1
|
Muniz Seif EJ, Icimoto MY, da Silva Junior PI. In silico bioprospecting of receptors for Doderlin: an antimicrobial peptide isolated from Lactobacillus acidophilus. In Silico Pharmacol 2023; 11:11. [PMID: 37113323 PMCID: PMC10126193 DOI: 10.1007/s40203-023-00149-1] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistant bacteria strains against traditional antibiotics and treatments increases each year. Doderlin is a cationic and amphiphilic peptide active against gram-positive, negative and yeast stains. The aim of the present work was prospect potentials receptors associated of antimicrobial activity of Doderlin using in silico bioinformatics tools. To search for potential targets of Doderlin, PharmMapper software was used. Molecular docking between Doderlin and the receptor was performed by PatchDock. Additional interaction and ligand site prediction for each receptor was performed by I-TASSER software. Those PDB Id, 1XDJ (score: 11,746), 1JMH (score: 11,046), 1YR3 (score: 10,578), 1NG3 (score: 10,082) showed highest dock score. Doderlin was found to predicted/real sites co-localize with 1XDJ and 1JMH, enzymes accountable for nitrogenic bases synthesis. The resulting receptor bioprospecting is highly correlated and suggests that Doderlin might act by interfering with DNA metabolism/production of bacteria, altering microorganism homeostasis and growth impairment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00149-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias Jorge Muniz Seif
- Postgraduate Program in Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Molecular Biology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CETICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Menezes-Silva L, Catarino JDS, de Faria LC, Pizzolante BC, Andrade-Silva LE, da Silva MV, Rodrigues V, Sales-Campos H, Oliveira CJF. Hemolymph of triatomines presents fungistatic activity against Cryptococcus neoformans and improves macrophage function through MCP-I/TNF-α increase. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2022; 28:e20210124. [PMID: 35910486 PMCID: PMC9302513 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0124] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:
Triatomines are blood-feeding arthropods belonging to the subfamily Triatominae
(Hemiptera; Reduviidae), capable of producing immunomodulatory and water-soluble
molecules in their hemolymph, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In this
work, we evaluated the antifungal and immunomodulatory activity of the hemolymph
of Meccus pallidipennis (MPH) and Rhodnius
prolixus (RPH) against Cryptococcus neoformans.
Methods: We assessed the activity of the hemolymph of both
insects on fungal growth by a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay.
Further, RAW 264.7 macrophages were cultivated with hemolymph and challenged
with C. neoformans. Then, their phagocytic and killing
activities were assessed. The cytokines MCP-1, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, and
IL-6 were measured in culture supernatants 4- and 48-hours post-infection.
Results: Both hemolymph samples directly affected the growth
rate of the fungus in a dose-dependent manner. Either MPH or RPH was capable of
inhibiting fungal growth by at least 70%, using the lowest dilution (1:20).
Treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with hemolymph of both insects was capable of
increasing the production of MCP-I and TNF-α. In addition, when these cells were
stimulated with hemolymph in the presence of C. neoformans, a
2- and a 4-fold increase in phagocytic rate was observed with MPH and RPH,
respectively, when compared to untreated cells. For the macrophage killing
activity, MPH decreased in approximately 30% the number of viable yeasts inside
the cells compared to untreated control; however, treatment with RPH could not
reduce the total number of viable yeasts. MPH was also capable of increasing
MHC-II expression on macrophages. Regarding the cytokine production, MCP-I and
TNF-α, were increased in the supernatant of macrophages treated with both
hemolymphs, 4 and 48 hours after stimulation. Conclusion: These
results suggested that hemolymph of triatomines may represent a source of
molecules capable of presenting antifungal and immunomodulatory activity in
macrophages during fungal infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luísa Menezes-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonatas da Silva Catarino
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Laura Caroline de Faria
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Cristina Pizzolante
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Eurípedes Andrade-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Virmondes Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Helioswilton Sales-Campos
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Laboratory of Immunology and Bioinformatics, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Torres KADM, Lima SMRR, Torres LMB, Gamberini MT, da Silva Junior PI. Garlic: An Alternative Treatment for Group B Streptococcus. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0017021. [PMID: 34817207 PMCID: PMC8612145 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00170-21] [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: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal screening in pregnant women between 35 and 37 weeks of gestation and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has successfully reduced the incidence of neonatal morbidity and mortality related to Streptococcus agalactiae. However, the contamination rates of newborns are still considerable. In traditional and folk medicines, it has been observed that garlic has been effective in treating S. agalactiae infection. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the active compounds from garlic that have antimicrobial activity against S. agalactiae. In order to do this, SP80 (Sep-Pak 80%) obtained from crude garlic extract (CGE) was fractionated by reverse-phase ultrafast liquid chromatography with UV (RP-UFLC-UV) using a Shim-pack PREP-ODS column. All fractions obtained were tested using a microbial growth inhibition test against the S. agalactiae strain (ATCC 12386). Five clinical isolates were used to confirm the action of the fractions with antimicrobial activity, and the bacterial growth curve was determined. Identification of the antimicrobial compounds was carried out through liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The active compounds found to exhibit antimicrobial activity were Ƴ-glutamyl-S-allyl-cysteine (fraction 18), Ƴ-glutamyl-phenylalanine (fraction 20), and the two stereoisomers (E and Z) of ajoene (fraction 42). The MICs of these fractions were 5.41 mg/ml, 4.60 mg/ml, and 0.16 mg/ml, respectively, and they inhibited the growth of the clinical isolates tested. Antimicrobial compounds from garlic may be a promising source in the search for new drugs against S. agalactiae. IMPORTANCE Invasive disease due to group B streptococcal (GBS) infection results in a wide spectrum of clinical disease in neonates. Maternal colonization by GBS is the primary risk factor for disease. The strategy recommended by the Centers for Disease Control to reduce neonatal GBS infection is the culture-based screening of all pregnant women at 35 to 37 weeks of gestation and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP). However, indiscriminate use of antibiotics favors the selection and spread of resistant bacteria. The global scenario of antibacterial resistance has been of great concern for public health, and natural products can be a source of new substances to help us grapple with this problem.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sônia Maria Rolim Rosa Lima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Thereza Gamberini
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Santa Casa de Sao Paulo School of Medical Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS/CEPID), Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Riciluca KCT, Oliveira UC, Mendonça RZ, Bozelli Junior JC, Schreier S, da Silva Junior PI. Rondonin: antimicrobial properties and mechanism of action. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2541-2559. [PMID: 34254458 PMCID: PMC8409319 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are among the major causes of death in the human population. A wide variety of organisms produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as part of their first line of defense. A peptide from Acanthoscurria rondoniae plasma, rondonin—with antifungal activity, a molecular mass of 1236 Da and primary sequence IIIQYEGHKH—was previously studied (UniProt accession number B3EWP8). It showed identity with the C terminus of subunit ‘D’ of the hemocyanin of the Aphonopelma hentzi spider. This result led us to propose a new pathway of the immune system of arachnids that suggests a new function to hemocyanin: production of antimicrobial peptides. Rondonin does not interact with model membranes and was able to bind to yeast nucleic acids but not bacteria. It was not cytotoxic against mammalian cells. The antifungal activity of rondonin is pH‐dependent and peaks at pH ˜ 4–5. The peptide presents synergism with gomesin (spider hemocyte antimicrobial peptide—UniProtKB—P82358) against human yeast pathogens, suggesting a new potential alternative treatment option. Antiviral activity was detected against RNA viruses, measles, H1N1, and encephalomyocarditis. This is the first report of an arthropod hemocyanin fragment with activity against human viruses. Currently, it is vital to invest in the search for natural and synthetic antimicrobial compounds that, above all, present alternative mechanisms of action to first‐choice antimicrobials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie C T Riciluca
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ursula C Oliveira
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José C Bozelli Junior
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shirley Schreier
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro I da Silva Junior
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Figueiredo D, Santos WS, Montoni F, Iwai LK, Silva Junior PI. Toposome: Source of antimicrobial molecules in the gonads of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 109:51-61. [PMID: 33276094 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sea urchins live in a challenging environment that requires rapid and efficient responses against pathogens and invaders. This response may be also important in reproductive processes once males and females release their gametes into water. In addition, the gonads are organs with dual function: reproductive organ and nutrient reserve, therefore it needs efficient protective mechanisms to preserve the nutrients as well as the reproductive cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and characterize antimicrobial molecules in the male and female gonads of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. Through HPLC purification, antimicrobial activity test and mass spectrometry several antimicrobial molecules were found in the gonads of both gender. Computational in silico analyses showed that they are fragments of a glycoprotein called toposome, also known as major yolk protein (MYP) which is one of the major proteins found in the gonads. Although different functions have been reported for this protein, this is the first description of a direct antimicrobial activity in Lytechinus variegatus. The results indicate that when undergoing proteolysis the toposome generates different fragments with antimicrobial activity which may indicate the importance of a rapid defense response strategy against invading microorganisms in the gonads used by both males and females sea urchins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dal Figueiredo
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP, 05508-900, SP, Brazil
| | - W S Santos
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Fabio Montoni
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Leo Kei Iwai
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - P I Silva Junior
- Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA/CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP, 05503-900, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP, 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mercer DK, O'Neil DA. Innate Inspiration: Antifungal Peptides and Other Immunotherapeutics From the Host Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2177. [PMID: 33072081 PMCID: PMC7533533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to describe antifungal therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical development derived from, or directly influenced by, the immune system, with a specific focus on antimicrobial peptides (AMP). Although the focus of this review is AMP with direct antimicrobial effects on fungi, we will also discuss compounds with direct antifungal activity, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb), as well as immunomodulatory molecules that can enhance the immune response to fungal infection, including immunomodulatory AMP, vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, interferon and colony stimulating factors as well as immune cell therapies. The focus of this manuscript will be a non-exhaustive review of antifungal compounds in preclinical and clinical development that are based on the principles of immunology and the authors acknowledge the incredible amount of in vitro and in vivo work that has been conducted to develop such therapeutic candidates.
Collapse
|
7
|
Diniz LCL, Alves FL, Miranda A, da Silva Junior PI. Two Tachykinin-Related Peptides with Antimicrobial Activity Isolated from Triatoma infestans Hemolymph. Microbiol Insights 2020; 13:1178636120933635. [PMID: 32843839 PMCID: PMC7416138 DOI: 10.1177/1178636120933635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) are molecules that can interact with
microbial cells and lead to membrane disruption or intracellular molecule
interactions and death. Several molecules with antimicrobial effects also
present other biological activities. One such protein group representing the
duplicity of activities is the tachykinin family. Tachykinins (TKs) form a
family of neuropeptides in vertebrates with a consensus C-terminal region
(F-X-G-Y-R-NH2). Invertebrate TKs and TK-related peptides (TKRPs) are
subfamilies found in invertebrates that present high homology with TKs and have
similar biological effects. Several of these molecules have already been
described but reports of TKRP in Hemiptera species are limited. By analyzing the
Triatoma infestans hemolymph by reversed-phase
high-performance liquid chromatography, biological assays, and mass
spectrometry, two antimicrobial molecules were isolated and identified as TKRPs,
which we named as TRP1-TINF and TRP2-TINF (tachykinin-related peptides I and II
from T. infestans). TRP1-TINF is a random secondary structure
peptide with 9 amino acid residues. It is susceptible to aminopeptidases
degradation and is active mainly against Micrococcus luteus (32
μM). TRP2-TINF is a 10-amino acid peptide with a 310 helix secondary structure
and is susceptible to carboxypeptidases degradation. It has major antimicrobial
activity against both Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
Escherichia coli (45 μM). Neither molecule is toxic to
human erythrocytes and both present minor toxicity toward Vero cells at a
concentration of 1000 μM. As the first description of TKRPs with antimicrobial
activity in T. infestans, this work contributes to the wider
comprehension of the insects’ physiology and describes pharmacological relevant
molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cristina Lima Diniz
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, LAboratory of Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, LAboratory of Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program Interunits in Biotechnology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shorter Antibacterial Peptide Having High Selectivity for E. coli Membranes and Low Potential for Inducing Resistance. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8060867. [PMID: 32521823 PMCID: PMC7356157 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been recognised as a significant therapeutic option for mitigating resistant microbial infections. It has been found recently that Plasmodium falciparum-derived, 20 residue long, peptide 35409 had antibacterial and haemolytic activity, making it an AMP having reduced selectivity, and suggesting that it should be studied more extensively for obtaining new AMPs having activity solely targeting the bacterial membrane. Peptide 35409 was thus used as template for producing short synthetic peptides (<20 residues long) and evaluating their biological activity and relevant physicochemical characteristics for therapeutic use. Four of the sixteen short peptides evaluated here had activity against E. coli without any associated haemolytic effects. The 35409-1 derivative (17 residues long) had the best therapeutic characteristics as it had high selectivity for bacterial cells, stability in the presence of human sera, activity against E. coli multiresistant clinical isolates and was shorter than the original sequence. It had a powerful membranolytic effect and low potential for inducing resistance in bacteria. This peptide’s characteristics highlighted its potential as an alternative for combating infection caused by E. coli multiresistant bacteria and/or for designing new AMPs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Diniz LCL, da Silva Junior PI. Hemoglobin Reassembly of Antimicrobial Fragments from the Midgut of Triatoma infestans. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020261. [PMID: 32050591 PMCID: PMC7072205 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoglobin is one of the most important molecules of the human body. Beyond its physiological activity, hemoglobins are able to inhibit the growth of several microorganisms. Since 1999, studies have reported that antimicrobial peptides can be produced by blood-feeding insects through hemoglobin digestion, and it has been reported that Triatoma infestans can generate an antimicrobial fragment from human fibrinopeptide. Thus T. infestans intestinal content was analyzed through Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), the eluted fractions were tested against Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the active fractions submitted to mass spectrometry. The data obtained were compared to hemoglobin databases to verify the presence of hemoglobin-derived fragments. Ten fractions eluted from chromatography presented antimicrobial activity, and when analyzed through mass spectrometry revealed the presence of 8 murine hemoglobin α-chain fragments and 24 fragments from murine hemoglobin β fragments. Through the compilation of the fragments is possible to obtain over 67% coverage of both sequences. Part of the amino acid sequences corresponds to the sequences already identified on other intestinal contents of arthropods, and are highly conserved between the blood of other wild animals that are the most common intermediate hosts of Chagas’ disease in Brazil and some of the main natural blood source for triatomines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cristina Lima Diniz
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, CEP: 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil;
- Post-Graduation Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Laboratory of Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, CEP: 05503-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-011-2627-9731
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
de Jesus Oliveira T, Oliveira UCD, da Silva Junior PI. Serrulin: A Glycine-Rich Bioactive Peptide from the Hemolymph of the Yellow Tityus serrulatus Scorpion. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090517. [PMID: 31489876 PMCID: PMC6784228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090517] [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: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules, which have a potential use as antibiotic or pharmacological tools. In chelicerate organisms, such as scorpions, these molecules constitute an alternative defense system against microorganisms. The aim of this work was to identify AMPs in the hemolymph of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion. Fractions of plasma and hemocytes were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and then analyzed to determine their activity in inhibiting microbial growth. One of the fractions from the hemocytes presents antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, such as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and yeast. These fractions were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and a fragment of 3564 Da. was identified. The peptide was called serrulin, because it is derived from the species T. serrulatus. A comparison of the amino acid sequence of serrulin with databases shows that it has a similarity to the glycine-rich peptides described in Cupienius salai and Acanthoscurria gomesiana (spiders). Furthermore, serrulin has no hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. While the presence of AMPs in T. serrulatus venom has been described in other works, this is the first work to characterize the presence of these molecules in the hemolymph (hemocytes) of this species and show its potential use as an alternative to conventional antibiotics against different species of microorganisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thiago de Jesus Oliveira
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|