are an important technology for improving microbial strains Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening for biofuel production. The process involves the production of full-length complementary DNA libraries as a source of plasmid-based clones to express the desired proteins in active form for determination of their functions. Proteins that were identified by high-throughput screening as having desired characteristics are overexpressed in microbes to enable them to perform functions that will allow more cost-effective and sustainable production of biofuels. Because the plasmid libraries are composed of several thousand unique genes, automation of the process is essential. This review describes the design and implementation of an automated integrated programmable robotic workcell capable of producing complementary DNA libraries, colony picking, isolating plasmid DNA, transforming yeast and bacteria, expressing protein, and performing appropriate functional assays. These operations will allow tailoring microbial strains to use renewable feedstocks for production of biofuels, bioderived chemicals, fertilizers, and other coproducts for profitable and sustainable biorefineries.
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38
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Molina-Guijarro JM, Macías Á, García C, Muñoz E, García-Fernández LF, David M, Núñez L, Martínez-Leal JF, Moneo V, Cuevas C, Lillo MP, Villalobos Jorge C, Valenzuela C, Galmarini CM. Irvalec inserts into the plasma membrane causing rapid loss of integrity and necrotic cell death in tumor cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19042. [PMID: 21556352 PMCID: PMC3083409 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Irvalec is a marine-derived antitumor agent currently undergoing phase II clinical trials. In vitro, Irvalec induces a rapid loss of membrane integrity in tumor cells, accompanied of a significant Ca(2+) influx, perturbations of membrane conductivity, severe swelling and the formation of giant membranous vesicles. All these effects are not observed in Irvalec-resistant cells, or are significantly delayed by pretreating the cells with Zn(2+). Using fluorescent derivatives of Irvalec it was demonstrated that the compound rapidly interacts with the plasma membrane of tumor cells promoting lipid bilayer restructuration. Also, FRET experiments demonstrated that Irvalec molecules localize in the cell membrane close enough to each other as to suggest that the compound could self-organize, forming supramolecular structures that likely trigger cell death by necrosis through the disruption of membrane integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Álvaro Macías
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina García
- Departamento Biofísica, Instituto de Química-Física “Rocasolano” (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Muñoz
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (CSIC-UVA), Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Miren David
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Núñez
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular (CSIC-UVA), Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Victoria Moneo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, PharmaMar S.A., Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Cuevas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, PharmaMar S.A., Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Pilar Lillo
- Departamento Biofísica, Instituto de Química-Física “Rocasolano” (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Valenzuela
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos M. Galmarini
- Departamento de Biología Celular, PharmaMar S.A., Colmenar Viejo, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail:
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39
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Jang H, Arce F, Mustata M, Ramachandran S, Capone R, Nussinov R, Lal R. Antimicrobial protegrin-1 forms amyloid-like fibrils with rapid kinetics suggesting a functional link. Biophys J 2011; 100:1775-83. [PMID: 21463591 PMCID: PMC3072611 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2011.01.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is an 18 residues long, cysteine-rich β-sheet antimicrobial peptide (AMP). PG-1 induces strong cytotoxic activities on cell membrane and acts as a potent antibiotic agent. Earlier we reported that its cytotoxicity is mediated by its channel-forming ability. In this study, we have examined the amyloidogenic fibril formation properties of PG-1 in comparison with a well-defined amyloid, the amyloid-β (Aβ(1-42)) peptide. We have used atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thioflavin-T staining to investigate the kinetics of PG-1 fibrils growth and molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the underlying mechanism. AFM images of PG-1 on a highly hydrophilic surface (mica) show fibrils with morphological similarities to Aβ(1-42) fibrils. Real-time AFM imaging of fibril growth suggests that PG-1 fibril growth follows a relatively fast kinetics compared to the Aβ(1-42) fibrils. The AFM results are in close agreement with results from thioflavin-T staining data. Furthermore, the results indicate that PG-1 forms fibrils in solution. Significantly, in contrast, we do not detect fibrillar structures of PG-1 on an anionic lipid bilayer 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; only small PG-1 oligomers can be observed. Molecular dynamics simulations are able to identify the presence of these small oligomers on the membrane bilayer. Thus, our current results show that cytotoxic AMP PG-1 is amyloidogenic and capable of forming fibrils. Overall, comparing β-rich AMPs and amyloids such as Aβ, in addition to cytotoxicity and amyloidogenicity, they share a common structural motif, and are channel forming. These combined properties support a functional relationship between amyloidogenic peptides and β-sheet-rich cytolytic AMPs, suggesting that amyloids channels may have an antimicrobial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunbum Jang
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mirela Mustata
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Srinivasan Ramachandran
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ricardo Capone
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland
- Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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40
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Lopes JP, Agostinho P. Cdk5: multitasking between physiological and pathological conditions. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 94:49-63. [PMID: 21473899 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Revised: 03/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is a peculiar proline-directed serine/threonine kinase. Unlike the other members of the Cdk family, Cdk5 is not directly involved in cell cycle regulation, being normally associated with neuronal processes such as migration, cortical layering and synaptic plasticity. This kinase is present mainly in post-mitotic neurons and its activity is tightly regulated by the interaction with the specific activators, p35 and p39. Despite its pivotal role in CNS development, Cdk5 dysregulation has been implicated in different pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD) and, most recently, prion-related encephalopathies (PRE). In these neurodegenerative conditions, Cdk5 overactivation and relocalization occurs upon association with p25, a truncated form of the normal activator p35. This activator switching will cause a shift in the phosphorylative pattern of Cdk5, with an alteration both in targets and activity, ultimately leading to neuronal demise. In AD and PRE, two disorders that share clinical and neuropathological features, Cdk5 dysregulation is a linking event between the major neuropathological markers: amyloid plaques, tau hyperphosphorylation and synaptic and neuronal loss. Moreover, this kinase was shown to be involved in abortive cell cycle re-entry, a feature recently proposed as a possible step in the neuronal apoptosis mechanism of several neurological diseases. This review focuses on the role of Cdk5 in neurons, namely in the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics, synaptic function and cell survival, both in physiological and in pathological conditions, highlighting the relevance of Cdk5 in the main mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other brain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao P Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004 Coimbra, Portugal.
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41
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Rajesh T, Anthony T, Saranya S, Pushpam PL, Gunasekaran P. Functional characterization of a new holin-like antibacterial protein coding gene tmp1 from goat skin surface metagenome. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 89:1061-73. [PMID: 20927512 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2907-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 08/31/2010] [Accepted: 09/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have identified a holin-like gene from a goat skin surface metagenome. The ORF designated tmp1 coding for 34 amino acids shared sequence similarity with putative holin-like toxin genes. To analyze the antibacterial activity of tmp1 encoded protein, this ORF was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The expressed gene product Tmp1 exhibited antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria but not to Gram-negative bacteria. A single transmembrane domain (TMD) was identified within Tmp1 and deletion analysis of the N-terminal region and TMD indicated TMD to be responsible for antibacterial activity. The TMD-dependent antibacterial activity was validated using a synthetic peptide with the amino acid sequence of TMD. Besides antibacterial activity, Tmp1 also complemented the function of holin in a lysis-defective bacteriophage lambda. To broaden the spectrum of antibacterial activity, a mutant library of tmp1 was generated by random mutagenesis. Four mutants with amino acid substitutions at the N-terminus of Tmp1 exhibited increased antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and were not hemolytic. An improved activity of these mutant proteins is attributed to their increased hydrophobicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thangamani Rajesh
- Department of Genetics, Centre for Excellence in Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai 625 021, India
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42
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Hughes SR, Moser BR, Harmsen AJ, Bischoff KM, Jones MA, Pinkelman R, Bang SS, Tasaki K, Doll KM, Qureshi N, Saha BC, Liu S, Jackson JS, Robinson S, Cotta MC, Rich JO, Caimi P. Production of Candida antarctica lipase B gene open reading frame using automated PCR gene assembly protocol on robotic workcell and expression in an ethanologenic yeast for use as resin-bound biocatalyst in biodiesel production. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 16:17-37. [PMID: 21609683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jala.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A synthetic Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) gene open reading frame (ORF) for expression in yeast was constructed, and the lycotoxin-1 (Lyt-1) C3 variant gene ORF, potentially to improve the availability of the active enzyme at the surface of the yeast cell, was added in frame with the CALB ORF using an automated PCR assembly and DNA purification protocol on an integrated robotic workcell. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing CALB protein or CALB Lyt-1 fusion protein were first grown on 2% (w/v) glucose, producing 9.3 g/L ethanol during fermentation. The carbon source was switched to galactose for GAL1-driven expression, and the CALB and CALB Lyt-1 enzymes expressed were tested for fatty acid ethyl ester (biodiesel) production. The synthetic enzymes catalyzed the formation of fatty acid ethyl esters from ethanol and either corn or soybean oil. It was further demonstrated that a one-step-charging resin, specifically selected for binding to lipase, was capable of covalent attachment of the CALB Lyt-1 enzyme, and that the resin-bound enzyme catalyzed the production of biodiesel. High-level expression of lipase in an ethanologenic yeast strain has the potential to increase the profitability of an integrated biorefinery by combining bioethanol production with coproduction of a low-cost biocatalyst that converts corn oil to biodiesel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Hughes
- Renewable Product Technology Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR), Peoria, IL 61604, USA.
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43
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Solomon IH, Huettner JE, Harris DA. Neurotoxic mutants of the prion protein induce spontaneous ionic currents in cultured cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:26719-26. [PMID: 20573963 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.134619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which prions kill neurons and the role of the cellular prion protein in this process are enigmatic. Insight into these questions is provided by the neurodegenerative phenotypes of transgenic mice expressing prion protein (PrP) molecules with deletions of conserved amino acids in the central region. We report here that expression in transfected cells of the most toxic of these PrP deletion mutants (Delta105-125) induces large, spontaneous ionic currents that can be detected by patch-clamping techniques. These currents are produced by relatively non-selective, cation-permeable channels or pores in the cell membrane and can be silenced by overexpression of wild-type PrP, as well as by treatment with a sulfated glycosaminoglycan. Similar currents are induced by PrP molecules carrying several different point mutations in the central region that cause familial prion diseases in humans. The ionic currents described here are distinct from those produced in artificial lipid membranes by synthetic peptides derived from the PrP sequence because they are induced by membrane-anchored forms of PrP that are synthesized by cells and that are found in vivo. Our results indicate that the neurotoxicity of some mutant forms of PrP is attributable to enhanced ion channel activity and that wild-type PrP possesses a channel-silencing activity. Drugs that block PrP-associated channels or pores may therefore represent novel therapeutic agents for treatment of patients with prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac H Solomon
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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44
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Capone R, Mustata M, Jang H, Arce FT, Nussinov R, Lal R. Antimicrobial protegrin-1 forms ion channels: molecular dynamic simulation, atomic force microscopy, and electrical conductance studies. Biophys J 2010; 98:2644-52. [PMID: 20513409 PMCID: PMC2877344 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2010.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Revised: 01/27/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an emerging class of antibiotics for controlling health effects of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. Protegrin-1 (PG-1) is a model antibiotic among beta-sheet AMPs. Antibiotic activity of AMPs involves cell membrane damage, yet their membrane interactions, their 3D membrane-associated structures and the mechanism underlying their ability to disrupt cell membrane are poorly understood. Using complementary approaches, including molecular dynamics simulations, atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging, and planar lipid bilayer reconstitution, we provide computational and experimental evidence that PG-1, a beta-hairpin peptide, forms ion channels. Simulations indicate that PG-1 forms channel-like structures with loosely attached subunits when reconstituted in anionic lipid bilayers. AFM images show the presence of channel-like structures when PG-1 is reconstituted in dioleoylphosphatidylserine/palmitoyloleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine bilayers or added to preformed bilayers. Planar lipid bilayer electrical recordings show multiple single channel conductances that are consistent with the heterogeneous oligomeric channel structures seen in AFM images. PG-1 channel formation seems to be lipid-dependent: PG-1 does not easily show ion channel electrical activity in phosphatidylcholine membranes, but readily shows channel activity in membranes rich in phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylserine. The combined results support a model wherein the beta-hairpin PG-1 peptide acts as an antibiotic by altering cell ionic homeostasis through ion channel formation in cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Capone
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mirela Mustata
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, NCI-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Fernando Teran Arce
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, NCI-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
- Sackler Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ratnesh Lal
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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The role of calcium ions in the interactions of PrP106-126 amide with model membranes. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2010; 77:40-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2010.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2009] [Revised: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Combined antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of a cationic disubstituted dexamethasone-spermine conjugate. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2010; 54:2525-33. [PMID: 20308375 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01682-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains represents an emerging health problem that has motivated efforts to develop new antibacterial agents. Endogenous cationic antibacterial peptides (CAPs) that are produced in tissues exposed to the external environment are one model for the design of novel antibacterial compounds. Here, we report evidence that disubstituted dexamethasone-spermine (D2S), a cationic corticosteroid derivative initially identified as a by-product of synthesis of dexamethasone-spermine (DS) for the purpose of improving cellular gene delivery, functions as an antibacterial peptide-mimicking molecule. This moiety exhibits bacterial killing activity against clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa present in cystic fibrosis (CF) sputa, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Although compromised in the presence of plasma, D2S antibacterial activity resists the proteolytic activity of pepsin and is maintained in ascites, cerebrospinal fluid, saliva, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. D2S also enhances S. aureus susceptibility to antibiotics, such as amoxicillin (AMC), tetracycline (T), and amikacin (AN). Inhibition of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 release from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or lipoteichoic acid (LTA)-treated neutrophils in the presence of D2S suggests that this molecule might also prevent systemic inflammation caused by bacterial wall products. D2S-mediated translocation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in bovine aorta endothelial cells (BAECs) suggests that some of its anti-inflammatory activities involve engagement of glucocorticoid receptors. The combined antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of D2S suggest its potential as an alternative to natural CAPs in the prevention and treatment of some bacterial infections.
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Himmerkus N, Vassen V, Sievers B, Goerke B, Shan Q, Harder J, Schröder JM, Bleich M. Human beta-defensin-2 increases cholinergic response in colon epithelium. Pflugers Arch 2010; 460:177-86. [PMID: 20229195 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-009-0780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 12/19/2009] [Accepted: 12/22/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) is expressed in epithelial cells of skin and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Defensins are arginine-rich small cationic peptides with six intramolecular disulfide bonds and are antimicrobially active against a broad spectrum of pathogens. In addition, they have cytokine-like immunomodulatory properties. We hypothesized that hBD-2 also might influence epithelial cells themselves, thereby altering fluid composition in the gastrointestinal tract. We therefore tested its impact on electrogenic ion transport properties of distal colon in Ussing chamber experiments. Application of hBD-2 did not affect transepithelial voltage or resistance in cAMP-stimulated distal colon. However, it increased cholinergic Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) secretion. After 20 min of incubation with hBD-2, the effect of carbachol (CCh) on the equivalent short circuit current (I'(sc)) was enhanced twofold compared to vehicle-treated colon. Modulation of Ca(2+) signaling by hBD-2 was validated by Fura-2 measurements in human colon carcinoma HT29 cells. Twenty-minute incubation with hBD-2 increased the CCh-induced Ca(2+) transient by 20-30% compared to either vehicle-treated cells or cells treated with the defensins hBD-1, hBD-3, or HD-5. This effect was concentration-dependent, with an EC(50) of 0.043 microg/ml, and still present in the absence of extracellular Ca(2+). Also, the ionomycin-induced Ca(2+) transient was increased by hBD-2 treatment. We conclude that hBD-2 facilitates cholinergic Ca(2+)-regulated epithelial Cl(-) secretion. These findings contribute to the concept of a specific interaction of antimicrobial peptides with epithelial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Himmerkus
- Physiologisches Institut der Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Kiel, Germany.
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Comegna D, Benincasa M, Gennaro R, Izzo I, De Riccardis F. Design, synthesis and antimicrobial properties of non-hemolytic cationic alpha-cyclopeptoids. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:2010-8. [PMID: 20153656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Revised: 01/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis and screening of neutral and cationic, linear and cyclic peptoids (N-alkylglycine peptidomimetics) is described. Structure-activity relationship studies show that the in vitro activities of the tested peptoids depend on both cyclization and decoration with cationic groups. The most powerful N-lysine cyclopeptoid derivatives showed good antifungal activity against Candida albicans (ATCC90029 and L21) and Candida famata (SA550, Amph B-resistant) and low hemolytic activity. The effects of the cyclic peptoids on membrane permeabilization were evaluated by the propidium iodide exclusion assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Comegna
- Deparment of Chemistry, University of Salerno, Via Ponte Don Melillo, 84084 Fisciano (SA), Italy
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Stefani M. Protein aggregation diseases: toxicity of soluble prefibrillar aggregates and their clinical significance. Methods Mol Biol 2010; 648:25-41. [PMID: 20700703 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-756-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid diseases, the most clinically relevant protein misfolding pathologies due to the high prevalence of some of them in the population, are characterized by the presence, in specific tissues and organs, of fibrillar deposits of specific peptides or proteins. Increasing efforts are presently dedicated at investigating the structural features and the structure-toxicity relation of the soluble oligomeric precursors arising in the path of fibril formation. In fact, it is increasingly recognised that these unstable, dynamic assemblies are remarkably toxic to cells thus featuring these as the main factor responsible for cell impairment in amyloid diseases. This chapter will review shortly the data presently available on the structural and biochemical features of these assemblies, as well as on their biological and clinical significance.
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Hettiarachchi NT, Parker A, Dallas ML, Pennington K, Hung CC, Pearson HA, Boyle JP, Robinson P, Peers C. α-Synuclein modulation of Ca2+signaling in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. J Neurochem 2009; 111:1192-201. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06411.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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