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Wójciak KM, Kęska P, Prendecka-Wróbel M, Ferysiuk K. Peptides as Potentially Anticarcinogenic Agent from Functional Canned Meat Product with Willow Extract. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27206936. [PMID: 36296529 PMCID: PMC9611610 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27206936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to demonstrate canned pork as a functional meat product due to the presence of potentially anti-cancer factors, e.g., (a) bioactive peptides with potential activity against cancer cells; (b) lowering the content of sodium nitrite and with willow herb extract. In silico (for assessing the anticancer potential of peptides) and in vitro (antiproliferation activity on L-929 and CT-26 cell lines) analysis were performed, and the obtained results confirmed the bioactive potential against cancer of the prepared meat product. After 24 h of incubation with peptides obtained from meat product containing lyophilized herb extract at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, the viability of both tested cell lines was slightly decreased to about 80% and after 72 h to about 40%. On the other hand, after 72 h of incubation with the peptides obtained from the variant containing 1000 mg/kg of freeze-dried willow herb extract, the viability of intestinal cancer cells was decreased to about 40%, while, by comparison, the viability of normal cells was decreased to only about 70%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina M. Wójciak
- Department of Animal Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paulina Kęska
- Department of Animal Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81-4623340; Fax: +48-81-4623345
| | - Monika Prendecka-Wróbel
- Chair and Department of Human Physiology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Ferysiuk
- Department of Animal Food Technology, Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland
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Mastore M, Quadroni S, Caramella S, Brivio MF. The Silkworm as a Source of Natural Antimicrobial Preparations: Efficacy on Various Bacterial Strains. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1339. [PMID: 34827277 PMCID: PMC8614882 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of multi-resistant pathogens responsible for infections, which cannot be treated with existing drugs such as antibiotics, is of particular concern. Antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective and drug resistance is leading to more difficult-to-treat infections; therefore, new bioactive compounds with antimicrobial activity are needed and new alternative sources should be found. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are synthesized by processes typical of the innate immune system and are present in almost all organisms. Insects are extremely resistant to bacterial infections as they can produce a wide range of AMPs, providing an effective first line of defense. The AMPs produced by insects therefore represent a possible source of natural antimicrobial molecules. In this paper, the possibility of using plasma preparations from silkworm (Bombyx mori) larvae as a source of antimicrobials was evaluated. After simple purification steps, insect plasma was analyzed and tested on different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The results obtained are encouraging as the assays on Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae showed significant decrease in the growth of these Gram-negative bacteria. Similar results were obtained on Gram-positive bacteria, such as Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis, which showed strong susceptibility to the silkworm AMPs pool. In contrast, Staphylococcus aureus displayed high resistance to Bombyx mori plasma. Finally, the tested plasma formulations were assessed for possible storage not only at 4 °C, but also above room temperature. In conclusion, partially purified plasma from silkworm could be a promising source of AMPs which could be used in formulations for topical applications, without additional and expensive purification steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Mastore
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (M.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Silvia Quadroni
- Laboratory of Ecology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy;
| | - Sara Caramella
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (M.M.); (S.C.)
| | - Maurizio Francesco Brivio
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy; (M.M.); (S.C.)
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Henao Arias DC, Toro LJ, Téllez Ramirez GA, Osorio-Méndez JF, Rodríguez-Carlos A, Valle J, Marín-Luevano SP, Rivas-Santiago B, Andreu D, Castaño Osorio JC. Novel antimicrobial cecropins derived from O. curvicornis and D. satanas dung beetles. Peptides 2021; 145:170626. [PMID: 34391826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global problem and therapeutic alternatives to traditional antibiotics are needed. Antimicrobial and host defense peptides represent an attractive source for new therapeutic strategies, given their wide range of activities including antimicrobial, antitumoral and immunomodulatory. Insects produce several families of these peptides, including cecropins. Herein, we characterized the sequence, structure, and biological activity of three cecropins called satanin 1, 2, and curvicin, found in the transcriptome of two dung beetle species Dichotomius satanas and Onthophagus curvicornis. Sequence and circular dichroism analyses show that they have typical features of the cecropin family: short length (38-39 amino acids), positive charge, and amphipathic α-helical structure. They are active mainly against Gram-negative bacteria (3.12-12.5 μg/mL), with low toxicity on eukaryotic cells resulting in high therapeutic indexes (TI > 30). Peptides also showed effects on TNFα production in LPS-stimulated PBMCs. The biological activity of Satanin 1, 2 and Curvicin makes them interesting leads for antimicrobial strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Carolina Henao Arias
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Lily Johana Toro
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Germán Alberto Téllez Ramirez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia.
| | - Juan Felipe Osorio-Méndez
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
| | - Adrián Rodríguez-Carlos
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas, IMSS, Interior de la Alameda #45, col. Centro, Zacatecas, Cp. 98000, Mexico
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Paulina Marín-Luevano
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas, IMSS, Interior de la Alameda #45, col. Centro, Zacatecas, Cp. 98000, Mexico
| | - Bruno Rivas-Santiago
- Medical Research Unit Zacatecas, IMSS, Interior de la Alameda #45, col. Centro, Zacatecas, Cp. 98000, Mexico.
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park Dr Aiguader 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Jhon Carlos Castaño Osorio
- Center of Biomedical Research, Group of Molecular Immunology, Universidad del Quindío, Cra, 15 calle 12 norte, Armenia, Quindío, Colombia
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Liscano Y, Medina L, Oñate-Garzón J, Gúzman F, Pickholz M, Delgado JP. In Silico Selection and Evaluation of Pugnins with Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity Using Skin Transcriptome of Treefrog ( Boana pugnax). Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:578. [PMID: 33919639 PMCID: PMC8074116 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to combat bacterial and cancer resistance, we identified peptides (pugnins) with dual antibacterial l-anticancer activity from the Boana pugnax (B. pugnax) skin transcriptome through in silico analysis. Pugnins A and B were selected owing to their high similarity to the DS4.3 peptide, which served as a template for their alignment to the B. pugnax transcriptome, as well as their function as part of a voltage-dependent potassium channel protein. The secondary peptide structure stability in aqueous medium was evaluated as well, and after interaction with the Escherichia coli (E. coli) membrane model using molecular dynamics. These pugnins were synthesized via solid-phase synthesis strategy and verified by Reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Subsequently, their alpha-helix structure was determined by circular dichroism, after which antibacterial tests were then performed to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. Cytotoxicity tests against cancer cells also showed selectivity of pugnin A toward breast cancer (MFC7) cells, and pugnin B toward prostate cancer (PC3) cells. Alternatively, flow cytometry revealed necrotic cell damage with a major cytotoxic effect on human keratinocytes (HaCaT) control cells. Therefore, the pugnins found in the transcriptome of B. pugnax present dual antibacterial-anticancer activity with reduced selectivity to normal eukaryotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamil Liscano
- Grupo de Investigación en Química y Biotecnología (QUIBIO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Calle 5 N° 62-00, Cali 760035, Colombia;
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia;
| | - Laura Medina
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia;
| | - Jose Oñate-Garzón
- Grupo de Investigación en Química y Biotecnología (QUIBIO), Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Calle 5 N° 62-00, Cali 760035, Colombia;
| | - Fanny Gúzman
- Núcleo de Biotecnología Curauma, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, 2374631 Av. Universidad, Curauma 330, Chile;
| | - Monica Pickholz
- Departamento de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IFIBA, CONICET-UBA, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón 1, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina;
| | - Jean Paul Delgado
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia;
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Interaction between Metarhizium anisopliae and Its Host, the Subterranean Termite Coptotermes curvignathus during the Infection Process. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10040263. [PMID: 33806225 PMCID: PMC8065498 DOI: 10.3390/biology10040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin, a pathogenic fungus to insects, infects the subterranean termite, Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren, a devastating pest of plantation trees in the tropics. Electron microscopy and proteomics were used to investigate the infection and developmental process of M. anisopliae in C. curvignathus. Fungal infection was initiated by germ tube penetration through the host's cuticle as observed at 6 h post-inoculation (PI), after which it elongated into the host's integumental tissue. The colonization process continued as seen from dissemination of blastospores in the hemocoel at 96 h PI. At this time point, the emergent mycelia had mummified the host and forty-eight hours later, new conidia were dispersed on the termites' body surface. Meanwhile, hyphal bodies were observed in abundance in the intercellular space in the host's body. The proteomes of the pathogen and host were isolated separately using inoculated termite samples withdrawn at each PI-time point and analyzed in two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) gels. Proteins expressed in termites showed evidence of being related to cell regulation and the immune response, while those expressed in M. anisopliae, to transportation and fungal virulence. This study provides new information on the interaction between termites and its entomopathogen, with potential utilization for developing future biopesticide to control the termite population.
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Kliot A, Johnson RS, MacCoss MJ, Kontsedalov S, Lebedev G, Czosnek H, Heck M, Ghanim M. A proteomic approach reveals possible molecular mechanisms and roles for endosymbiotic bacteria in begomovirus transmission by whiteflies. Gigascience 2020; 9:giaa124. [PMID: 33185242 PMCID: PMC7662926 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giaa124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many plant viruses are vector-borne and depend on arthropods for transmission between host plants. Begomoviruses, the largest, most damaging and emerging group of plant viruses, infect hundreds of plant species, and new virus species of the group are discovered each year. Begomoviruses are transmitted by members of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex in a persistent-circulative manner. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is one of the most devastating begomoviruses worldwide and causes major losses in tomato crops, as well as in many agriculturally important plant species. Different B. tabaci populations vary in their virus transmission abilities; however, the causes for these variations are attributed among others to genetic differences among vector populations, as well as to differences in the bacterial symbionts housed within B. tabaci. RESULTS Here, we performed discovery proteomic analyses in 9 whitefly populations from both Middle East Asia Minor I (MEAM1, formerly known as B biotype) and Mediterranean (MED, formerly known as Q biotype) species. We analysed our proteomic results on the basis of the different TYLCV transmission abilities of the various populations included in the study. The results provide the first comprehensive list of candidate insect and bacterial symbiont (mainly Rickettsia) proteins associated with virus transmission. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that the proteomic signatures of better vector populations differ considerably when compared with less efficient vector populations in the 2 whitefly species tested in this study. While MEAM1 efficient vector populations have a more lenient immune system, the Q efficient vector populations have higher abundance of proteins possibly implicated in virus passage through cells. Both species show a strong link of the facultative symbiont Rickettsia to virus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Kliot
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, HaMacabim Rd., Rishon LeZion, 50250, Israel
- Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
- Genomic Pipelines, Earlham Institute, Colney lane, Norwich, NR7 4UH, UK
| | - Richard S Johnson
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building, 98195-5065 Seattle, USA
| | - Michael J MacCoss
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building, 98195-5065 Seattle, USA
| | - Svetlana Kontsedalov
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, HaMacabim Rd., Rishon LeZion, 50250, Israel
| | - Galina Lebedev
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, HaMacabim Rd., Rishon LeZion, 50250, Israel
| | - Henryk Czosnek
- Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michelle Heck
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Department of Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Murad Ghanim
- Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, HaMacabim Rd., Rishon LeZion, 50250, Israel
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Liscano Y, Oñate-Garzón J, Delgado JP. Peptides with Dual Antimicrobial-Anticancer Activity: Strategies to Overcome Peptide Limitations and Rational Design of Anticancer Peptides. Molecules 2020; 25:E4245. [PMID: 32947811 PMCID: PMC7570524 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are naturally produced by all organisms and exhibit a wide range of physiological, immunomodulatory, and wound healing functions. Furthermore, they can provide with protection against microorganisms and tumor cells. Their multifaceted performance, high selectivity, and reduced toxicity have positioned them as effective therapeutic agents, representing a positive economic impact for pharmaceutical companies. Currently, efforts have been made to invest in the development of new peptides with antimicrobial and anticancer properties, but the poor stability of these molecules in physiological environments has triggered a bottleneck. Therefore, some tools, such as nanotechnology and in silico approaches can be applied as alternatives to try to overcome these obstacles. In silico studies provide a priori knowledge that can lead to the development of new anticancer peptides with enhanced biological activity and improved stability. This review focuses on the current status of research in peptides with dual antimicrobial-anticancer activity, including advances in computational biology using in silico analyses as a powerful tool for the study and rational design of these types of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamil Liscano
- Research Group of Chemical and Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, 760035 Cali, Colombia;
- Research Group of Genetics, Regeneration and Cancer, Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, 050010 Medellin, Colombia;
| | - Jose Oñate-Garzón
- Research Group of Chemical and Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, 760035 Cali, Colombia;
| | - Jean Paul Delgado
- Research Group of Genetics, Regeneration and Cancer, Institute of Biology, Universidad de Antioquia, 050010 Medellin, Colombia;
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Ocampo-Ibáñez ID, Liscano Y, Rivera-Sánchez SP, Oñate-Garzón J, Lugo-Guevara AD, Flórez-Elvira LJ, Lesmes MC. A Novel Cecropin D-Derived Short Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide Exhibits Antibacterial Activity Against Wild-Type and Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Evol Bioinform Online 2020; 16:1176934320936266. [PMID: 32636607 PMCID: PMC7323284 DOI: 10.1177/1176934320936266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae are a serious worldwide public health concern due to the ineffectiveness of empirical antibiotic therapy. Therefore, research and the development of new antibiotic alternatives are urgently needed to control these bacteria. The use of cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) is a promising candidate alternative therapeutic strategy to antibiotics because they exhibit antibacterial activity against both antibiotic susceptible and MDR strains. In this study, we aimed to investigate the in vitro antibacterial effect of a short synthetic CAMP derived from the ΔM2 analog of Cec D-like (CAMP-CecD) against clinical isolates of K pneumoniae (n = 30) and P aeruginosa (n = 30), as well as its hemolytic activity. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of CAMP-CecD against wild-type and MDR strains were determined by the broth microdilution test. In addition, an in silico molecular dynamic simulation was performed to predict the interaction between CAMP-CecD and membrane models of K pneumoniae and P aeruginosa. The results revealed a bactericidal effect of CAMP-CecD against both wild-type and resistant strains, but MDR P aeruginosa showed higher susceptibility to this peptide with MIC values between 32 and >256 μg/mL. CAMP-CecD showed higher stability in the P aeruginosa membrane model compared with the K pneumoniae model due to the greater number of noncovalent interactions with phospholipid 1-Palmitoyl-2-oleyl-sn-glycero-3-(phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)) (POPG). This may be related to the boosted effectiveness of the peptide against P aeruginosa clinical isolates. Given the antibacterial activity of CAMP-CecD against wild-type and MDR clinical isolates of P aeruginosa and K pneumoniae and its nonhemolytic effects on human erythrocytes, CAMP-CecD may be a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Darío Ocampo-Ibáñez
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | - Yamil Liscano
- Research Group of Genetic, Regeneration and Cancer, Faculty of Exacts and Natural Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Sandra Patricia Rivera-Sánchez
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | - José Oñate-Garzón
- Research Group of Chemical and Biotechnology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | - Ashley Dayan Lugo-Guevara
- Research Group of Microbiology, Industry and Environment, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Universidad Santiago de Cali, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - Maria Cristina Lesmes
- Valle del Cauca Departmental Secretary of Health, Gobernación del Valle del Cauca, Cali, Colombia
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Brady D, Grapputo A, Romoli O, Sandrelli F. Insect Cecropins, Antimicrobial Peptides with Potential Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5862. [PMID: 31766730 PMCID: PMC6929098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The alarming escalation of infectious diseases resistant to conventional antibiotics requires urgent global actions, including the development of new therapeutics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent potential alternatives in the treatment of multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections. Here, we focus on Cecropins (Cecs), a group of naturally occurring AMPs in insects, and on synthetic Cec-analogs. We describe their action mechanisms and antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria and other pathogens. We report several data suggesting that Cec and Cec-analog peptides are promising antibacterial therapeutic candidates, including their low toxicity against mammalian cells, and anti-inflammatory activity. We highlight limitations linked to the use of peptides as therapeutics and discuss methods overcoming these constraints, particularly regarding the introduction of nanotechnologies. New formulations based on natural Cecs would allow the development of drugs active against Gram-negative bacteria, and those based on Cec-analogs would give rise to therapeutics effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Cecs and Cec-analogs might be also employed to coat biomaterials for medical devices as an approach to prevent biomaterial-associated infections. The cost of large-scale production is discussed in comparison with the economic and social burden resulting from the progressive diffusion of MDR infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Brady
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (A.G.); (O.R.)
| | - Alessandro Grapputo
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (A.G.); (O.R.)
| | - Ottavia Romoli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (A.G.); (O.R.)
- Institut Pasteur de la Guyane, 23 Avenue Pasteur, 97306 Cayenne, French Guiana, France
| | - Federica Sandrelli
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, via U. Bassi 58/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; (D.B.); (A.G.); (O.R.)
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Adamski Z, Bufo SA, Chowański S, Falabella P, Lubawy J, Marciniak P, Pacholska-Bogalska J, Salvia R, Scrano L, Słocińska M, Spochacz M, Szymczak M, Urbański A, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Rosiński G. Beetles as Model Organisms in Physiological, Biomedical and Environmental Studies - A Review. Front Physiol 2019; 10:319. [PMID: 30984018 PMCID: PMC6447812 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Model organisms are often used in biological, medical and environmental research. Among insects, Drosophila melanogaster, Galleria mellonella, Apis mellifera, Bombyx mori, Periplaneta americana, and Locusta migratoria are often used. However, new model organisms still appear. In recent years, an increasing number of insect species has been suggested as model organisms in life sciences research due to their worldwide distribution and environmental significance, the possibility of extrapolating research studies to vertebrates and the relatively low cost of rearing. Beetles are the largest insect order, with their representative - Tribolium castaneum - being the first species with a completely sequenced genome, and seem to be emerging as new potential candidates for model organisms in various studies. Apart from T. castaneum, additional species representing various Coleoptera families, such as Nicrophorus vespilloides, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Coccinella septempunctata, Poecilus cupreus, Tenebrio molitor and many others, have been used. They are increasingly often included in two major research aspects: biomedical and environmental studies. Biomedical studies focus mainly on unraveling mechanisms of basic life processes, such as feeding, neurotransmission or activity of the immune system, as well as on elucidating the mechanism of different diseases (neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, or immunological) using beetles as models. Furthermore, pharmacological bioassays for testing novel biologically active substances in beetles have also been developed. It should be emphasized that beetles are a source of compounds with potential antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Environmental-based studies focus mainly on the development and testing of new potential pesticides of both chemical and natural origin. Additionally, beetles are used as food or for their valuable supplements. Different beetle families are also used as bioindicators. Another important research area using beetles as models is behavioral ecology studies, for instance, parental care. In this paper, we review the current knowledge regarding beetles as model organisms and their practical application in various fields of life science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Sabino A. Bufo
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Szymon Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Jan Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Pacholska-Bogalska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Rosanna Salvia
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
| | - Laura Scrano
- Department of European and Mediterranean Cultures, University of Basilicata, Matera, Italy
| | - Małgorzata Słocińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Spochacz
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Szymczak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Rosiński
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poznań, Poland
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11
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Seabrooks L, Hu L. Insects: an underrepresented resource for the discovery of biologically active natural products. Acta Pharm Sin B 2017; 7:409-426. [PMID: 28752026 PMCID: PMC5518667 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature has been the source of life-changing and -saving medications for centuries. Aspirin, penicillin and morphine are prime examples of Nature׳s gifts to medicine. These discoveries catalyzed the field of natural product drug discovery which has mostly focused on plants. However, insects have more than twice the number of species and entomotherapy has been in practice for as long as and often in conjunction with medicinal plants and is an important alternative to modern medicine in many parts of the world. Herein, an overview of current traditional medicinal applications of insects and characterization of isolated biologically active molecules starting from approximately 2010 is presented. Insect natural products reviewed were isolated from ants, bees, wasps, beetles, cockroaches, termites, flies, true bugs, moths and more. Biological activities of these natural products from insects include antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
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12
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Rajamuthiah R, Jayamani E, Conery AL, Fuchs BB, Kim W, Johnston T, Vilcinskas A, Ausubel FM, Mylonakis E. A Defensin from the Model Beetle Tribolium castaneum Acts Synergistically with Telavancin and Daptomycin against Multidrug Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0128576. [PMID: 26062137 PMCID: PMC4465704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0128576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum is a common insect pest and has been established as a model beetle to study insect development and immunity. This study demonstrates that defensin 1 from T. castaneum displays in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of defensin 1 against 11 reference and clinical staphylococcal isolates was between 16–64 μg/ml. The putative mode of action of the defensin peptide is disruption of the bacterial cell membrane. The antibacterial activity of defensin 1 was attenuated by salt concentrations of 1.56 mM and 25 mM for NaCl and CaCl2 respectively. Treatment of defensin 1 with the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) at concentrations 1.56 to 3.13 mM abolished the antimicrobial activity of the peptide. In the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics that also target the bacterial cell envelope such as telavancin and daptomycin, the MIC of the peptide was as low as 1 μg/ml. Moreover, when tested against an S. aureus strain that was defective in D-alanylation of the cell wall, the MIC of the peptide was 0.5 μg/ml. Defensin 1 exhibited no toxicity against human erythrocytes even at 400 μg/ml. The in vivo activity of the peptide was validated in a Caenorhabditis elegans-MRSA liquid infection assay. These results suggest that defensin 1 behaves similarly to other cationic AMPs in its mode of action against S. aureus and that the activity of the peptide can be enhanced in combination with other antibiotics with similar modes of action or with compounds that have the ability to decrease D-alanylation of the bacterial cell wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajmohan Rajamuthiah
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States of America
| | - Elamparithi Jayamani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States of America
| | - Annie L. Conery
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States of America
| | - Beth Burgwyn Fuchs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, United States of America
| | - Wooseong Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, United States of America
| | - Tatiana Johnston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, United States of America
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute of Phytopathology and Applied Zoology, Justus-Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Frederick M. Ausubel
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States of America
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, United States of America
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Contreras E, Benito-Jardón M, López-Galiano MJ, Real MD, Rausell C. Tribolium castaneum immune defense genes are differentially expressed in response to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins sharing common receptor molecules and exhibiting disparate toxicity. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 50:139-145. [PMID: 25684675 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In Tribolium castaneum larvae we have demonstrated by RNA interference knockdown that the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Ba toxin receptors Cadherin-like and Sodium solute symporter proteins are also functional receptors of the less active Cry3Aa toxin. Differences in susceptibility to B. thuringiensis infection might not only rely on toxin-receptor interaction but also on host defense mechanisms. We compared the expression of the immune related genes encoding Apolipophorin-III and two antimicrobial peptides, Defensin3 and Defensin2 after B. thuringiensis challenge. All three genes were up-regulated following Cry3Ba spore-crystal intoxication whereas only Defensins gene expression was induced upon Cry3Aa spore-crystal treatment, evidencing a possible association between host immune response and larval susceptibility to B. thuringiensis. We assessed the antimicrobial activity spectra of T. castaneum defensins peptide fragments and found that a peptide fragment of Defensin3 was effective against the human microbial pathogens, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, being S. aureus the most susceptible one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Contreras
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Benito-Jardón
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - M José López-Galiano
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Dolores Real
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carolina Rausell
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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14
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Liao YY, Zuo YH, Tsai CL, Hsu CM, Chen ME. cDNA CLONING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF THE CECROPIN AND ATTACIN FROM THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY, Bactrocera dorsalis (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 89:111-126. [PMID: 25781309 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We described the cDNA cloning of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cecropin (BdCec), and attacin C (BdAttC), from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a serious insect pest of fruit trees. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends, fragments encompassing the entire open reading frames of BdCec and BdAttC were cloned and sequenced. The complete 425 bp cDNA of BdCec encodes a protein of 64 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 6.84 kDa. The 931 bp cDNA of BdAttC encodes a protein of 239 residues with a predicted molecular weight of 24.97 kDa. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that the developmental transcription profiles of BdCec and BdAttC were similar in each larvae, pupae, and adults. The constitutive expression levels of both AMPs were high in the first-instar and late third-instar larvae, suggesting that their antimicrobial activity is active in the newly hatched larvae and just before pupation. The basal expression levels were not significant different in adult fat bodies. The expression of BdCec and BdAttC was upregulated after bacterial challenge in adult fat bodies. The ratio of inducible expression to constitutive expression was lower in males compared to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Yin Liao
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Zuo
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Lung Tsai
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Hsu
- Bachelor Program of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Er Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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15
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Mastore M, Binda Rossetti S, Giovannardi S, Scarì G, Brivio MF. Inducible factors with antimicrobial activity after immune challenge in the haemolymph of Red Palm Weevil (Insecta). Innate Immun 2014; 21:392-405. [PMID: 25114180 DOI: 10.1177/1753425914542446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects are capable of innate immune responses elicited after microbial infection. In this process, the receptor-mediated recognition of foreign bodies and the subsequent activation of immunocompetent cells lead to the synthesis ex novo of a peptide pool with antimicrobial activity. We investigated the inducible immune response of a coleopteran, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, challenged with both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. After immunization, we evaluated the presence of antimicrobial peptides using either biochemical analyses or microbiological techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized protein pool, detectable in haemolymph fractions of low molecular mass, showed strong antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp. OX1, Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus). In addition to the preliminary study of the mechanism of action of the pool of antimicrobial peptides, we also investigated its effects on bacterial cell walls by means of fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The data suggest that the main effects seem to be directed at destabilizing and damaging the bacterial wall. This study provides data that help us to understand some aspects of the inducible innate immunity in a system model that lacks anticipatory responses. However, the weevil has finely tuned its defensive strategies to counteract effectively microbial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristella Mastore
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Simona Binda Rossetti
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Stefano Giovannardi
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giorgio Scarì
- Department of Biosciences, University degli Studi of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio F Brivio
- Comparative Immunology Laboratory, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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16
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Recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential modern day medicines. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:904958. [PMID: 24883072 PMCID: PMC4026837 DOI: 10.1155/2014/904958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Except for honey as food, and silk for clothing and pollination of plants, people give little thought to the benefits of insects in their lives. This overview briefly describes significant recent advances in developing insect natural products as potential new medicinal drugs. This is an exciting and rapidly expanding new field since insects are hugely variable and have utilised an enormous range of natural products to survive environmental perturbations for 100s of millions of years. There is thus a treasure chest of untapped resources waiting to be discovered. Insects products, such as silk and honey, have already been utilised for thousands of years, and extracts of insects have been produced for use in Folk Medicine around the world, but only with the development of modern molecular and biochemical techniques has it become feasible to manipulate and bioengineer insect natural products into modern medicines. Utilising knowledge gleaned from Insect Folk Medicines, this review describes modern research into bioengineering honey and venom from bees, silk, cantharidin, antimicrobial peptides, and maggot secretions and anticoagulants from blood-sucking insects into medicines. Problems and solutions encountered in these endeavours are described and indicate that the future is bright for new insect derived pharmaceuticals treatments and medicines.
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de Oliveira Junior NG, e Silva Cardoso MH, Franco OL. Snake venoms: attractive antimicrobial proteinaceous compounds for therapeutic purposes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:4645-58. [PMID: 23657358 PMCID: PMC11113393 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1345-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gram-positive and -negative bacteria are dangerous pathogens that may cause human infection diseases, especially due to the increasingly high prevalence of antibiotic resistance, which is becoming one of the most alarming clinical problems. In the search for novel antimicrobial compounds, snake venoms represent a rich source for such compounds, which are produced by specialized glands in the snake's jawbone. Several venom compounds have been used for antimicrobial effects. Among them are phospholipases A2, which hydrolyze phospholipids and could act on bacterial cell surfaces. Moreover, metalloproteinases and L-amino acid oxidases, which represent important enzyme classes with antimicrobial properties, are investigated in this study. Finally, antimicrobial peptides from multiple classes are also found in snake venoms and will be mentioned. All these molecules have demonstrated an interesting alternative for controlling microorganisms that are resistant to conventional antibiotics, contributing in medicine due to their differential mechanisms of action and versatility. In this review, snake venom antimicrobial compounds will be focused on, including their enormous biotechnological applications for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Gomes de Oliveira Junior
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia UCB, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF Brazil
- Programa em Biologia Animal, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF CEP 70910-900 Brazil
| | - Marlon Henrique e Silva Cardoso
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia UCB, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF Brazil
| | - Octavio Luiz Franco
- Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia UCB, Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF Brazil
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18
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Hussain A, Li YF, Cheng Y, Liu Y, Chen CC, Wen SY. Immune-related transcriptome of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki workers: the defense mechanism. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69543. [PMID: 23874972 PMCID: PMC3712931 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, live socially in microbial-rich habitats. To understand the molecular mechanism by which termites combat pathogenic microbes, a full-length normalized cDNA library and four Suppression Subtractive Hybridization (SSH) libraries were constructed from termite workers infected with entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana), Gram-positive Bacillus thuringiensis and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and the libraries were analyzed. From the high quality normalized cDNA library, 439 immune-related sequences were identified. These sequences were categorized as pattern recognition receptors (47 sequences), signal modulators (52 sequences), signal transducers (137 sequences), effectors (39 sequences) and others (164 sequences). From the SSH libraries, 27, 17, 22 and 15 immune-related genes were identified from each SSH library treated with M. anisopliae, B. bassiana, B. thuringiensis and E. coli, respectively. When the normalized cDNA library was compared with the SSH libraries, 37 immune-related clusters were found in common; 56 clusters were identified in the SSH libraries, and 259 were identified in the normalized cDNA library. The immune-related gene expression pattern was further investigated using quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). Important immune-related genes were characterized, and their potential functions were discussed based on the integrated analysis of the results. We suggest that normalized cDNA and SSH libraries enable us to discover functional genes transcriptome. The results remarkably expand our knowledge about immune-inducible genes in C. formosanus Shiraki and enable the future development of novel control strategies for the management of Formosan subterranean termites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Hussain
- Department of Entomology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Feng Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Department of Entomology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Chuan-Cheng Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Shuo-Yang Wen
- Department of Entomology, College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
- * E-mail:
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Amadou I, Le GW, Amza T, Sun J, Shi YH. Purification and characterization of foxtail millet-derived peptides with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Food Res Int 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2012.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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20
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Hull R, Alaouna M, Khanyile L, Byrne M, Ntwasa M. Lifestyle and host defense mechanisms of the dung beetle, Euoniticellus intermedius: the toll signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2013; 13:108. [PMID: 24735102 PMCID: PMC4011371 DOI: 10.1673/031.013.10801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The dung beetle, Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is an important ecological and agricultural agent. Their main activity, the burying of dung, improves quality of the soil and reduces pests that could cause illness in animals. E. intermedius are therefore important for agriculture and for good maintenance of the environment, and are regarded as effective biological control agents for parasites of the gastrointestinal tract in livestock. The ability of E. intermedius to co-exist comfortably with many microorganisms, some of which are important human pathogens, stimulated our interest in its host defense strategies. The aim of this study was to investigate the Toll signaling pathway, which is strongly activated by fungi. Gene expression associated with fungal infection was analyzed by using 2-D gel electrophoresis and mass spectroscopy. Furthermore, the partial adult transcriptome was investigated for the presence of known immune response genes by using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. The results presented here suggest that E. intermedius responds to fungal challenge via the Toll signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodney Hull
- School of Molecular & Cell Biology. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Private Bag X3, Wits. 2050, South Africa
| | - Mohamed Alaouna
- School of Molecular & Cell Biology. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Private Bag X3, Wits. 2050, South Africa
| | - Lucky Khanyile
- School of Molecular & Cell Biology. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Private Bag X3, Wits. 2050, South Africa
| | - Marcus Byrne
- School of Animal and Plant Sciences. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Private Bag X3, Wits. 2050, South Africa
| | - Monde Ntwasa
- School of Molecular & Cell Biology. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. Private Bag X3, Wits. 2050, South Africa
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