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Chang DH, Lee MR, Wang N, Lynn DM, Palecek SP. Establishing Quantifiable Guidelines for Antimicrobial α/β-Peptide Design: A Partial Least-Squares Approach to Improve Antimicrobial Activity and Reduce Mammalian Cell Toxicity. ACS Infect Dis 2023; 9:2632-2651. [PMID: 38014670 PMCID: PMC10807133 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.3c00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates to combat pathogens that are resistant to conventional antimicrobial drugs because they operate through mechanisms that involve membrane disruption. However, the use of AMPs in clinical settings has been limited, at least in part, by their susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and their lack of selectivity toward pathogenic microbes vs mammalian cells. We recently reported on the design of α- and β-peptide oligomers structurally templated upon the naturally occurring α-helical AMP aurein 1.2. These α/β-peptide oligomers are more proteolytically stable than aurein 1.2 and have several other attributes that render them attractive as alternatives to conventional AMPs. This study describes the influence of peptide physicochemical properties on the broad-spectrum activity of aurein 1.2-based α/β-peptide mimics against nine bacterial, fungal, and mammalian cell lines. We used a partial least-squares regression (PLSR)-supervised machine learning model to quantify and visualize relationships between experimentally determined physicochemical properties (e.g., hydrophobicity, charge, and helicity) and experimentally measured cell-type-specific activities of 21 peptides in a 149-member α/β-peptide library. Using this approach, we identified several peptides that were predicted to exhibit enhanced broad-spectrum selectivity, a measure that evaluates antimicrobial activity relative to mammalian cell toxicity compared to aurein 1.2. Experimental validation demonstrated high model predictive performance, and characterization of compounds with the highest broad-spectrum selectivity revealed peptide hydrophobicity, helicity, and helical rigidity to be strong predictors of broad-spectrum selectivity. The most selective peptide identified from the model prediction has more than a 13-fold improvement in broad-spectrum selectivity than that of aurein 1.2, demonstrating the ability of using PLSR models to identify quantitative structure-function relationships for nonstandard amino acid-containing peptides. Overall, this work establishes quantifiable guidelines for the rational design of helical antimicrobial α/β-peptides and identifies promising new α/β-peptides with significantly reduced mammalian toxicities and improved antifungal and antibacterial activities relative to aurein 1.2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas H. Chang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Myung-Ryul Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nathan Wang
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - David M. Lynn
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1101 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sean P. Palecek
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1415 Engineering Dr., Madison, WI 53706, USA
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2
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Bezerra LP, Silva AF, Santos-Oliveira R, Alencar LM, Amaral JL, Neto NA, Silva RG, Belém MO, de Andrade CR, Oliveira JT, Freitas CD, Souza PF. Combined antibiofilm activity of synthetic peptides and antifungal drugs against Candida spp. Future Microbiol 2022; 17:1133-1146. [PMID: 35880557 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Candida krusei and Candida albicans are biofilm-forming drug-resistant yeasts that cause bloodstream infections that can lead to death. Materials & methods: nystatin and itraconazole were combined with two synthetic peptides, PepGAT and PepKAA, to evaluate the synergistic effect against Candida biofilms. Additionally, scanning electron and fluorescence microscopies were employed to understand the mechanism behind the synergistic activity. Results: Peptides enhanced the action of drugs to inhibit the biofilm formation of C. krusei and C. albicans and the degradation of mature biofilms of C. krusei. In combination with antifungal drugs, peptides' mechanism of action involved cell wall and membrane damage and overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, in combination, the peptides reduced the toxicity of drugs to red blood cells. Conclusion: These results reveal that the synthetic peptides enhanced the antibiofilm activity of drugs, in addition to reducing their toxicity. Thus, these peptides have strong potential as adjuvants and to decrease the toxicity of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro P Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Ayrles Fb Silva
- Department of Physic, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Nanoradiopharmaceuticals & Radiopharmacy, Zona Oeste State University, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 23070200, Brazil
| | - Luciana Mr Alencar
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics & Nanosystems, Federal University of Maranhao, São Luís, Maranhão, 65080-805, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil.,Department of Physic, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Nilton As Neto
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Rafael Gg Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Mônica O Belém
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60192, Brazil
| | - Claudia R de Andrade
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60192, Brazil
| | - Jose Ta Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Cleverson Dt Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fn Souza
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60451, Brazil.,Drug Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60430-275, Brazil
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3
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Chen D, Rocha-Mendoza D, Shan S, Smith Z, García-Cano I, Prost J, Jimenez-Flores R, Campanella O. Characterization and Cellular Uptake of Peptides Derived from In Vitro Digestion of Meat Analogues Produced by a Sustainable Extrusion Process. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:8124-8133. [PMID: 35730749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Whether proteins in meat analogues (MAs) have the ability to provide equivalent nutrition as those in animal meat remains unknown. Herein, a MA was produced by high-moisture extrusion using soy and wheat proteins. The physicochemical properties, in vitro digestion, and cellular uptake of the released peptides were systematically compared between the MA and the chicken breast (CB). The MA showed a higher hardness but a lower degree of texturization than the CB. After simulated digestion, soluble peptides in the MA had a higher molecular weight and higher hydrophobicity. No observable cytotoxicity or inflammatory response to Caco-2 cells was found for both MA and CB digests. The former exhibited less permeability of peptides across Caco-2 cells. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry found that the identified peptides in MA and CB digests contained 7-30 and 7-20 amino acid residues, respectively, and they became shorter after cellular transportation. The amino acid composition showed fewer essential and non-essential amino acids in the MA permeate than in the CB permeate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Chen
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Diana Rocha-Mendoza
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Shengyue Shan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Zachary Smith
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Environmental Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Israel García-Cano
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Julie Prost
- Clextral Inc., Tampa, Florida 33626, United States
| | - Rafael Jimenez-Flores
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Osvaldo Campanella
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Chauhan S, Dhawan DK, Saini A, Preet S. Antimicrobial peptides against colorectal cancer-a focused review. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105529. [PMID: 33675962 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), low patient survival rate due to emergence of drug resistant cancer cells, metastasis and multiple deleterious side effects of chemotherapy, is a cause of public concern globally. To negate these clinical conundrums, search for effective and harmless novel molecular entities for the treatment of CRC is an urgent necessity. Since antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of innate immunity of living beings, it is quite imperative to look for essential attributes of these peptides which may contribute to their effectiveness against carcinogenesis. Once identified, those characteristics can be suitably modified using several synthetic and computational techniques to further enhance their selectivity and pharmacokinetic profiles. Hence, this review analyses scientific reports describing the antiproliferative action of AMPs derived from several sources, particularly focusing on various colon cancer in vitro/in vivo investigations. On perusal of the literature, it appears that AMPs based therapeutics would definitely find special place in CRC therapy in future either alone or as an adjunct to chemotherapy provided some necessary alterations are made in their natural structures to make them more compatible with modern clinical practice. In this context, further in-depth research is warranted in adequate in vivo models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Chauhan
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Devinder K Dhawan
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Avneet Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Simran Preet
- Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences, Panjab University, Block-II, South Campus, Sector-25, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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Peng J, Mishra B, Khader R, Felix L, Mylonakis E. Novel Cecropin-4 Derived Peptides against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:36. [PMID: 33401476 PMCID: PMC7824259 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing microbial resistance, coupled with a lack of new antimicrobial discovery, has led researchers to refocus on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as novel therapeutic candidates. Significantly, the less toxic cecropins have gained widespread attention for potential antibacterial agent development. However, the narrow activity spectrum and long sequence remain the primary limitations of this approach. In this study, we truncated and modified cecropin 4 (41 amino acids) by varying the charge and hydrophobicity balance to obtain smaller AMPs. The derivative peptide C18 (16 amino acids) demonstrated high antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as yeasts. Moreover, C18 demonstrated a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4 µg/mL against the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and showed synergy with daptomycin with a fractional inhibition concentration index (FICI) value of 0.313. Similar to traditional cecropins, C18 altered the membrane potential, increased fluidity, and caused membrane breakage at 32 µg/mL. Importantly, C18 eliminated 99% persisters at 10 × MIC within 20 min and reduced the biofilm adherence by ~40% and 35% at 32 and 16 µg/mL. Besides, C18 possessed a strong binding ability with DNA at 7.8 μM and down-regulated the expression of virulence factor genes like agrA, fnb-A, and clf-1 by more than 5-fold (p < 0.05). Interestingly, in the Galleria mellonella model, C18 rescued more than 80% of larva infected with the MRSA throughout 120-h post-infection at a single dose of 8 mg/kg (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study provides a reference for the transformation of cecropin to derive small peptides and presents C18 as an attractive therapeutic candidate to be developed to treat severe MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Peng
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
- Immune Cells and Antibody Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, Key Laboratory of Biology and Medical Engineering, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Biswajit Mishra
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
| | - Rajamohammed Khader
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
| | - LewisOscar Felix
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (J.P.); (B.M.); (R.K.); (L.F.)
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Yang M, Zhang C, Zhang MZ, Zhang S. Beta-defensin derived cationic antimicrobial peptides with potent killing activity against gram negative and gram positive bacteria. BMC Microbiol 2018; 18:54. [PMID: 29871599 PMCID: PMC5989455 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-018-1190-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian β-defensins (AvBD) are cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMP) with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, chemotactic property, and low host cytotoxicity. However, their bactericidal activity is greatly compromised under physiological salt concentrations which limits the use of these peptides as therapeutic agents. The length and the complex structure involving three conserved disulfide bridges are additional drawbacks associated with high production cost. In the present study, short linear CAMPs (11 to 25 a.a. residues) were developed based on the key functional components of AvBDs with additional modifications. Their biological functions were characterized. Results CAMP-t1 contained the CCR2 binding domain (N-terminal loop and adjacent α-helix) of AvBD-12 whereas CAMP-t2 comprised the key a.a. residues responsible for the concentrated positive surface charge and hydrophobicity of AvBD-6. Both CAMP-t1 and CAMP-t2 demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. However, CAMP-t1 failed to show chemotactic activity and CAMP-t2, although superior in killing Staphylococcus spp., remained sensitive to salts. Using an integrated design approach, CAMP-t2 was further modified to yield CAMP-A and CAMP-B which possessed the following characteristics: α-helical structure with positively and negatively charged residues aligned on the opposite side of the helix, lack of protease cutting sites, C-terminal poly-Trp tail, N-terminal acetylation, and C-terminal amidation. Both CAMP-A and CAMP-B demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP) strains. These peptides were resistant to major proteases and fully active at physiological concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2. The peptides were minimally cytotoxic to avian and murine cells and their therapeutic index was moderate (≥ 4.5). Conclusions An integrated design approach can be used to develop short and potent antimicrobial peptides, such as CAMP-A and CAMP-B. The advantageous characteristics, including structural simplicity, resistance to salts and proteases, potent antimicrobial activity, rapid membrane attacking mode, and moderate therapeutic index, suggest that CAMP-A and CAMP-B are excellent candidates for development as therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant staphylococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Chunye Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Michael Z Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.,Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Shuping Zhang
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. .,Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
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Molchanova N, Hansen PR, Franzyk H. Advances in Development of Antimicrobial Peptidomimetics as Potential Drugs. Molecules 2017; 22:E1430. [PMID: 28850098 PMCID: PMC6151827 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22091430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens has evolved into a global health problem as current treatment options are failing for infections caused by pan-resistant bacteria. Hence, novel antibiotics are in high demand, and for this reason antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted considerable interest, since they often show broad-spectrum activity, fast killing and high cell selectivity. However, the therapeutic potential of natural AMPs is limited by their short plasma half-life. Antimicrobial peptidomimetics mimic the structure and biological activity of AMPs, but display extended stability in the presence of biological matrices. In the present review, focus is on the developments reported in the last decade with respect to their design, synthesis, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxic side effects as well as their potential applications as anti-infective agents. Specifically, only peptidomimetics with a modular structure of residues connected via amide linkages will be discussed. These comprise the classes of α-peptoids (N-alkylated glycine oligomers), β-peptoids (N-alkylated β-alanine oligomers), β³-peptides, α/β³-peptides, α-peptide/β-peptoid hybrids, α/γ N-acylated N-aminoethylpeptides (AApeptides), and oligoacyllysines (OAKs). Such peptidomimetics are of particular interest due to their potent antimicrobial activity, versatile design, and convenient optimization via assembly by standard solid-phase procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Molchanova
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Paul R Hansen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Franzyk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Guffey JS, Payne W, Roegge W. In vitro fungicidal effects of methylene blue at 625-nm. Mycoses 2017; 60:723-727. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Stephen Guffey
- Department of Physical Therapy; Arkansas State University; Jonesboro AR USA
| | - William Payne
- Department of Physical Therapy; Arkansas State University; Jonesboro AR USA
| | - Wilson Roegge
- Department of Physical Therapy; Arkansas State University; Jonesboro AR USA
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Sardi JDCO, Gullo FP, Freires IA, Pitangui NDS, Segalla MP, Fusco-Almeida AM, Rosalen PL, Regasini LO, Mendes-Giannini MJS. Synthesis, antifungal activity of caffeic acid derivative esters, and their synergism with fluconazole and nystatin against Candida spp. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 86:387-391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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10
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Correction: Hydrophobicity of Antifungal β-Peptides Is Associated with Their Cytotoxic Effect on In Vitro Human Colon Caco-2 and Liver HepG2 Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157025. [PMID: 27253875 PMCID: PMC4890848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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