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Carpenter AM, van Hoek ML. Development of a defibrinated human blood hemolysis assay for rapid testing of hemolytic activity compared to computational prediction. J Immunol Methods 2024; 529:113670. [PMID: 38604530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cytotoxicity studies determining hemolytic properties of antimicrobial peptides or other drugs are an important step in the development of novel therapeutics for clinical use. Hemolysis is an affordable, accessible, and rapid method for initial assessment of cellular toxicity for all drugs under development. However, variability in species of red blood cells and protocols used may result in significant differences in results. AMPs generally possess higher selectivity for bacterial cells but can have toxicity against host cells at high concentrations. Knowing the hemolytic activity of the peptides we are developing contributes to our understanding of their potential toxicity. Computational approaches for predicting hemolytic activity of AMPs exist and were tested head-to-head with our experimental results. RESULTS Starting with an observation of high hemolytic activity of LL-37 peptide against human red blood cells that were collected in EDTA, we explored alternative approaches to develop a more robust, accurate and simple hemolysis assay using defibrinated human blood. We found significant differences between the sensitivity of defibrinated red blood cells and EDTA treated red blood cells. SIGNIFICANCE Accurately determining the hemolytic activity using human red blood cells will allow for a more robust calculation of the therapeutic index of our potential antimicrobial compounds, a critical measure in their pre-clinical development. CONCLUSION We introduce a standardized, more accurate protocol for assessing hemolytic activity using defibrinated human red blood cells. This approach, facilitated by the increased commercial availability of de-identified human blood and defibrination methods, offers a robust tool for evaluating toxicity of emerging drug compounds, especially AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Carpenter
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America; Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America.
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Ralhan K, Iyer KA, Diaz LL, Bird R, Maind A, Zhou QA. Navigating Antibacterial Frontiers: A Panoramic Exploration of Antibacterial Landscapes, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1483-1519. [PMID: 38691668 PMCID: PMC11091902 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The development of effective antibacterial solutions has become paramount in maintaining global health in this era of increasing bacterial threats and rampant antibiotic resistance. Traditional antibiotics have played a significant role in combating bacterial infections throughout history. However, the emergence of novel resistant strains necessitates constant innovation in antibacterial research. We have analyzed the data on antibacterials from the CAS Content Collection, the largest human-curated collection of published scientific knowledge, which has proven valuable for quantitative analysis of global scientific knowledge. Our analysis focuses on mining the CAS Content Collection data for recent publications (since 2012). This article aims to explore the intricate landscape of antibacterial research while reviewing the advancement from traditional antibiotics to novel and emerging antibacterial strategies. By delving into the resistance mechanisms, this paper highlights the need to find alternate strategies to address the growing concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leilani Lotti Diaz
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert Bird
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ankush Maind
- ACS
International India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411044, India
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Juszczuk-Kubiak E. Molecular Aspects of the Functioning of Pathogenic Bacteria Biofilm Based on Quorum Sensing (QS) Signal-Response System and Innovative Non-Antibiotic Strategies for Their Elimination. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2655. [PMID: 38473900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the key mechanisms enabling bacterial cells to create biofilms and regulate crucial life functions in a global and highly synchronized way is a bacterial communication system called quorum sensing (QS). QS is a bacterial cell-to-cell communication process that depends on the bacterial population density and is mediated by small signalling molecules called autoinducers (AIs). In bacteria, QS controls the biofilm formation through the global regulation of gene expression involved in the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) synthesis, virulence factor production, stress tolerance and metabolic adaptation. Forming biofilm is one of the crucial mechanisms of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A common feature of human pathogens is the ability to form biofilm, which poses a serious medical issue due to their high susceptibility to traditional antibiotics. Because QS is associated with virulence and biofilm formation, there is a belief that inhibition of QS activity called quorum quenching (QQ) may provide alternative therapeutic methods for treating microbial infections. This review summarises recent progress in biofilm research, focusing on the mechanisms by which biofilms, especially those formed by pathogenic bacteria, become resistant to antibiotic treatment. Subsequently, a potential alternative approach to QS inhibition highlighting innovative non-antibiotic strategies to control AMR and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria has been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Juszczuk-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Biotechnology and Molecular Engineering, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology-State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Street, 02-532 Warsaw, Poland
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van Hoek ML, Alsaab FM, Carpenter AM. GATR-3, a Peptide That Eradicates Preformed Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 13:39. [PMID: 38247598 PMCID: PMC10812447 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a gram-negative bacterium that causes hospital-acquired and opportunistic infections, resulting in pneumonia, sepsis, and severe wound infections that can be difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance and the formation of biofilms. There is an urgent need to develop novel antimicrobials to tackle the rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent an additional class of potential agents with direct antimicrobial and/or host-defense activating activities. In this study, we present GATR-3, a synthetic, designed AMP that was modified from a cryptic peptide discovered in American alligator, as our lead peptide to target multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and antibiofilm assays were performed to assess GATR-3 against a panel of 8 MDR A. baumannii strains, including AB5075 and some clinical strains. The GATR-3 mechanism of action was determined to be via loss of membrane integrity as measured by DiSC3(5) and ethidium bromide assays. GATR-3 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all tested multidrug-resistant A. baumannii strains with rapid killing. Biofilms are difficult to treat and eradicate. Excitingly, GATR-3 inhibited biofilm formation and, more importantly, eradicated preformed biofilms of MDR A. baumannii AB5075, as evidenced by MBEC assays and scanning electron micrographs. GATR3 did not induce resistance in MDR A. baumannii, unlike colistin. Additionally, the toxicity of GATR-3 was evaluated using human red blood cells, HepG2 cells, and waxworms using hemolysis and MTT assays. GATR-3 demonstrated little to no cytotoxicity against HepG2 and red blood cells, even at 100 μg/mL. GATR-3 injection showed little toxicity in the waxworm model, resulting in a 90% survival rate. The therapeutic index of GATR-3 was estimated (based on the HC50/MIC against human RBCs) to be 1250. Overall, GATR-3 is a promising candidate to advance to preclinical testing to potentially treat MDR A. baumannii infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L. van Hoek
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Fahad M. Alsaab
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashley M. Carpenter
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Andalibi A, Veneziano R, Paige M, Buschmann M, Haymond A, Espina V, Luchini A, Liotta L, Bishop B, Van Hoek M. Drug discovery efforts at George Mason University. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2023; 28:270-274. [PMID: 36921802 DOI: 10.1016/j.slasd.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
With over 39,000 students, and research expenditures in excess of $200 million, George Mason University (GMU) is the largest R1 (Carnegie Classification of very high research activity) university in Virginia. Mason scientists have been involved in the discovery and development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics in areas as diverse as infectious diseases and cancer. Below are highlights of the efforts being led by Mason researchers in the drug discovery arena. To enable targeted cellular delivery, and non-biomedical applications, Veneziano and colleagues have developed a synthesis strategy that enables the design of self-assembling DNA nanoparticles (DNA origami) with prescribed shape and size in the 10 to 100 nm range. The nanoparticles can be loaded with molecules of interest such as drugs, proteins and peptides, and are a promising new addition to the drug delivery platforms currently in use. The investigators also recently used the DNA origami nanoparticles to fine tune the spatial presentation of immunogens to study the impact on B cell activation. These studies are an important step towards the rational design of vaccines for a variety of infectious agents. To elucidate the parameters for optimizing the delivery efficiency of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), Buschmann, Paige and colleagues have devised methods for predicting and experimentally validating the pKa of LNPs based on the structure of the ionizable lipids used to formulate the LNPs. These studies may pave the way for the development of new LNP delivery vehicles that have reduced systemic distribution and improved endosomal release of their cargo post administration. To better understand protein-protein interactions and identify potential drug targets that disrupt such interactions, Luchini and colleagues have developed a methodology that identifies contact points between proteins using small molecule dyes. The dye molecules noncovalently bind to the accessible surfaces of a protein complex with very high affinity, but are excluded from contact regions. When the complex is denatured and digested with trypsin, the exposed regions covered by the dye do not get cleaved by the enzyme, whereas the contact points are digested. The resulting fragments can then be identified using mass spectrometry. The data generated can serve as the basis for designing small molecules and peptides that can disrupt the formation of protein complexes involved in disease processes. For example, using peptides based on the interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAcP), Luchini, Liotta, Paige and colleagues disrupted the formation of IL-1/IL-R/IL-1RAcP complex and demonstrated that the inhibition of complex formation reduced the inflammatory response to IL-1B. Working on the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents, Bishop, van Hoek and colleagues have discovered a number of antimicrobial peptides from reptiles and other species. DRGN-1, is a synthetic peptide based on a histone H1-derived peptide that they had identified from Komodo Dragon plasma. DRGN-1 was shown to disrupt bacterial biofilms and promote wound healing in an animal model. The peptide, along with others, is being developed and tested in preclinical studies. Other research by van Hoek and colleagues focuses on in silico antimicrobial peptide discovery, screening of small molecules for antibacterial properties, as well as assessment of diffusible signal factors (DFS) as future therapeutics. The above examples provide insight into the cutting-edge studies undertaken by GMU scientists to develop novel methodologies and platform technologies important to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Andalibi
- School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Remi Veneziano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Mikell Paige
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Michael Buschmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Amanda Haymond
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Virginia Espina
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Alessandra Luchini
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Lance Liotta
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA; School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Monique Van Hoek
- School for Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
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Alsaab FM, Dean SN, Bobde S, Ascoli GG, van Hoek ML. Computationally Designed AMPs with Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1396. [PMID: 37760693 PMCID: PMC10525135 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new antimicrobials is necessary to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those that infect wounds and form prodigious biofilms, such as Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of new therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria, including gram-negatives. Here, we utilized a computational AMP design strategy combining database filtering technology plus positional analysis to design a series of novel peptides, named HRZN, designed to be active against A. baumannii. All of the HRZN peptides we synthesized exhibited antimicrobial activity against three MDR A. baumannii strains with HRZN-15 being the most active (MIC 4 µg/mL). This peptide also inhibited and eradicated biofilm of A. baumannii strain AB5075 at 8 and 16 µg/mL, which is highly effective. HRZN-15 permeabilized and depolarized the membrane of AB5075 rapidly, as demonstrated by the killing kinetics. HRZN 13 and 14 peptides had little to no hemolysis activity against human red blood cells, whereas HRZN-15, -16, and -17 peptides demonstrated more significant hemolytic activity. HRZN-15 also demonstrated toxicity to waxworms. Further modification of HRZN-15 could result in a new peptide with an improved toxicity profile. Overall, we successfully designed a set of new AMPs that demonstrated activity against MDR A. baumannii using a computational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M. Alsaab
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Scott N. Dean
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Shravani Bobde
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
| | - Gabriel G. Ascoli
- Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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Past, Present, and Future of Naturally Occurring Antimicrobials Related to Snake Venoms. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040744. [PMID: 36830531 PMCID: PMC9952678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on proteins and peptides with antimicrobial activity because these biopolymers can be useful in the fight against infectious diseases and to overcome the critical problem of microbial resistance to antibiotics. In fact, snakes show the highest diversification among reptiles, surviving in various environments; their innate immunity is similar to mammals and the response of their plasma to bacteria and fungi has been explored mainly in ecological studies. Snake venoms are a rich source of components that have a variety of biological functions. Among them are proteins like lectins, metalloproteinases, serine proteinases, L-amino acid oxidases, phospholipases type A2, cysteine-rich secretory proteins, as well as many oligopeptides, such as waprins, cardiotoxins, cathelicidins, and β-defensins. In vitro, these biomolecules were shown to be active against bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses that are pathogenic to humans. Not only cathelicidins, but all other proteins and oligopeptides from snake venom have been proteolyzed to provide short antimicrobial peptides, or for use as templates for developing a variety of short unnatural sequences based on their structures. In addition to organizing and discussing an expressive amount of information, this review also describes new β-defensin sequences of Sistrurus miliarius that can lead to novel peptide-based antimicrobial agents, using a multidisciplinary approach that includes sequence phylogeny.
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Memariani H, Memariani M. Antibiofilm properties of cathelicidin LL-37: an in-depth review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 39:99. [PMID: 36781570 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Notwithstanding ceaseless endeavors toward developing effective antibiofilm chemotherapeutics, biofilm-associated infections continue to be one of the most perplexing challenges confronting medicine today. Endogenous host defense peptides, such as the human cathelicidin LL-37, are being propounded as promising options for treating such infectious diseases. Over the past decennium, LL-37 has duly received tremendous research attention by virtue of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. No attempt has hitherto been made, as far as we are aware, to comprehensively review the antibiofilm effects of LL-37. Accordingly, the intent in this paper is to provide a fairly all-embracing review of the literature available on the subject. Accumulating evidence suggests that LL-37 is able to prevent biofilm establishment by different bacterial pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides fragilis, Burkholderia thailandensis, Cutibacterium acnes, Escherichia coli, Francisella tularensis, Helicobacter pylori, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion, downregulation of biofilm-associated genes, suppression of quorum-sensing pathways, degradation of biofilm matrix, and eradication of biofilm-residing cells are the major mechanisms responsible for antibiofilm properties of LL-37. In terms of its efficacy and safety in vivo, there are still many questions to be answered. Undoubtedly, LL-37 can open up new windows of opportunity to prevent and treat obstinate biofilm-mediated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Memariani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Akbarian M, Chen SH, Kianpour M, Farjadian F, Tayebi L, Uversky VN. A review on biofilms and the currently available antibiofilm approaches: Matrix-destabilizing hydrolases and anti-bacterial peptides as promising candidates for the food industries. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 219:1163-1179. [PMID: 36058386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.08.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that can be harmful and/or beneficial, depending on location and cell content. Since in most cases (such as the formation of biofilms in laboratory/medicinal equipment, water pipes, high humidity-placed structures, and the food packaging machinery) these bacterial and fungal communities are troublesome, researchers in various fields are trying to find a promising strategy to destroy or slow down their formation. In general, anti-biofilm strategies are divided into the plant-based and non-plant categories, with the latter including nanoparticles, bacteriophages, enzymes, surfactants, active peptides and free fatty acids. In most cases, using a single strategy will not be sufficient to eliminate biofilm, and consequently, two or more strategies will inevitably be used to deal with this unwanted phenomenon. According to the analysis of potential biofilm inhibition strategies, the best option for the food industry would be the use of hydrolase enzymes and peptides extracted from natural sources. This article represents a systematic review of the previous efforts made in these directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Akbarian
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan.
| | - Shu-Hui Chen
- Department of Chemistry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Maryam Kianpour
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fatemeh Farjadian
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Lobat Tayebi
- School of Dentistry, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Laboratory of New Methods in Biology, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Pushchino, Moscow region, Russia.
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Su Y, Yrastorza JT, Matis M, Cusick J, Zhao S, Wang G, Xie J. Biofilms: Formation, Research Models, Potential Targets, and Methods for Prevention and Treatment. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203291. [PMID: 36031384 PMCID: PMC9561771 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Due to the continuous rise in biofilm-related infections, biofilms seriously threaten human health. The formation of biofilms makes conventional antibiotics ineffective and dampens immune clearance. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of biofilm formation and develop novel strategies to treat biofilms more effectively. This review article begins with an introduction to biofilm formation in various clinical scenarios and their corresponding therapy. Established biofilm models used in research are then summarized. The potential targets which may assist in the development of new strategies for combating biofilms are further discussed. The novel technologies developed recently for the prevention and treatment of biofilms including antimicrobial surface coatings, physical removal of biofilms, development of new antimicrobial molecules, and delivery of antimicrobial agents are subsequently presented. Finally, directions for future studies are pointed out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Su
- Department of Surgery‐Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine ProgramCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Jaime T. Yrastorza
- Department of Surgery‐Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine ProgramCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Mitchell Matis
- Department of Surgery‐Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine ProgramCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Jenna Cusick
- Department of Surgery‐Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine ProgramCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Siwei Zhao
- Department of Surgery‐Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine ProgramCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and MicrobiologyCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Jingwei Xie
- Department of Surgery‐Transplant and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine ProgramCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
- Department of Mechanical and Materials EngineeringCollege of EngineeringUniversity of Nebraska‐LincolnLincolnNE68588USA
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11
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Antimicrobial Activity of Snake β-Defensins and Derived Peptides. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 14:toxins14010001. [PMID: 35050978 PMCID: PMC8777785 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
β-defensins are antimicrobial peptides presenting in vertebrate animals. They participate in innate immunity, but little is known about them in reptiles, including snakes. Although several β-defensin genes were described in Brazilian snakes, their function is still unknown. The peptide sequence from these genes was deduced, and synthetic peptides (with approximately 40 amino acids and derived peptides) were tested against pathogenic bacteria and fungi using microbroth dilution assays. The linear peptides, derived from β-defensins, were designed applying the bioisosterism strategy. The linear β-defensins were more active against Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Citrobacter freundii, and Staphylococcus aureus. The derived peptides (7–14 mer) showed antibacterial activity against those bacteria and on Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nonetheless, they did not present activity against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, Trychophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus fumigatus showing that the cysteine substitution to serine is deleterious to antifungal properties. Tryptophan residue showed to be necessary to improve antibacterial activity. Even though the studied snake β-defensins do not have high antimicrobial activity, they proved to be attractive as template molecules for the development of antibiotics.
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Ridyard KE, Overhage J. The Potential of Human Peptide LL-37 as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Agent. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10060650. [PMID: 34072318 PMCID: PMC8227053 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10060650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in antimicrobial resistant bacteria threatens the current methods utilized to treat bacterial infections. The development of novel therapeutic agents is crucial in avoiding a post-antibiotic era and the associated deaths from antibiotic resistant pathogens. The human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 has been considered as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics as it displays broad spectrum antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities as well as immunomodulatory functions. While LL-37 has shown promising results, it has yet to receive regulatory approval as a peptide antibiotic. Despite the strong antimicrobial properties, LL-37 has several limitations including high cost, lower activity in physiological environments, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, and high toxicity to human cells. This review will discuss the challenges associated with making LL-37 into a viable antibiotic treatment option, with a focus on antimicrobial resistance and cross-resistance as well as adaptive responses to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the peptide. The possible methods to overcome these challenges, including immobilization techniques, LL-37 delivery systems, the development of LL-37 derivatives, and synergistic combinations will also be considered. Herein, we describe how combination therapy and structural modifications to the sequence, helicity, hydrophobicity, charge, and configuration of LL-37 could optimize the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of LL-37 for future clinical use.
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Hemmati F, Rezaee MA, Ebrahimzadeh S, Yousefi L, Nouri R, Kafil HS, Gholizadeh P. Novel Strategies to Combat Bacterial Biofilms. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 63:569-586. [PMID: 33914260 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Biofilms are considered as a severe problem in the treatment of bacterial infections; their development causes some noticeable resistance to antibacterial agents. Biofilms are responsible for at least two-thirds of all infections, displaying promoted resistance to classical antibiotic treatments. Therefore, finding new alternative therapeutic approaches is essential for the treatment and inhibition of biofilm-related infections. Therefore, this review aims to describe the potential therapeutic strategies that can inhibit bacterial biofilm development; these include the usage of antiadhesion agents, AMPs, bacteriophages, QSIs, aptamers, NPs and PNAs, which can prevent or eradicate the formation of biofilms. These antibiofilm agents represent a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of biofilm infections and development of a strong capability to interfere with different phases of the biofilm development, including adherence, polysaccharide intercellular adhesion (PIA), quorum sensing molecules and cell-to-cell connection, bacterial aggregation, planktonic bacteria killing and host-immune response modulation. In addition, these components, in combination with antibiotics, can lead to the development of some kind of powerful combined therapy against bacterial biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hemmati
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Saba Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Leila Yousefi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Roghayeh Nouri
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Samadi Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Pourya Gholizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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14
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Hitt SJ, Bishop BM, van Hoek ML. Komodo-dragon cathelicidin-inspired peptides are antibacterial against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1262-1272. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.The rise of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a growing crisis that requires development of novel therapeutics.Hypothesis.To this end, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent a possible source of new potential therapeutics to treat difficult pathogens such as carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP), which has gained resistance to many if not all currently approved antibiotics, making treatment difficult.Aim.To examine the anti-CRKP antimicrobial activity of the predicted cathelicidins derived fromVaranus komodoensis(Komodo dragon) as well as synthetic antimicrobial peptides that we created.Methodology.We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the peptides against CRKP. We also characterized the abilities of these peptides to disrupt the hyperpolarization of the bacterial membrane as well as their ability to form pores in the membrane.Results.We did not observe significant anti-CRKP activity for the predicted native Komodo cathelicidin peptides. We found that the novel peptides DRGN-6,-7 and -8 displayed significant antimicrobial activity against CRKP with MICs of 4–8 µg ml−1. DRGN-6 peptide was the most effective peptide against CRKP. Unfortunately, these peptides showed higher than desired levels of hemolysis, althoughin vivotesting in the waxwormGalleria mellonellashowed no mortality associated with treatment by the peptide; however, CRKP-infected waxworms treated with peptide did not show an improvement in survival.Conclusion.Given the challenges of treating CRKP, identification of peptides with activity against it represents a promising avenue for further research. Given DRGN-6′s similar level of activity to colistin, DRGN-6 is a promising template for the development of novel antimicrobial peptide-based therapeutics.
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15
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Mishra R, Panda AK, De Mandal S, Shakeel M, Bisht SS, Khan J. Natural Anti-biofilm Agents: Strategies to Control Biofilm-Forming Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:566325. [PMID: 33193155 PMCID: PMC7658412 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.566325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic microorganisms and their chronic pathogenicity are significant concerns in biomedical research. Biofilm-linked persistent infections are not easy to treat due to resident multidrug-resistant microbes. Low efficiency of various treatments and in vivo toxicity of available antibiotics drive the researchers toward the discovery of many effective natural anti-biofilm agents. Natural extracts and natural product-based anti-biofilm agents are more efficient than the chemically synthesized counterparts with lesser side effects. The present review primarily focuses on various natural anti-biofilm agents, i.e., phytochemicals, biosurfactants, antimicrobial peptides, and microbial enzymes along with their sources, mechanism of action via interfering in the quorum-sensing pathways, disruption of extracellular polymeric substance, adhesion mechanism, and their inhibitory concentrations existing in literature so far. This study provides a better understanding that a particular natural anti-biofilm molecule exhibits a different mode of actions and biofilm inhibitory activity against more than one pathogenic species. This information can be exploited further to improve the therapeutic strategy by a combination of more than one natural anti-biofilm compounds from diverse sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rojita Mishra
- Department of Botany, Polasara Science College, Polasara, India
| | | | - Surajit De Mandal
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Shakeel
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Junaid Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Sant Gahira Guru University, Ambikapur, India
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16
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Antibiofilm Activity of Acidic Phospholipase Isoform Isolated from Bothrops erythromelas Snake Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090606. [PMID: 32962193 PMCID: PMC7551604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Bacterial resistance is a worldwide public health problem, requiring new therapeutic options. An alternative approach to this problem is the use of animal toxins isolated from snake venom, such as phospholipases A2 (PLA2), which have important antimicrobial activities. Bothropserythromelas is one of the snake species in the northeast of Brazil that attracts great medical-scientific interest. Here, we aimed to purify and characterize a PLA2 from B. erythromelas, searching for heterologous activities against bacterial biofilms. Methods: Venom extraction and quantification were followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) in C18 column, matrix-assisted ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-ToF) mass spectrometry, and sequencing by Edman degradation. All experiments were monitored by specific activity using a 4-nitro-3-(octanoyloxy) benzoic acid (4N3OBA) substrate. In addition, hemolytic tests and antibacterial tests including action against Escherichiacoli, Staphylococcusaureus, and Acinetobacterbaumannii were carried out. Moreover, tests of antibiofilm action against A. baumannii were also performed. Results: PLA2, after one purification step, presented 31 N-terminal amino acid residues and a molecular weight of 13.6564 Da, with enzymatic activity confirmed in 0.06 µM concentration. Antibacterial activity against S. aureus (IC50 = 30.2 µM) and antibiofilm activity against A. baumannii (IC50 = 1.1 µM) were observed. Conclusions: This is the first time that PLA2 purified from B. erythromelas venom has appeared as an alternative candidate in studies of new antibacterial medicines.
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17
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Oliveira NGJ, Cardoso MH, Velikova N, Giesbers M, Wells JM, Rezende TMB, de Vries R, Franco OL. Physicochemical-guided design of cathelicidin-derived peptides generates membrane active variants with therapeutic potential. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9127. [PMID: 32499582 PMCID: PMC7272458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66164-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of multi-drug resistance and the slow pace at which antibiotics come onto the market are undermining our ability to treat human infections, leading to high mortality rates. Aiming to overcome this global crisis, antimicrobial peptides are considered promising alternatives to counter bacterial infections with multi-drug resistant bacteria. The cathelicidins comprise a well-studied class of AMPs whose members have been used as model molecules for sequence modifications, aiming at enhanced biological activities and stability, along with reduced toxic effects on mammalian cells. Here, we describe the antimicrobial activities, modes of action and structural characterization of two novel cathelicidin-like peptides, named BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14, which were re-designed from snake batroxicidin and crotalicidin, respectively. BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against susceptible microorganisms and clinical isolates with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 2–35.1 μM. Moreover, both peptides had low cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells in vitro. In addition, in vivo toxicity against Galleria mellonella moth larvae revealed that both peptides led to>76% larval survival after 144 h. Microscopy studies suggest that BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 destabilize E. coli membranes. Furthermore, circular dichroism and molecular dynamics simulations indicate that, in a membrane-like environment, both peptides adopt α-helical structures that interact with bilayer phospholipids through hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interaction. Thus, we concluded that BotrAMP14 and CrotAMP14 are helical membrane active peptides, with similar antibacterial properties but lower cytotoxicity than the larger parent peptides batroxicidin and crotalicidin, having advantages for drug development strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson G J Oliveira
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil
| | - Nadya Velikova
- Host-Microbe Interactomics, Animal Science Department, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Giesbers
- Wageningen Electron Microscopy Centre, Wageningen University and Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jerry M Wells
- Host-Microbe Interactomics, Animal Science Department, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Taia M B Rezende
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,Curso de Odontologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Campus I, Águas Claras, Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Renko de Vries
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Patologia Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil. .,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil.
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18
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Di Somma A, Moretta A, Canè C, Cirillo A, Duilio A. Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Peptides. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E652. [PMID: 32340301 PMCID: PMC7226136 DOI: 10.3390/biom10040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing onset of multidrug-resistant bacteria has propelled microbiology research towards antimicrobial peptides as new possible antibiotics from natural sources. Antimicrobial peptides are short peptides endowed with a broad range of activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and are less prone to trigger resistance. Besides their activity against planktonic bacteria, many antimicrobial peptides also show antibiofilm activity. Biofilms are ubiquitous in nature, having the ability to adhere to virtually any surface, either biotic or abiotic, including medical devices, causing chronic infections that are difficult to eradicate. The biofilm matrix protects bacteria from hostile environments, thus contributing to the bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents. Biofilms are very difficult to treat, with options restricted to the use of large doses of antibiotics or the removal of the infected device. Antimicrobial peptides could represent good candidates to develop new antibiofilm drugs as they can act at different stages of biofilm formation, on disparate molecular targets and with various mechanisms of action. These include inhibition of biofilm formation and adhesion, downregulation of quorum sensing factors, and disruption of the pre-formed biofilm. This review focuses on the proprieties of antimicrobial and antibiofilm peptides, with a particular emphasis on their mechanism of action, reporting several examples of peptides that over time have been shown to have activity against biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Di Somma
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.S.); (C.C.)
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Moretta
- Dipartimento di Scienze, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy;
| | - Carolina Canè
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.S.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Angela Duilio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.D.S.); (C.C.)
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19
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Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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20
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LL-37: Review of antimicrobial profile against sensitive and antibiotic-resistant human bacterial pathogens. GENE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2019.100519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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de Barros E, Gonçalves RM, Cardoso MH, Santos NC, Franco OL, Cândido ES. Snake Venom Cathelicidins as Natural Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31849667 PMCID: PMC6895205 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive small molecules isolated from animals, plants, fungi and bacteria, including natural antimicrobial peptides, have shown great therapeutic potential worldwide. Among these peptides, snake venom cathelicidins are being widely exploited, because the variation in the composition of the venom reflects a range of biological activities that may be of biotechnological interest. Cathelicidins are short, cationic, and amphipathic molecules. They play an important role in host defense against microbial infections. We are currently facing a strong limitation on pharmacological interventions for infection control, which has become increasingly complex due to the lack of effective therapeutic options. In this review, we will focus on natural snake venom cathelicidins as promising candidates for the development of new antibacterial agents to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We will highlight their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, mechanism of action, and modulation of the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizângela de Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Regina M. Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Marlon H. Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Octávio L. Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elizabete S. Cândido
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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22
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van Hoek ML, Prickett MD, Settlage RE, Kang L, Michalak P, Vliet KA, Bishop BM. The Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis) genome and identification of innate immunity genes and clusters. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:684. [PMID: 31470795 PMCID: PMC6716921 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We report the sequencing, assembly and analysis of the genome of the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), the largest extant lizard, with a focus on antimicrobial host-defense peptides. The Komodo dragon diet includes carrion, and a complex milieu of bacteria, including potentially pathogenic strains, has been detected in the saliva of wild dragons. They appear to be unaffected, suggesting that dragons have robust defenses against infection. While little information is available regarding the molecular biology of reptile immunity, it is believed that innate immunity, which employs antimicrobial host-defense peptides including defensins and cathelicidins, plays a more prominent role in reptile immunity than it does in mammals. . Results High molecular weight genomic DNA was extracted from Komodo dragon blood cells. Subsequent sequencing and assembly of the genome from the collected DNA yielded a genome size of 1.6 Gb with 45x coverage, and the identification of 17,213 predicted genes. Through further analyses of the genome, we identified genes and gene-clusters corresponding to antimicrobial host-defense peptide genes. Multiple β-defensin-related gene clusters were identified, as well as a cluster of potential Komodo dragon ovodefensin genes located in close proximity to a cluster of Komodo dragon β-defensin genes. In addition to these defensins, multiple cathelicidin-like genes were also identified in the genome. Overall, 66 β-defensin genes, six ovodefensin genes and three cathelicidin genes were identified in the Komodo dragon genome. Conclusions Genes with important roles in host-defense and innate immunity were identified in this newly sequenced Komodo dragon genome, suggesting that these organisms have a robust innate immune system. Specifically, multiple Komodo antimicrobial peptide genes were identified. Importantly, many of the antimicrobial peptide genes were found in gene clusters. We found that these innate immunity genes are conserved among reptiles, and the organization is similar to that seen in other avian and reptilian species. Having the genome of this important squamate will allow researchers to learn more about reptilian gene families and will be a valuable resource for researchers studying the evolution and biology of the endangered Komodo dragon. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6029-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA
| | - M Dennis Prickett
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita-Edif. C11, Università di Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 1, 34127, Trieste, Italy
| | - Robert E Settlage
- Advanced Research Computing, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Pawel Michalak
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.,Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Kent A Vliet
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Barney M Bishop
- Department of Chemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, 20110, USA.
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23
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Wongkaewkhiaw S, Taweechaisupapong S, Anutrakunchai C, Nazmi K, Bolscher JGM, Wongratanacheewin S, Kanthawong S. D-LL-31 in combination with ceftazidime synergistically enhances bactericidal activity and biofilm destruction in Burkholderia pseudomallei. BIOFOULING 2019; 35:573-584. [PMID: 31282211 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2019.1632835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Melioidosis is a severe disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. The biofilm of B. pseudomallei acquires resistance to several antibiotics and may be related to relapse in melioidosis patients. Here, the killing activity of antimicrobial peptides (LL-37, LL-31) and the D-enantiomers (D-LL-37, D-LL-31) in combination with ceftazidime (CAZ) against B. pseudomallei 1026b, H777 and a biofilm mutant M10, derived from H777 grown under biofilm-stimulating conditions was observed. Using static conditions, D-LL-31 exhibited the strongest killing activity against the three isolates in a dose-dependent manner. IC50 values for D-LL-31 ranged from 1 to 6 µM, for isolates M10, H777, and 1026b, respectively. Moreover, D-LL-31 combined with CAZ synergistically decreased the IC50 values of the peptide and antibiotic and caused also disruption of biofilms of B. pseudomallei 1026b under flow conditions. Thus a combination of D-LL-31 and CAZ may enhance the efficacy of the currently used antibiotic treatments against B. pseudomallei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saharut Wongkaewkhiaw
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
- Melioidosis Research Center, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Suwimol Taweechaisupapong
- Melioidosis Research Center, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
- Biofilm Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | | | - Kamran Nazmi
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Jan G M Bolscher
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam , Amsterdam , the Netherlands
| | - Surasakdi Wongratanacheewin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
- Melioidosis Research Center, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
| | - Sakawrat Kanthawong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
- Melioidosis Research Center, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
- Biofilm Research Group, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University , Khon Kaen , Thailand
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24
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Wang A, Zhang F, Guo Z, Chen Y, Zhang M, Yu H, Wang Y. Characterization of a Cathelicidin from the Colubrinae Snake, Sinonatrix annularis. Zoolog Sci 2019; 36:68-76. [DOI: 10.2108/zs180064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aili Wang
- Weifang University of Science and Technology, Shandong Peninsula Engineering Research Center of Comp
| | - Fen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Zhilai Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
| | - Haining Yu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning 116023
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzho
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Shahrour H, Ferrer-Espada R, Dandache I, Bárcena-Varela S, Sánchez-Gómez S, Chokr A, Martinez-de-Tejada G. AMPs as Anti-biofilm Agents for Human Therapy and Prophylaxis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1117:257-279. [PMID: 30980362 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microbial cells show a strong natural tendency to adhere to surfaces and to colonize them by forming complex communities called biofilms. In this growth mode, biofilm-forming cells encase themselves inside a dense matrix which efficiently protects them against antimicrobial agents and effectors of the immune system. Moreover, at the physiological level, biofilms contain a very heterogeneous cell population including metabolically inactive organisms and persisters, which are highly tolerant to antibiotics. The majority of human infectious diseases are caused by biofilm-forming microorganisms which are responsible for pathologies such as cystic fibrosis, infective endocarditis, pneumonia, wound infections, dental caries, infections of indwelling devices, etc. AMPs are well suited to combat biofilms because of their potent bactericidal activity of broad spectrum (including resting cells and persisters) and their ability to first penetrate and then to disorganize these structures. In addition, AMPs frequently synergize with antimicrobial compounds and were recently reported to repress the molecular pathways leading to biofilm formation. Finally, there is a very active research to develop AMP-containing coatings that can prevent biofilm formation by killing microbial cells on contact or by locally releasing their active principle. In this chapter we will describe these strategies and discuss the perspectives of the use of AMPs as anti-biofilm agents for human therapy and prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawraa Shahrour
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat campus, Beirut, Lebanon.,Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Raquel Ferrer-Espada
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Israa Dandache
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat campus, Beirut, Lebanon.,Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Ali Chokr
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Life & Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadat campus, Beirut, Lebanon.,Platform of Research and Analysis in Environmental Sciences (PRASE), Doctoral School of Sciences and Technologies, Lebanese University, Hadat Campus, Beirut, Lebanon
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26
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Von Borowski RG, Macedo AJ, Gnoatto SCB. Peptides as a strategy against biofilm-forming microorganisms: Structure-activity relationship perspectives. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 114:114-137. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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27
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Pérez-Peinado C, Dias SA, Domingues MM, Benfield AH, Freire JM, Rádis-Baptista G, Gaspar D, Castanho MARB, Craik DJ, Henriques ST, Veiga AS, Andreu D. Mechanisms of bacterial membrane permeabilization by crotalicidin (Ctn) and its fragment Ctn(15-34), antimicrobial peptides from rattlesnake venom. J Biol Chem 2017; 293:1536-1549. [PMID: 29255091 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin-related peptide from the venom of a South American rattlesnake, possesses potent antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal properties. Previously, we have shown that its C-terminal fragment, Ctn(15-34), retains the antimicrobial and antitumor activities but is less toxic to healthy cells and has improved serum stability. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of action of Ctn and Ctn(15-34) against Gram-negative bacteria. Both peptides were bactericidal, killing ∼90% of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells within 90-120 and 5-30 min, respectively. Studies of ζ potential at the bacterial cell membrane suggested that both peptides accumulate at and neutralize negative charges on the bacterial surface. Flow cytometry experiments confirmed that both peptides permeabilize the bacterial cell membrane but suggested slightly different mechanisms of action. Ctn(15-34) permeabilized the membrane immediately upon addition to the cells, whereas Ctn had a lag phase before inducing membrane damage and exhibited more complex cell-killing activity, probably because of two different modes of membrane permeabilization. Using surface plasmon resonance and leakage assays with model vesicles, we confirmed that Ctn(15-34) binds to and disrupts lipid membranes and also observed that Ctn(15-34) has a preference for vesicles that mimic bacterial or tumor cell membranes. Atomic force microscopy visualized the effect of these peptides on bacterial cells, and confocal microscopy confirmed their localization on the bacterial surface. Our studies shed light onto the antimicrobial mechanisms of Ctn and Ctn(15-34), suggesting Ctn(15-34) as a promising lead for development as an antibacterial/antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pérez-Peinado
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Almeida Dias
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marco M Domingues
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Aurélie H Benfield
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - João Miguel Freire
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.,the Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France, and
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará, 60165-081 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Diana Gaspar
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David J Craik
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia,
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal,
| | - David Andreu
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain,
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28
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan M. Akef
- National Organization for Research and Control of Biologicals (NORCB), Giza, Egypt
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29
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Dutta D, Zhao T, Cheah KB, Holmlund L, Willcox MD. Activity of a melimine derived peptide Mel4 against Stenotrophomonas, Delftia, Elizabethkingia, Burkholderia and biocompatibility as a contact lens coating. Cont Lens Anterior Eye 2017; 40:175-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clae.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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30
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Perumal Samy R, Stiles BG, Franco OL, Sethi G, Lim LH. Animal venoms as antimicrobial agents. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 134:127-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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31
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Komodo dragon-inspired synthetic peptide DRGN-1 promotes wound-healing of a mixed-biofilm infected wound. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2017. [PMID: 28649410 PMCID: PMC5445593 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-017-0017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides are multifunctional molecules that have a high potential as therapeutic agents. We have identified a histone H1-derived peptide from the Komodo dragon (Varanus komodoensis), called VK25. Using this peptide as inspiration, we designed a synthetic peptide called DRGN-1. We evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of both peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. DRGN-1, more than VK25, exhibited potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, and permeabilized bacterial membranes. Wound healing was significantly enhanced by DRGN-1 in both uninfected and mixed biofilm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus)-infected murine wounds. In a scratch wound closure assay used to elucidate the wound healing mechanism, the peptide promoted the migration of HEKa keratinocyte cells, which was inhibited by mitomycin C (proliferation inhibitor) and AG1478 (epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor). DRGN-1 also activated the EGFR-STAT1/3 pathway. Thus, DRGN-1 is a candidate for use as a topical wound treatment. Wound infections are a major concern; made increasingly complicated by the emerging, rapid spread of bacterial resistance. The novel synthetic peptide DRGN-1 (inspired by a peptide identified from Komodo dragon) exhibits pathogen-directed and host-directed activities in promoting the clearance and healing of polymicrobial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa & Staphylococcus aureus) biofilm infected wounds. The effectiveness of this peptide cannot be attributed solely to its ability to act upon the bacteria and disrupt the biofilm, but also reflects the peptide’s ability to promsote keratinocyte migration. When applied in a murine model, infected wounds treated with DRGN-1 healed significantly faster than did untreated wounds, or wounds treated with other peptides. The host-directed mechanism of action was determined to be via the EGFR-STAT1/3 pathway. The pathogen-directed mechanism of action was determined to be via anti-biofilm activity and antibacterial activity through membrane permeabilization. This novel peptide may have potential as a future therapeutic for treating infected wounds. A synthetic peptide based on a natural molecule found in the Komodo dragon promotes healing of biofilm-infected wounds. Peptides are small protein-like molecules. Monique van Hoek, Barney Bishop and colleagues at George Mason University in Virginia, USA, isolated a natural peptide with some antimicrobial properties from Komodo dragon plasma. They designed a modified synthetic version with rearranged amino acids, named DRGN-1 in recognition of the “Komodo dragon” peptide that inspired it. In preliminary trials, DRGN-1 enhanced the healing of biofilm-infected wounds in mice, and was more effective than the natural peptide. This may be due to both bacterial- and host-directed effects. DRGN-1 reduced biofilm and bacterial number while increasing wound closure. The authors suggest DRGN-1 could be developed into a therapeutic agent that may treat the biofilm-infected wounds that are increasingly resistant to conventional antibiotics.
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32
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Boldrini-França J, Cologna CT, Pucca MB, Bordon KDCF, Amorim FG, Anjolette FAP, Cordeiro FA, Wiezel GA, Cerni FA, Pinheiro-Junior EL, Shibao PYT, Ferreira IG, de Oliveira IS, Cardoso IA, Arantes EC. Minor snake venom proteins: Structure, function and potential applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:824-838. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2016.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Blower
- a School of Systems Biology, George Mason University , Manassas , VA , USA
| | - Serguei G Popov
- a School of Systems Biology, George Mason University , Manassas , VA , USA
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- a School of Systems Biology, George Mason University , Manassas , VA , USA
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34
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Lee LF, Mariappan V, Vellasamy KM, Lee VS, Vadivelu J. Antimicrobial activity of Tachyplesin 1 against Burkholderia pseudomallei: an in vitro and in silico approach. PeerJ 2016; 4:e2468. [PMID: 27812400 PMCID: PMC5088614 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is intrinsically resistant to many conventional antibiotics. Therefore, alternative antimicrobial agents such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are extensively studied to combat this issue. Our study aims to identify and understand the mode of action of the potential AMP(s) that are effective against B. pseudomallei in both planktonic and biofilm state as well as to predict the possible binding targets on using in vitro and in silico approaches. In the in vitro study, 11 AMPs were tested against 100 B. pseudomallei isolates for planktonic cell susceptibility, where LL-37, and PG1, demonstrated 100.0% susceptibility and TP1 demonstrated 83% susceptibility. Since the B. pseudomallei activity was reported on LL-37 and PG1, TP1 was selected for further investigation. TP1 inhibited B. pseudomallei cells at 61.69 μM, and membrane blebbing was observed using scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, TP1 inhibited B. pseudomallei cell growth, reaching bactericidal endpoint within 2 h post exposure as compared to ceftazidime (CAZ) (8 h). Furthermore, TP1 was shown to suppress the growth of B. pseudomallei cells in biofilm state at concentrations above 221 μM. However, TP1 was cytotoxic to the mammalian cell lines tested. In the in silico study, molecular docking revealed that TP1 demonstrated a strong interaction to the common peptide or inhibitor binding targets for lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli, as well as autolysin, pneumolysin, and pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Homology modelled B. pseudomallei PspA protein (YDP) also showed a favourable binding with a strong electrostatic contribution and nine hydrogen bonds. In conclusion, TP1 demonstrated a good potential as an anti-B. pseudomallei agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyn-Fay Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Vanitha Mariappan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Kumutha Malar Vellasamy
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Vannajan Sanghiran Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Jamuna Vadivelu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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35
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Propst CN, Pylypko SL, Blower RJ, Ahmad S, Mansoor M, van Hoek ML. Francisella philomiragia Infection and Lethality in Mammalian Tissue Culture Cell Models, Galleria mellonella, and BALB/c Mice. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:696. [PMID: 27252681 PMCID: PMC4877389 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Francisella (F.) philomiragia is a Gram-negative bacterium with a preference for brackish environments that has been implicated in causing bacterial infections in near-drowning victims. The purpose of this study was to characterize the ability of F. philomiragia to infect cultured mammalian cells, a commonly used invertebrate model, and, finally, to characterize the ability of F. philomiragia to infect BALB/c mice via the pulmonary (intranasal) route of infection. This study shows that F. philomiragia infects J774A.1 murine macrophage cells, HepG2 cells and A549 human Type II alveolar epithelial cells. However, replication rates vary depending on strain at 24 h. F. philomiragia infection after 24 h was found to be cytotoxic in human U937 macrophage-like cells and J774A.1 cells. This is in contrast to the findings that F. philomiragia was non-cytotoxic to human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HepG2 cells and A549 cells. Differential cytotoxicity is a point for further study. Here, it was demonstrated that F. philomiragia grown in host-adapted conditions (BHI, pH 6.8) is sensitive to levofloxacin but shows increased resistance to the human cathelicidin LL-37 and murine cathelicidin mCRAMP when compared to related the Francisella species, F. tularensis subsp. novicida and F. tularensis subsp. LVS. Previous findings that LL-37 is strongly upregulated in A549 cells following F. tularensis subsp. novicida infection suggest that the level of antimicrobial peptide expression is not sufficient in cells to eradicate the intracellular bacteria. Finally, this study demonstrates that F. philomiragia is lethal in two in vivo models; Galleria mellonella via hemocoel injection, with a LD50 of 1.8 × 103, and BALB/c mice by intranasal infection, with a LD50 of 3.45 × 103. In conclusion, F. philomiragia may be a useful model organism to study the genus Francisella, particularly for those researchers with interest in studying microbial ecology or environmental strains of Francisella. Additionally, the Biosafety level 2 status of F. philomiragia makes it an attractive model for virulence and pathogenesis studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N Propst
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA USA
| | | | - Ryan J Blower
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA USA
| | - Saira Ahmad
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA USA
| | | | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VAUSA; National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases, George Mason University, Manassas, VAUSA
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36
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A brief update on potential molecular mechanisms underlying antimicrobial and wound-healing potency of snake venom molecules. Biochem Pharmacol 2016; 115:1-9. [PMID: 26975619 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A wide range of diverse, novel classes of natural antibiotics have been isolated from different snake species in the recent past. Snake venoms contain diverse groups of proteins with potent antibacterial activity against a wide range of human pathogens. Some snake venom molecules are pharmacologically attractive, as they possess promising broad-spectrum antibacterial activities. Furthermore, snake venom proteins (SVPs)/peptides also bind to integrins with high affinity, thereby inhibiting cell adhesion and accelerating wound healing in animal models. Thus, SVPs are a potential alternative to chemical antibiotics. The mode of action for many antibacterial peptides involves pore formation and disruption of the plasma membrane. This activity often includes modulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation during skin wound healing. The NF-κB pathway negatively regulates the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad pathway by inducing the expression of Smad7 and eventually reducing in vivo collagen production at the wound sites. In this context, SVPs that regulate the NF-κB signaling pathway may serve as potential targets for drug development.
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37
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Juba ML, Russo PS, Devine M, Barksdale S, Rodriguez C, Vliet KA, Schnur JM, van Hoek ML, Bishop BM. Large Scale Discovery and De Novo-Assisted Sequencing of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides (CAMPs) by Microparticle Capture and Electron-Transfer Dissociation (ETD) Mass Spectrometry. J Proteome Res 2015; 14:4282-95. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.5b00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Kent A. Vliet
- Department
of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, United States
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