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Mwangi J, Kamau PM, Thuku RC, Lai R. Design methods for antimicrobial peptides with improved performance. Zool Res 2023; 44:1095-1114. [PMID: 37914524 PMCID: PMC10802102 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult. In this regard, developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broad-spectrum antipathogenic activity, hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application, with many already in the drug development pipeline. Their distinct properties, such as high target specificity, potency, and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms, make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Nonetheless, several challenges, such as high toxicity, lability to proteolytic degradation, low stability, poor pharmacokinetics, and high production costs, continue to hamper their clinical applicability. Therefore, recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance. By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity, such as amphipathicity, hydrophobicity, structural conformation, amino acid distribution, and composition, researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance. In this review, we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs, including rational design and de novo synthesis. We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools, utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Rebecca Caroline Thuku
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Centre for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511458, China. E-mail:
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Yaraguppi DA, Bagewadi ZK, Patil NR, Mantri N. Iturin: A Promising Cyclic Lipopeptide with Diverse Applications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1515. [PMID: 37892197 PMCID: PMC10604914 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review examines iturin, a cyclic lipopeptide originating from Bacillus subtilis and related bacteria. These compounds are structurally diverse and possess potent inhibitory effects against plant disease-causing bacteria and fungi. Notably, Iturin A exhibits strong antifungal properties and low toxicity, making it valuable for bio-pesticides and mycosis treatment. Emerging research reveals additional capabilities, including anticancer and hemolytic features. Iturin finds applications across industries. In food, iturin as a biosurfactant serves beyond surface tension reduction, enhancing emulsions and texture. Biosurfactants are significant in soil remediation, agriculture, wound healing, and sustainability. They also show promise in Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR) in the petroleum industry. The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries recognize iturin's diverse properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-obesity effects. Cosmetic applications span emulsification, anti-wrinkle, and antibacterial use. Understanding iturin's structure, synthesis, and applications gains importance as biosurfactant and lipopeptide research advances. This review focuses on emphasizing iturin's structural characteristics, production methods, biological effects, and applications across industries. It probes iturin's antibacterial, antifungal potential, antiviral efficacy, and cancer treatment capabilities. It explores diverse applications in food, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, considering recent developments, challenges, and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak A. Yaraguppi
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi 580031, Karnataka, India;
| | - Zabin K. Bagewadi
- Department of Biotechnology, KLE Technological University, Hubballi 580031, Karnataka, India;
| | - Ninganagouda R. Patil
- Department of Physics, B. V Bhoomaraddi College of Engineering and Technology, Hubballi 580031, Karnataka, India;
| | - Nitin Mantri
- The Pangenomics Lab, School of Science, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
- The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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3
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Biala G, Kedzierska E, Kruk-Slomka M, Orzelska-Gorka J, Hmaidan S, Skrok A, Kaminski J, Havrankova E, Nadaska D, Malik I. Research in the Field of Drug Design and Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1283. [PMID: 37765091 PMCID: PMC10536713 DOI: 10.3390/ph16091283] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The processes used by academic and industrial scientists to discover new drugs have recently experienced a true renaissance, with many new and exciting techniques being developed over the past 5-10 years alone. Drug design and discovery, and the search for new safe and well-tolerated compounds, as well as the ineffectiveness of existing therapies, and society's insufficient knowledge concerning the prophylactics and pharmacotherapy of the most common diseases today, comprise a serious challenge. This can influence not only the quality of human life, but also the health of whole societies, which became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In general, the process of drug development consists of three main stages: drug discovery, preclinical development using cell-based and animal models/tests, clinical trials on humans and, finally, forward moving toward the step of obtaining regulatory approval, in order to market the potential drug. In this review, we will attempt to outline the first three most important consecutive phases in drug design and development, based on the experience of three cooperating and complementary academic centers of the Visegrád group; i.e., Medical University of Lublin, Poland, Masaryk University of Brno, Czech Republic, and Comenius University Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazyna Biala
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Ewa Kedzierska
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Marta Kruk-Slomka
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Jolanta Orzelska-Gorka
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Sara Hmaidan
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Aleksandra Skrok
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Jakub Kaminski
- Chair and Department of Pharmacology with Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4A, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.K.); (M.K.-S.); (J.O.-G.)
| | - Eva Havrankova
- Department of Chemical Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, Masaryk University of Brno, 601 77 Brno, Czech Republic;
| | - Dominika Nadaska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia (I.M.)
| | - Ivan Malik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University Bratislava, 832 32 Bratislava, Slovakia (I.M.)
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Saini S, Rathore A, Sharma S, Saini A. Exploratory data analysis of physicochemical parameters of natural antimicrobial and anticancer peptides: Unraveling the patterns and trends for the rational design of novel peptides. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 14:26438. [PMID: 38327633 PMCID: PMC10844588 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.26438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Peptide-based research has attained new avenues in the antibiotics and cancer drug resistance era. The basis of peptide design research lies in playing with or altering physicochemical parameters. Here in this work, we have done exploratory data analysis (EDA) of physicochemical parameters of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and anticancer peptides (ACPs), two promising therapeutics for microbial and cancer drug resistance to deduce patterns and trends. Methods Briefly, we have captured the natural AMPs and ACPs data from the APD3 database. After cleaning the data manually and by CD-HIT web server, further data analysis has been done using Python-based packages, modlAMP and Pandas. We have extracted the descriptive statistics of 10 physicochemical parameters of AMPs and ACPs to build a comprehensive dataset containing all major parameters. The global analysis of datasets has been done using modlAMP to find the initial patterns in global data. The subsets of AMPs and ACPs were curated based on the length of the peptides and were analyzed by Pandas package to deduce the graphical profile of AMPs and ACPs. Results EDA of AMPs and ACPs shows selectivity in the length and amino acid compositions. The distribution of physicochemical parameters in defined quartile ranges was observed in the descriptive statistical and graphical analysis. The preferred length range of AMPs and ACPs was found to be 21-30 amino acids, whereas few outliers in each parameter were evident after EDA analysis. Conclusion The derived patterns from natural AMPs and ACPs can be used for the rational design of novel peptides. The statistical and graphical data distribution findings will help in combining the different parameters for potent design of novel AMPs and ACPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh 160014, India
- Department of Bioinformatics, Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Sector 32-C, Chandigarh 160030, India
| | - Aayushi Rathore
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology, Biotech Park, Bengaluru 560100, India
| | - Sheetal Sharma
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Avneet Saini
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Sector 25, Chandigarh 160014, India
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Castro TG, Melle-Franco M, Sousa CEA, Cavaco-Paulo A, Marcos JC. Non-Canonical Amino Acids as Building Blocks for Peptidomimetics: Structure, Function, and Applications. Biomolecules 2023; 13:981. [PMID: 37371561 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060981] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a fresh overview of non-canonical amino acids and their applications in the design of peptidomimetics. Non-canonical amino acids appear widely distributed in nature and are known to enhance the stability of specific secondary structures and/or biological function. Contrary to the ubiquitous DNA-encoded amino acids, the structure and function of these residues are not fully understood. Here, results from experimental and molecular modelling approaches are gathered to classify several classes of non-canonical amino acids according to their ability to induce specific secondary structures yielding different biological functions and improved stability. Regarding side-chain modifications, symmetrical and asymmetrical α,α-dialkyl glycines, Cα to Cα cyclized amino acids, proline analogues, β-substituted amino acids, and α,β-dehydro amino acids are some of the non-canonical representatives addressed. Backbone modifications were also examined, especially those that result in retro-inverso peptidomimetics and depsipeptides. All this knowledge has an important application in the field of peptidomimetics, which is in continuous progress and promises to deliver new biologically active molecules and new materials in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarsila G Castro
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Manuel Melle-Franco
- CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Cristina E A Sousa
- BioMark Sensor Research-School of Engineering of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
| | - Artur Cavaco-Paulo
- CEB-Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS-Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - João C Marcos
- Centre of Chemistry, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Yadav M, Eswari JS. Opportunistic Challenges of Computer-aided Drug Discovery of Lipopeptides: New Insights for Large Molecule Therapeutics. Avicenna J Med Biotechnol 2023; 15:3-13. [PMID: 36789119 PMCID: PMC9895984 DOI: 10.18502/ajmb.v15i1.11419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Computer-aided drug designing is a promising approach to defeating the dry pipeline of drug discovery. It aims at reduced experimental efforts with cost-effectiveness. Naturally occurring large molecules with molecular weight higher than 500 Dalton such as cationic peptides, cyclic peptides, glycopeptides and lipopeptides are a few examples of large molecules which have successful applications as the broad spectrum antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, antifungal and antithrombotic drugs. Utilization of microbial metabolites as potential drug candidates incur cost effectiveness through large scale production of such molecules rather than a synthetic approach. Computational studies on such compounds generate tremendous possibilities to develop novel leads with challenges to handle these complex molecules with available computational tools. The opportunities begin with the desired structural modifications in the parent drug molecule. Virtual modifications followed by molecular interaction studies at the target site through molecular modeling simulations and identification of structure-activity relationship models to develop more prominent and potential drug molecules. Lead optimization studies to develop novel compounds with increased specificity and reduced off targeting is a big challenge computationally for large molecules. Prediction of optimized pharmacokinetic properties facilitates development of a compound with lower toxicity as compared to the natural compounds. Generating the library of compounds and studies for target specificity and ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) for large molecules are laborious and incur huge cost and chemical wastage through in-vitro methods. Hence, computational methods need to be explored to develop novel compounds from natural large molecules with higher specificity. This review article is focusing on possible challenges and opportunities in the pathway of computer-aided drug discovery of large molecule therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Raipur, C.G., India
| | - J. Satya Eswari
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Raipur, C.G., India
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7
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Prašnikar E, Perdih A, Borišek J. What a Difference an Amino Acid Makes: An All-Atom Simulation Study of Nonameric Peptides in Inhibitory HLA-E/NKG2A/CD94 Immune Complexes. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:925427. [PMID: 35991867 PMCID: PMC9385950 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.925427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MHC class I antigen E (HLA-E), a ligand for the inhibitory NKG2A/CD94 receptor of the immune system, is responsible for evading the immune surveillance in several settings, including senescent cell accumulation and tumor persistence. The formation of this ligand-receptor interaction promotes the inhibition of the cytolytic action of immune system natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T-cells expressing this receptor. The final outcome of the HLA-E/NKG2A/CD94 interaction on target cells is also highly dependent on the identity of the nonameric peptide incorporated into the HLA-E ligand. To better understand the role played by a nonameric peptide in these immune complexes, we performed a series of multi-microsecond all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. We generated natural and alternative variants of the nonameric peptide bound to the HLA-E ligand alone or in the HLA-E/NKG2A/CD94 complexes. A systematic study of molecular recognition between HLA-E and peptides led to the development of new variants that differ at the strategic 6th position (P6) of the peptide and have favorable in silico properties comparable to those of natural binding peptides. Further examination of a selected subset of peptides in full complexes revealed a new variant that, according to our previously derived atomistic model, can interfere with the signal transduction via HLA-E/NKG2A/CD94 and thus prevent the target cell from evading immune clearance by NK and CD8+ T-cells. These simulations provide an atomistic picture of how a small change in amino acid sequence can lead to a profound effect on binding and molecular recognition. Furthermore, our study also provides new data on the peptide interaction motifs as well as the energetic and conformational properties of the binding interface, laying the structure-based foundation for future development of potential therapeutic peptides, peptidomimetics, or even small molecules that would bind to the HLA-E ligand and abrogate NKG2A/CD94 recognition. Such external intervention would be useful in the emerging field of targeting senescent cells in a variety of age-related diseases, as well as in novel cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Prašnikar
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Chemical Informatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andrej Perdih
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Andrej Perdih, ; Jure Borišek,
| | - Jure Borišek
- Theory Department, Laboratory for Chemical Informatics, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Andrej Perdih, ; Jure Borišek,
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Kurabi A, Pak K, Chavez E, Doan J, Ryan AF. A transcytotic transport mechanism across the tympanic membrane. Sci Rep 2022; 12:984. [PMID: 35046419 PMCID: PMC8770641 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04748-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug treatments for middle ear diseases are currently delivered systemically, or locally after opening the impermeable tympanic membrane (TM). We previously used bacteriophage display to discover novel peptides that are actively transported across the intact TM, with a variety of transport rates. Peptide structures were analyzed for evidence regarding the mechanism for this unexpected transport, which was then tested by the application of chemical inhibitors. Primary sequences indicated that trans-TM peptides share one of two amino acid motifs. Secondary structures revealed that linear configurations associate with higher transport rates than coiled structures. Tertiary analysis indicated that the shared sequence motifs are prominently displayed at the free ends of rapidly transported peptide phage. The shared motifs were evaluated for similarity to known motifs. The highest probability matches were for protein motifs involved in transmembrane transport and exosomes. Overall, structural findings suggest that the shared motifs represent binding sequences. They also implicate transcytosis, a polarized cell transport mechanism consisting of endocytosis, transcellular transport, and exocytosis. Inhibitor studies indicated that macropinocytosis, retrograde transport through Golgi and exocytosis participate in transport across the TM, consistent with transcytosis. This process can be harnessed to noninvasively deliver therapeutics to the middle ear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arwa Kurabi
- Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0666, USA.
- San Diego VA Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Kwang Pak
- Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0666, USA
| | - Eduardo Chavez
- Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0666, USA
| | - Jennifer Doan
- Department of Biology, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Allen F Ryan
- Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0666, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, USA
- San Diego VA Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Khan MI, Gilpin K, Hasan F, Mahmud KAHA, Adnan A. Effect of Strain Rate on Single Tau, Dimerized Tau and Tau-Microtubule Interface: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1308. [PMID: 34572521 PMCID: PMC8472149 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau is a cross-linking molecule that provides structural stability to axonal microtubules (MT). It is considered a potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia, and other neurological disorders. It is also a signature protein for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) assessment. In the case of TBI, extreme dynamic mechanical energies can be felt by the axonal cytoskeletal members. As such, fundamental understandings of the responses of single tau protein, polymerized tau protein, and tau-microtubule interfaces under high-rate mechanical forces are important. This study attempts to determine the high-strain rate mechanical behavior of single tau, dimerized tau, and tau-MT interface using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results show that a single tau protein is a highly stretchable soft polymer. During deformation, first, it significantly unfolds against van der Waals and electrostatic bonds. Then it stretches against strong covalent bonds. We found that tau acts as a viscoelastic material, and its stiffness increases with the strain rate. The unfolding stiffness can be ~50-500 MPa, while pure stretching stiffness can be >2 GPa. The dimerized tau model exhibits similar behavior under similar strain rates, and tau sliding from another tau is not observed until it is stretched to >7 times of original length, depending on the strain rate. The tau-MT interface simulations show that very high strain and strain rates are required to separate tau from MT suggesting Tau-MT bonding is stronger than MT subunit bonding between themselves. The dimerized tau-MT interface simulations suggest that tau-tau bonding is stronger than tau-MT bonding. In summary, this study focuses on the structural response of individual cytoskeletal components, namely microtubule (MT) and tau protein. Furthermore, we consider not only the individual response of a component, but also their interaction with each other (such as tau with tau or tau with MT). This study will eventually pave the way to build a bottom-up multiscale brain model and analyze TBI more comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ishak Khan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (M.I.K.); (F.H.); (K.A.H.A.M.)
| | - Kathleen Gilpin
- Academic Partnership and Engagement Experiment (APEX), Wright State Applied Research Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA;
| | - Fuad Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (M.I.K.); (F.H.); (K.A.H.A.M.)
| | - Khandakar Abu Hasan Al Mahmud
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (M.I.K.); (F.H.); (K.A.H.A.M.)
| | - Ashfaq Adnan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA; (M.I.K.); (F.H.); (K.A.H.A.M.)
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10
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Malyshev AV, Sukhanova IA, Zlobin AS, Gedzun VR, Pavshintsev VV, Vasileva EV, Zalevsky AO, Doronin II, Mitkin NA, Golovin AV, Lovat ML, Kovalev GI, Zolotarev YA, Kuchumov AR, Babkin GA, Luscher B. In silico Screening and Behavioral Validation of a Novel Peptide, LCGA-17, With Anxiolytic-Like Properties. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:705590. [PMID: 34421525 PMCID: PMC8372404 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.705590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to develop better anxiolytics and antidepressants. We focused on GABAA receptors and the α2δ auxiliary subunit of V-gated Ca2+ channels as putative targets because they are established as mediators of efficacious anxiolytics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants. We further focused on short peptides as candidate ligands because of their high safety and tolerability profiles. We employed a structural bioinformatics approach to develop novel tetrapeptides with predicted affinity to GABAA receptors and α2δ. In silico docking studies of one of these peptides, LCGA-17, showed a high binding score for both GABAA receptors and α2δ, combined with anxiolytic-like properties in a Danio rerio behavioral screen. LCGA-17 showed anxiolytic-like effects in the novel tank test, the light–dark box, and the social preference test, with efficacy comparable to fluvoxamine and diazepam. In binding assays using rat brain membranes, [3H]-LCGA-17 was competed more effectively by gabapentinoid ligands of α2δ than ligands of GABAA receptors, suggesting that α2δ represents a likely target for LCGA-17. [3H]-LCGA-17 binding to brain lysates was unaffected by competition with ligands for GABAB, glutamate, dopamine, serotonin, and other receptors, suggesting specific interaction with α2δ. Dose-finding studies in mice using acute administration of LCGA-17 (i.p.) demonstrated anxiolytic-like effects in the open field test, elevated plus maze, and marble burying tests, as well as antidepressant-like properties in the forced swim test. The anxiolytic effects were effectively blocked by bicuculline. Therefore, LCGA-17 is a novel candidate anxiolytic and antidepressant that may act through α2δ, with possible synergism by GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexander S Zlobin
- Lactocore, Inc., Plymouth, MI, United States.,Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Vasilina R Gedzun
- Lactocore, Inc., Plymouth, MI, United States.,Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Ekaterina V Vasileva
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, Research Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Arthur O Zalevsky
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Andrey V Golovin
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
| | - Maxim L Lovat
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgy I Kovalev
- Federal State Budgetary Institution, Research Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yurii A Zolotarev
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Bernhard Luscher
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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11
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DFT calculations of electronic structure evaluation and intermolecular interactions of p53-derived peptides with cytotoxic effect on breast cancer. Theor Chem Acc 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00214-021-02822-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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12
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Zhang L, Domeniconi G, Yang CC, Kang SG, Zhou R, Cong G. CASTELO: clustered atom subtypes aided lead optimization-a combined machine learning and molecular modeling method. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:338. [PMID: 34157976 PMCID: PMC8218488 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Drug discovery is a multi-stage process that comprises two costly major steps: pre-clinical research and clinical trials. Among its stages, lead optimization easily consumes more than half of the pre-clinical budget. We propose a combined machine learning and molecular modeling approach that partially automates lead optimization workflow in silico, providing suggestions for modification hot spots. Results The initial data collection is achieved with physics-based molecular dynamics simulation. Contact matrices are calculated as the preliminary features extracted from the simulations. To take advantage of the temporal information from the simulations, we enhanced contact matrices data with temporal dynamism representation, which are then modeled with unsupervised convolutional variational autoencoder (CVAE). Finally, conventional and CVAE-based clustering methods are compared with metrics to rank the submolecular structures and propose potential candidates for lead optimization. Conclusion With no need for extensive structure-activity data, our method provides new hints for drug modification hotspots which can be used to improve drug potency and reduce the lead optimization time. It can potentially become a valuable tool for medicinal chemists. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-021-04214-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Zhang
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Rd, 10598, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA.
| | - Giacomo Domeniconi
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Rd, 10598, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA.
| | - Chih-Chieh Yang
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Rd, 10598, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA
| | - Seung-Gu Kang
- IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, 1101 Kitchawan Rd, 10598, Yorktown Heights, NY, USA
| | - Ruhong Zhou
- ZheJiang University, 688 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Guojing Cong
- Oak Ridge national laboratory, 1 Bethel Valley Rd, 37830, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
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13
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Sahoo A, Swain SS, Behera A, Sahoo G, Mahapatra PK, Panda SK. Antimicrobial Peptides Derived From Insects Offer a Novel Therapeutic Option to Combat Biofilm: A Review. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:661195. [PMID: 34248873 PMCID: PMC8265172 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.661195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilms form a complex layer with defined structures, that attach on biotic or abiotic surfaces, are tough to eradicate and tend to cause some resistance against most antibiotics. Several studies confirmed that biofilm-producing bacteria exhibit higher resistance compared to the planktonic form of the same species. Antibiotic resistance factors are well understood in planktonic bacteria which is not so in case of biofilm producing forms. This may be due to the lack of available drugs with known resistance mechanisms for biofilms. Existing antibiotics cannot eradicate most biofilms, especially of ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). Insects produce complex and diverse set of chemicals for survival and defense. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), produced by most insects, generally have a broad spectrum of activity and the potential to bypass the resistance mechanisms of classical antibiotics. Besides, AMPs may well act synergistically with classical antibiotics for a double-pronged attack on infections. Thus, AMPs could be promising alternatives to overcome medically important biofilms, decrease the possibility of acquired resistance and treatment of multidrug-resistant pathogens including ESKAPE. The present review focuses on insect-derived AMPs with special reference to anti-biofilm-based strategies. It covers the AMP composition, pathways and mechanisms of action, the formation of biofilms, impact of biofilms on human diseases, current strategies as well as therapeutic options to combat biofilm with antimicrobial peptides from insects. In addition, the review also illustrates the importance of bioinformatics tools and molecular docking studies to boost the importance of select bioactive peptides those can be developed as drugs, as well as suggestions for further basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaka Sahoo
- Department of Skin & VD, Institute of Medical Sciences, SUM Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Shasank Sekhar Swain
- Division of Microbiology & NCDs, ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Ayusman Behera
- Department of Zoology, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, Baripada, India
| | - Gunanidhi Sahoo
- Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Sujogya Kumar Panda
- Centre of Environment, Climate Change and Public Health, RUSA 2.0, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar, India
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14
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Kemp DC, Kwon JY. Fish and Shellfish-Derived Anti-Inflammatory Protein Products: Properties and Mechanisms. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113225. [PMID: 34072134 PMCID: PMC8198112 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in utilizing food-derived compounds therapeutically has been rising. With the growing prevalence of systematic chronic inflammation (SCI), efforts to find treatments that do not result in the side effects of current anti-inflammatory drugs are underway. Bioactive peptides (BAPs) are a particularly promising class of compounds for the treatment of SCI, and the abundance of high-quality seafood processing byproducts (SPB) makes it a favorable material to derive anti-inflammatory BAPs. Recent research into the structural properties of anti-inflammatory BAPs has found a few key tendencies including they tend to be short and of low molecular weight (LMW), have an overall positive charge, contain hydrophobic amino acids (AAs), and be rich in radical scavenging AAs. SPB-derived anti-inflammatory BAPs have been observed to work via inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways by disrupting the phosphorylation of IκBα and one or more kinases (ERK, JNK, and p38), respectively. Radical scavenging capacity has also been shown to play a significant role in the efficacy of SPB-derived anti-inflammatory BAPs. To determine if SPB-derived BAPs can serve as an effective treatment for SCI it will be important to understand their properties and mechanisms of action, and this review highlights such findings in recent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Kemp
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
- Seafood Research and Education Center, Oregon State University, Astoria, OR 97103, USA
| | - Jung Yeon Kwon
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA;
- Seafood Research and Education Center, Oregon State University, Astoria, OR 97103, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-503-325-4531
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15
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Abstract
Currently, peptide-nanoparticle (NP) conjugates have been demonstrated to be efficient and powerful tools for the treatment and the diagnosis of various diseases as well as in the bioimaging application. Several bioconjugation strategies have been adopted to formulate the peptide-NP conjugates. In this review, we discuss the exciting applications of peptide-gold (Au) NP conjugates in the area of drug delivery, targeting, cancer therapy, brain diseases, vaccines, immune modulation, biosensor, colorimetric detection of heavy metals, and bio-labeling in vitro and in vivo models. Within this framework, various approaches such as radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy and chemo-photothermal therapy have been demonstrated for the treatment of several diseases. Moreover, we highlight how the morphology, size, density of peptide and the protein corona influence the biological activity, biodistribution and biological fate of peptide-AuNP conjugates. In the end, we discuss the future outlook and the challenges being faced in the clinical translation of the peptide-AuNP conjugates. Overall, this review emphasizes that the peptide-AuNP conjugates might be used as potential theranostic agents for the treatment of life-threatening diseases in an economical fashion in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh Rai
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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16
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Su Z, Wang B, Almo SC, Wu Y. Understanding the Targeting Mechanisms of Multi-Specific Biologics in Immunotherapy with Multiscale Modeling. iScience 2020; 23:101835. [PMID: 33305190 PMCID: PMC7710644 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapeutics are frequently associated with adverse side effects due to the elicitation of global immune modulation. To lower the risk of these side effects, recombinant DNA technology is employed to enhance the selectivity of cell targeting by genetically fusing different biomolecules, yielding new species referred to as multi-specific biologics. The design of new multi-specific biologics is a central challenge for the realization of new immunotherapies. To understand the molecular determinants responsible for regulating the binding between multi-specific biologics and surface-bound membrane receptors, we developed a multiscale computational framework that integrates various simulation approaches covering different timescales and spatial resolutions. Our model system of multi-specific biologics contains two natural ligands of immune receptors, which are covalently tethered by a peptide linker. Using this method, a number of interesting features of multi-specific biologics were identified. Our study therefore provides an important strategy to design the next-generation biologics for immunotherapy. Two proteins are connected by different linkers as a model of bispecific biologics Conformational dynamics of biologics are captured by microsecond MD simulations Coarse-grained simulations are used to test binding between biologics and receptors Biologics with long and flexible linkers are more efficient in targeting receptors
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqian Su
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Steven C Almo
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yinghao Wu
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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17
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Marimuthu SK, Nagarajan K, Perumal SK, Palanisamy S, Subbiah L. Structural stability of antimicrobial peptides rich in tryptophan, proline and arginine: a computational study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:3551-3559. [PMID: 33210568 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1848631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The host defense peptides or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) often contain short sequence of amino acids, either positive or negatively charged and express broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity. Many researchers had reported that tryptophan, arginine and proline rich AMPs have a promising source of next-generation antibiotics. Nowadays, AMPs are used as a possible therapeutic source for future antibiotics. In the present study, the amino acid sequences of 2924 AMPs belonging to various sources rich in Tryptophan, Proline and Arginine was chosen for investigation. The AMPs were further categorized according to their source, structure and antimicrobial activities. The AMPs with tryptophan, arginine, proline residues in abundance with maximum sequence length of 20 amino acids alone was obtained. Homology modeling was performed with PEP-FOLD and the modeled structures were evaluated using RAMPAGE to identify the structural information. Further, the stability of peptide in aqueous condition was probed using molecular dynamics simulations.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathish Kumar Marimuthu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Centre for Excellence in Nanobio Translational Research, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology (BIT) Campus, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Krishnanand Nagarajan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Centre for Excellence in Nanobio Translational Research, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology (BIT) Campus, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Sathish Kumar Perumal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Centre for Excellence in Nanobio Translational Research, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology (BIT) Campus, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Selvamani Palanisamy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Centre for Excellence in Nanobio Translational Research, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology (BIT) Campus, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Latha Subbiah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Centre for Excellence in Nanobio Translational Research, University College of Engineering, Anna University, Bharathidasan Institute of Technology (BIT) Campus, Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India
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18
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Tomasella C, Floris M, Guccione S, Pappalardo M, Basile L. Peptidomimetics in Silico. Mol Inform 2020; 40:e2000087. [PMID: 32954671 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202000087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous peptides as part of physiological processes are targets of interest when it comes to finding desirable therapeutics which are able to modulate molecular interactions. The major limits presented by peptides when they are used as drugs have motivated the research of the synthesis of peptidomimetics obtained through chemical modification and the use of in silico approaches. Here recent works on the discovery of peptidomimetics by computational methods are reported. Together with molecular dynamic simulations, the use of pharmacophore research simulations helps to gain insight into and understand the molecular determinants underlying the physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Tomasella
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, I-95125, Catania (CT), Italy
| | - Matteo Floris
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, University of Sassari, V.le S. Pietro 43/C, I-07100, Sassari (SS), Italy
| | - Salvatore Guccione
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, I-95125, Catania (CT), Italy
| | - Matteo Pappalardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, I-95125, Catania (CT), Italy
| | - Livia Basile
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, I-95125, Catania (CT), Italy
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19
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Farhadi Z, Farhadi T, Hashemian SM. Virtual screening for potential inhibitors of β(1,3)-D-glucan synthase as drug candidates against fungal cell wall. J Drug Assess 2020; 9:52-59. [PMID: 32284908 PMCID: PMC7144292 DOI: 10.1080/21556660.2020.1734010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To enhance the outcome in patients with invasive candidiasis, initiation of an efficient antifungal treatment in a suitable dosage is necessary. Echinocandins (e.g. caspofungin) inhibit the enzyme β(1,3)-D-glucan synthase of the fungal cell wall. Compared to azoles and other antifungal agents, echinocandins have lower adverse effects and toxicity in humans. Echinocandins are available in injectable (intravenous) form. Methods In this study, to identify the novel oral drug-like compounds that affect the fungal cell wall, downloaded oral drug-like compounds from the ZINC database were processed with a virtual screening procedure. The docking free energies were calculated and compared with the known inhibitor caspofungin. Four molecules were selected as the most potent ligands and subjected to hydrogen bonds analysis. Results Considering the hydrogen bond analysis, two compounds (ZINC71336662 and ZINC40910772) were predicted to better interact with the active site of β(1,3)-D-glucan synthase compared with caspofungin. Conclusion The introduced compound in this study may be valuable to analyze experimentally as a novel oral drug candidate targeting fungal cell walls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinat Farhadi
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Behavioral Disease Counseling Center, Marvdasht Health Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Farhadi
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed MohammadReza Hashemian
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Critical Care Department, Farhikhtegan Hospital, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Bojarska J, Remko M, Madura ID, Kaczmarek K, Zabrocki J, Wolf WM. Synthesis, experimental and in silico studies of N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-O-tert-butyl-N-methyltyrosine, coupled with CSD data: a survey of interactions in the crystal structures of Fmoc-amino acids. ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION C-STRUCTURAL CHEMISTRY 2020; 76:328-345. [PMID: 32229714 DOI: 10.1107/s2053229620003009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Recently, fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) amino acids (e.g. Fmoc-tyrosine or Fmoc-phenylalanine) have attracted growing interest in biomedical research and industry, with special emphasis directed towards the design and development of novel effective hydrogelators, biomaterials or therapeutics. With this in mind, a systematic knowledge of the structural and supramolecular features in recognition of those properties is essential. This work is the first comprehensive summary of noncovalent interactions combined with a library of supramolecular synthon patterns in all crystal structures of amino acids with the Fmoc moiety reported so far. Moreover, a new Fmoc-protected amino acid, namely, 2-{[(9H-fluoren-9-ylmethoxy)carbonyl](methyl)amino}-3-{4-[(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)oxy]phenyl}propanoic acid or N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-O-tert-butyl-N-methyltyrosine, Fmoc-N-Me-Tyr(t-Bu)-OH, C29H31NO5, was successfully synthesized and the structure of its unsolvated form was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structural, conformational and energy landscape was investigated in detail by combined experimental and in silico approaches, and further compared to N-Fmoc-phenylalanine [Draper et al. (2015). CrystEngComm, 42, 8047-8057]. Geometries were optimized by the density functional theory (DFT) method either in vacuo or in solutio. The polarizable conductor calculation model was exploited for the evaluation of the hydration effect. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that H...H, C...H/H...C and O...H/H...O interactions constitute the major contributions to the total Hirshfeld surface area in all the investigated systems. The molecular electrostatic potentials mapped over the surfaces identified the electrostatic complementarities in the crystal packing. The prediction of weak hydrogen-bonded patterns via Full Interaction Maps was computed. Supramolecular motifs formed via C-H...O, C-H...π, (fluorenyl)C-H...Cl(I), C-Br...π(fluorenyl) and C-I...π(fluorenyl) interactions are observed. Basic synthons, in combination with the Long-Range Synthon Aufbau Modules, further supported by energy-framework calculations, are discussed. Furthermore, the relevance of Fmoc-based supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns in biocomplexes are emphasized, for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Bojarska
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Milan Remko
- Remedika, Sustekova 1, 85104 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Izabela D Madura
- Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Kaczmarek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Janusz Zabrocki
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Wojciech M Wolf
- Institute of General and Ecological Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Żeromskiego 116, Lodz 90-924, Poland
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21
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Mandeep, Sinha R, Shukla P. Protein Engineering for Improved Health: Technological Perspectives. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 20:856-860. [PMID: 31566124 DOI: 10.2174/138920372009190917095307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Protein engineering has enabled development of novel proteins aimed at disease diagnosis, alleviation and improved health attributes. The present article provides an overview of recent approaches and techniques used to modify proteins at diverse levels, which find therapeutically relevant applications. There is immense interest among researchers to discover new and increasingly valuable solutions for various health related issues and protein engineering could be a possible venue to sort out such problems. In this mini review we have tried to decipher some of the novel aspects of protein engineering in terms of protein-based therapeutics and diagnostics, in-silico tools and related approaches. A special emphasis has been given for some innovative aspects of protein-nanoparticle conjugates; use of artificial intelligence (AI)- based tools and post-translational modifications. Utilization of such approaches in protein engineering might be ground breaking in future research endeavor of researchers across the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India
| | | | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak-124001, Haryana, India
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22
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Rashamuse TJ, Njengele Z, Coyanis EM, Sayed Y, Mosebi S, Bode ML. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel 2-(5-aryl-1H-imidazol-1-yl) derivatives as potential inhibitors of the HIV-1 Vpu and host BST-2 protein interaction. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 190:112111. [PMID: 32058240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel ethyl 2-(5-aryl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-acetates 17 and propionates 18, together with their acetic acid 19 and acetohydrazide 20 derivatives, were designed and synthesized using TosMIC chemistry. Biological evaluation of these newly synthesized scaffolds in the HIV-1 Vpu- Host BST-2 ELISA assay identified seven hits (17a, 17b, 17c, 17g, 18a, 20f and 20g) with greater than 50% inhibitory activity. These hits were validated in the HIV-1 Vpu- Host BST-2 AlphaScreen™ and six of the seven compounds were found to have comparable percentage inhibitory activities to those of the ELISA assay. Compounds 17b and 20g, with consistent percentage inhibitory activities across the two assays, had IC50 values of 11.6 ± 1.1 μM and 17.6 ± 0.9 μM in a dose response AlphaScreen™ assay. In a cell-based HIV-1 antiviral assay, compound 17b exhibited an EC50 = 6.3 ± 0.7 μM at non-toxic concentrations (CC50 = 184.5 ± 0.8 μM), whereas compound 20g displayed antiviral activity roughly equivalent to its toxicity (CC50 = 159.5 ± 0.9 μM). This data suggests that compound 17b, active in both cell-based and biochemical assays, provides a good starting point for the design of possible lead compounds for prevention of HIV-1 Vpu and host BST-2 protein binding in new anti-HIV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thompho J Rashamuse
- Centre for Metal-based Drug Discovery, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg, 2125, South Africa; Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO WITS, 2050, South Africa
| | - Zikhona Njengele
- Centre for Metal-based Drug Discovery, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg, 2125, South Africa; Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - E Mabel Coyanis
- Centre for Metal-based Drug Discovery, Advanced Materials Division, Mintek, 200 Malibongwe Drive, Randburg, 2125, South Africa
| | - Yasien Sayed
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Salerwe Mosebi
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida, 1710, South Africa.
| | - Moira L Bode
- Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Private Bag 3, PO WITS, 2050, South Africa.
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Wu KJ, Lei PM, Liu H, Wu C, Leung CH, Ma DL. Mimicking Strategy for Protein-Protein Interaction Inhibitor Discovery by Virtual Screening. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24244428. [PMID: 31817099 PMCID: PMC6943618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24244428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As protein–protein interactions (PPIs) are highly involved in most cellular processes, the discovery of PPI inhibitors that mimic the structure of the natural protein partners is a promising strategy toward the discovery of PPI inhibitors. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the application of virtual screening for identifying mimics of protein partners. The classification and function of the mimicking protein partner inhibitor discovery by virtual screening are described. We anticipate that this review would be of interest to medicinal chemists and chemical biologists working in the field of protein–protein interaction inhibitors or probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Jia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China; (K.-J.W.); (P.-M.L.)
| | - Pui-Man Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China; (K.-J.W.); (P.-M.L.)
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (H.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Chun Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (H.L.); (C.W.)
| | - Chung-Hang Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao 999078, China; (K.-J.W.); (P.-M.L.)
- Correspondence: (C.-H.L.); (D.-L.M.); Tel.: +(853)-8822-4688 (C.-H.L.); +(852)-3411-7075 (D.-L.M.)
| | - Dik-Lung Ma
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (H.L.); (C.W.)
- Correspondence: (C.-H.L.); (D.-L.M.); Tel.: +(853)-8822-4688 (C.-H.L.); +(852)-3411-7075 (D.-L.M.)
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Farhadi T, Hashemian SM, Farhadi Z. In Silico Designing of Peptidomimetics Enhancing Endoribonucleolytic Activities of Acinetobacter MazF Toxin as the Novel Anti-bacterial Candidates. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Hashemian SMR, Farhadi Z, Farhadi T. Fosfomycin: the characteristics, activity, and use in critical care. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2019; 15:525-530. [PMID: 30988619 PMCID: PMC6441553 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s199119] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fosfomycin (C3H7O4P) is a phosphonic acid derivative representing an epoxide class of antibiotics. The drug is a re-emerging bactericidal antibiotic with a wide range of actions against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among the existing antibacterial agents, fosfomycin has the lowest molecular weight (138 Da), which is not structurally associated with other classes of antibiotics. In intensive care unit (ICU) patients, severe soft tissue infections (STIs) may lead to serious life-threatening problems, and therefore, appropriate antibiotic therapy and often intensive care management (ICM) coupled with surgical intervention are necessary. Fosfomycin is an antibiotic primarily utilized for the treatment of STIs in ICUs. Recently, fosfomycin has attracted renewed interest for the treatment of serious systemic infections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. In some countries, intravenous fosfomycin has been prescribed for various serious systemic infections, such as acute osteomyelitis, nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections, complicated urinary tract infections, bacterial meningitis, and bacteremia. Administration of intravenous fosfomycin can result in a sufficient concentration of the drug at different body regions. Dose modification is not required in hepatic deficiency because fosfomycin is not subjected to enterohepatic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemian
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, .,Clinical Tuberculosis and Epidemiology Research Center, National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zinat Farhadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Farhadi
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
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