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Wang S, Xie H, Liu L, Du L, Yin F, Chen Y, Liu Z, Sun G, Zhang X, Sun D, Fang M, Cheng L, Chen Y, Kou Z, Zheng B. A rare waterborne outbreak of Bacillus paranthracis in Shandong province, China, 2020: epidemiologic survey, genomic insights, and virulence characteristics. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2348498. [PMID: 38686555 PMCID: PMC11149578 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2024.2348498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Bacillus paranthracis, a Gram-positive conditional pathogen of Bacillus cereus group species, is capable of causing foodborne and waterborne illnesses, leading to intestinal diseases in humans characterized by diarrhoea and vomiting. However, documented cases of B. paranthracis infection outbreaks are rare in the world, and the genomic background of outbreak strains is seldom characterized. This study retrospectively analyzed strains obtained from an outbreak in schools, as well as from water systems in peri-urban areas, China, in 2020. In total, 28 B. cereus group isolates were retrieved, comprising 6 from stool samples and 22 from water samples. Epidemiological and phylogenetic investigations indicated that the B. paranthracis isolate from drinking water as the causative agent of the outbreak. The genomic comparison revealed a high degree of consistency among 8 outbreak-related strains in terms of antimicrobial resistance gene profiles, virulence gene profiles, genomic content, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The strains related to the outbreak show highly similar genomic ring diagrams and close phylogenetic relationships. Additionally, this study shed light on the pathogenic potential and complexity of B. cereus group through its diversity in virulence genes and mice infection model. The findings highlight the usefulness of B. paranthracis genomes in understanding genetic diversity within specific environments and in tracing the source of pathogens during outbreak situations, thereby enabling targeted infection control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hengjie Xie
- Shandong Institute for Food and Drug Control, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Liu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Du
- Shandong Public Health Clinical Center Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Yin
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuzhen Chen
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziqing Liu
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaoxiang Sun
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Zhang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dapeng Sun
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Fang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lixiao Cheng
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanru Chen
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zengqiang Kou
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beiwen Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Khalifa HO, Oreiby A, Abdelhamid MAA, Ki MR, Pack SP. Biomimetic Antifungal Materials: Countering the Challenge of Multidrug-Resistant Fungi. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:425. [PMID: 39056866 PMCID: PMC11274442 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070425] [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: 06/24/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of rising public health threats like antifungal and antimicrobial resistance, alongside the slowdown in new antimicrobial development, biomimetics have shown promise as therapeutic agents. Multidrug-resistant fungi pose significant challenges as they quickly develop resistance, making traditional antifungals less effective. Developing new antifungals is also complicated by the need to target eukaryotic cells without harming the host. This review examines biomimetic antifungal materials that mimic natural biological mechanisms for targeted and efficient action. It covers a range of agents, including antifungal peptides, alginate-based antifungals, chitosan derivatives, nanoparticles, plant-derived polyphenols, and probiotic bacteria. These agents work through mechanisms such as disrupting cell membranes, generating reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting essential fungal processes. Despite their potential, challenges remain in terms of ensuring biocompatibility, optimizing delivery, and overcoming potential resistance. Production scalability and economic viability are also concerns. Future research should enhance the stability and efficacy of these materials, integrate multifunctional approaches, and develop sophisticated delivery systems. Interdisciplinary efforts are needed to understand interactions between these materials, fungal cells, and the host environment. Long-term health and environmental impacts, fungal resistance mechanisms, and standardized testing protocols require further study. In conclusion, while biomimetic antifungal materials represent a revolutionary approach to combating multidrug-resistant fungi, extensive research and development are needed to fully realize their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hazim O. Khalifa
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 1555, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt
| | - Atef Oreiby
- Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafrelsheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Mohamed A. A. Abdelhamid
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (M.A.A.A.); (M.-R.K.)
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Mi-Ran Ki
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (M.A.A.A.); (M.-R.K.)
- Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Pil Pack
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro 2511, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea; (M.A.A.A.); (M.-R.K.)
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Pires AJ, Pereira G, Fangueiro D, Bexiga R, Oliveira M. When the solution becomes the problem: a review on antimicrobial resistance in dairy cattle. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:903-929. [PMID: 38661710 PMCID: PMC11290761 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics' action, once a 'magic bullet', is now hindered by widespread microbial resistance, creating a global antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. A primary driver of AMR is the selective pressure from antimicrobial use. Between 2000 and 2015, antibiotic consumption increased by 65%, reaching 34.8 billion tons, 73% of which was used in animals. In the dairy cattle sector, antibiotics are crucial for treating diseases like mastitis, posing risks to humans, animals and potentially leading to environmental contamination. To address AMR, strategies like selective dry cow therapy, alternative treatments (nanoparticles, phages) and waste management innovations are emerging. However, most solutions are in development, emphasizing the urgent need for further research to tackle AMR in dairy farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana José Pires
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Pereira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Fangueiro
- LEAF Research Center, Terra Associate Laboratory, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Bexiga
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Manuela Oliveira
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health (CIISA), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Av. da Universidade Técnica de Lisboa, 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477, Lisbon, Portugal
- cE3c—Centre for Ecology, Evolution & Environmental Changes & CHANGE—Global Change & Sustainability Institute, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016, Lisbon, Portugal
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Elbediwi M, Rolff J. Metabolic pathways and antimicrobial peptide resistance in bacteria. J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:1473-1483. [PMID: 38742645 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing concern that poses a significant threat to global public health, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies to combat drug-resistant microbial infections. Recently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained substantial attention as possible replacements for conventional antibiotics. Because of their pharmacodynamics and killing mechanisms, AMPs display a lower risk of bacterial resistance evolution compared with most conventional antibiotics. However, bacteria display different mechanisms to resist AMPs, and the role of metabolic pathways in the resistance mechanism is not fully understood. This review examines the intricate relationship between metabolic genes and AMP resistance, focusing on the impact of metabolic pathways on various aspects of resistance. Metabolic pathways related to guanosine pentaphosphate (pppGpp) and guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) [collectively (p)ppGpp], the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, haem biosynthesis, purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis, and amino acid and lipid metabolism influence in different ways metabolic adjustments, biofilm formation and energy production that could be involved in AMP resistance. By targeting metabolic pathways and their associated genes, it could be possible to enhance the efficacy of existing antimicrobial therapies and overcome the challenges exhibited by phenotypic (recalcitrance) and genetic resistance toward AMPs. Further research in this area is needed to provide valuable insights into specific mechanisms, uncover novel therapeutic targets, and aid in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Elbediwi
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Centre, 12618 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jens Rolff
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Berlin, Germany
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Kumar N, Bhagwat P, Singh S, Pillai S. A review on the diversity of antimicrobial peptides and genome mining strategies for their prediction. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00157-3. [PMID: 38944107 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.06.013] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become one of the most serious threats to human health in recent years. In response to the increasing microbial resistance to the antibiotics currently available, it is imperative to develop new antibiotics or explore new approaches to combat antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown considerable promise in this regard, as the microbes develop low or no resistance against them. The discovery and development of AMPs still confront numerous obstacles such as finding a target, developing assays, and identifying hits and leads, which are time-consuming processes, making it difficult to reach the market. However, with the advent of genome mining, new antibiotics could be discovered efficiently using tools such as BAGEL, antiSMASH, RODEO, etc., providing hope for better treatment of diseases in the future. Computational methods used in genome mining automatically detect and annotate biosynthetic gene clusters in genomic data, making it a useful tool in natural product discovery. This review aims to shed light on the history, diversity, and mechanisms of action of AMPs and the data on new AMPs identified by traditional as well as genome mining strategies. It further substantiates the various phases of clinical trials for some AMPs, as well as an overview of genome mining databases and tools built expressly for AMP discovery. In light of the recent advancements, it is evident that targeted genome mining stands as a beacon of hope, offering immense potential to expedite the discovery of novel antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Prashant Bhagwat
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Suren Singh
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Santhosh Pillai
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, P O Box 1334, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
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Finkina EI, Shevchenko OV, Fateeva SI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV. Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1499. [PMID: 38891308 PMCID: PMC11174490 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the Candida genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly. Therefore, the search for new antimycotics, including those exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, is of great importance. Plenty of natural compounds with antifungal activities may be extremely useful in solving this problem. This review evaluates the features of natural antimicrobial peptides, namely plant defensins as possible prototypes of new anticandidal agents. Plant defensins are important components of the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defense against pathogens. The introduction presents a brief summary regarding pathogenic Candida species, the pathogenesis of candidiasis, and the mechanisms of antimycotic resistance. Then, the structural features of plant defensins, their anticandidal activities, their mechanisms of action on yeast-like fungi, their ability to prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their combined action with conventional antimycotics are described. The possible mechanisms of fungal resistance to plant defensins, their cytotoxic activity, and their effectiveness in in vivo experiments are also discussed. In addition, for the first time for plant defensins, knowledge about their immunomodulatory effects is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina I. Finkina
- M. M. Shemyakin & Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia (T.V.O.)
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Goh KGK, Desai D, Thapa R, Prince D, Acharya D, Sullivan MJ, Ulett GC. An opportunistic pathogen under stress: how Group B Streptococcus responds to cytotoxic reactive species and conditions of metal ion imbalance to survive. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2024; 48:fuae009. [PMID: 38678005 PMCID: PMC11098048 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Group B Streptococcus (GBS; also known as Streptococcus agalactiae) is an opportunistic bacterial pathogen that causes sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infections in neonates and healthy or immunocompromised adults. GBS is well-adapted to survive in humans due to a plethora of virulence mechanisms that afford responses to support bacterial survival in dynamic host environments. These mechanisms and responses include counteraction of cell death from exposure to excess metal ions that can cause mismetallation and cytotoxicity, and strategies to combat molecules such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that are generated as part of innate host defence. Cytotoxicity from reactive molecules can stem from damage to proteins, DNA, and membrane lipids, potentially leading to bacterial cell death inside phagocytic cells or within extracellular spaces within the host. Deciphering the ways in which GBS responds to the stress of cytotoxic reactive molecules within the host will benefit the development of novel therapeutic and preventative strategies to manage the burden of GBS disease. This review summarizes knowledge of GBS carriage in humans and the mechanisms used by the bacteria to circumvent killing by these important elements of host immune defence: oxidative stress, nitrosative stress, and stress from metal ion intoxication/mismetallation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin G K Goh
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Devika Desai
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Ruby Thapa
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Darren Prince
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Dhruba Acharya
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Matthew J Sullivan
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Glen C Ulett
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast Campus, QLD 4222, Australia
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Vega LA, Sansón-Iglesias M, Mukherjee P, Buchan K, Morrison G, Hohlt AE, Flores AR. LiaR-dependent gene expression contributes to antimicrobial responses in group A Streptococcus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.04.588141. [PMID: 38617309 PMCID: PMC11014544 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.588141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The ability to sense and respond to host defenses is essential for pathogen survival. Some mechanisms involve two-component systems (TCS) that respond to host molecules, such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and activate specific gene regulatory pathways to aid in survival. Alongside TCSs, bacteria coordinate cell division proteins, chaperones, cell wall sortases and secretory translocons at discrete locations within the cytoplasmic membrane, referred to as functional membrane microdomains (FMMs). In Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the FMM or "ExPortal" coordinates protein secretion, cell wall synthesis and sensing of AMP-mediated cell envelope stress via the LiaFSR three-component system. Previously we showed GAS exposure to a subset of AMPs (α-defensins) activates the LiaFSR system by disrupting LiaF and LiaS co-localization in the ExPortal, leading to increased LiaR phosphorylation, expression of the transcriptional regulator SpxA2, and altered GAS virulence gene expression. The mechanisms by which LiaFSR integrates cell envelope stress with responses to AMP activity and virulence are not fully elucidated. Here, we show the LiaFSR regulon is comprised of genes encoding SpxA2 and three membrane-associated proteins: a PspC domain-containing protein (PCP), the lipoteichoic acid-modifying protein LafB and the membrane protein insertase YidC2. Our data show phosphorylated LiaR induces transcription of these genes via a conserved operator, whose disruption attenuates GAS virulence and increases susceptibility to AMPs in a manner primarily dependent on differential expression of SpxA2. Our work expands understanding of the LiaFSR regulatory network in GAS and identifies targets for further investigation of mechanisms of cell envelope stress tolerance contributing to GAS pathogenesis.
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Wang C, Ren YY, Han LM, Yi PC, Wang WX, Zhang CY, Chen XZ, Chi MZ, Wang A, Chen W, Hu CM. ApoE Mimetic Peptide COG1410 Kills Mycobacterium smegmatis via Directly Interfering ClpC's ATPase Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:278. [PMID: 38534713 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030278] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as alternatives to combat bacterial infections, addressing the urgent global threat of antibiotic resistance. COG1410, a synthetic peptide derived from apolipoprotein E, has exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains, including Mycobacterium smegmatis. However, our study reveals a previously unknown resistance mechanism developed by M. smegmatis against COG1410 involving ClpC. Upon subjecting M. smegmatis to serial passages in the presence of sub-MIC COG1410, resistance emerged. The comparative genomic analysis identified a point mutation in ClpC (S437P), situated within its middle domain, which led to high resistance to COG1410 without compromising bacterial fitness. Complementation of ClpC in mutant restored bacterial sensitivity. In-depth analyses, including transcriptomic profiling and in vitro assays, uncovered that COG1410 interferes with ClpC at both transcriptional and functional levels. COG1410 not only stimulated the ATPase activity of ClpC but also enhanced the proteolytic activity of Clp protease. SPR analysis confirmed that COG1410 directly binds with ClpC. Surprisingly, the identified S437P mutation did not impact their binding affinity. This study sheds light on a unique resistance mechanism against AMPs in mycobacteria, highlighting the pivotal role of ClpC in this process. Unraveling the interplay between COG1410 and ClpC enriches our understanding of AMP-bacterial interactions, offering potential insights for developing innovative strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Yun-Yao Ren
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Li-Mei Han
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Yi
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Wei-Xiao Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Cai-Yun Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Xiu-Zhen Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Apeng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Chun-Mei Hu
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
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Kharga K, Jha S, Vishwakarma T, Kumar L. Current developments and prospects of the antibiotic delivery systems. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-40. [PMID: 38425122 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2321480] [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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotics have remained the cornerstone for the treatment of bacterial infections ever since their discovery in the twentieth century. The uproar over antibiotic resistance among bacteria arising from genome plasticity and biofilm development has rendered current antibiotic therapies ineffective, urging the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. The development of antibiotic resistance among bacteria has further heightened the clinical failure of antibiotic therapy, which is often linked to its low bioavailability, side effects, and poor penetration and accumulation at the site of infection. In this review, we highlight the potential use of siderophores, antibodies, cell-penetrating peptides, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, and nanoparticles to smuggle antibiotics across impermeable biological membranes to achieve therapeutically relevant concentrations of antibiotics and combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We will discuss the general mechanisms via which each delivery system functions and how it can be tailored to deliver antibiotics against the paradigm of mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum Kharga
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Shubhang Jha
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Tanvi Vishwakarma
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Lokender Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh, India
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Blanco-Blanco J, Bravo M, Simón I, Fernández-Llario P, Fajardo-Olivares M, Fernández-Calderón MC, Cerrato R. Synergistic Activity of Ingulados Bacteria with Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:200. [PMID: 38534635 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030200] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a critical challenge due to the overuse of conventional antimicrobials, and alternative solutions are urgently needed. This study investigates the efficacy of compounds derived from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation combined with antibiotics against multidrug-resistant pathogens isolated from clinical cases in a hospital setting. Strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus faecium and faecalis were isolated and selected from blood, respiratory, and urine samples. They were tested against the fermentation products from the Ingulados LAB collection (BAL5, BAL6, BAL8, BAL13, and BAL16), recognized for their antimicrobial efficacy against veterinary pathogens. The activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens was evaluated initially, followed by synergy tests using checkerboard assays and subsequent analysis. Bioinformatic assessments and supernatant treatments were performed to characterize the nature of the compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity. Notably, BAL16 exhibited significant growth inhibition against multidrug-resistant E. faecium. Synergy tests highlighted its combined activity with tetracycline through FICI and surface analysis and bioinformatic analysis unveiled the protein fraction containing bacteriocins as the underlying mechanism. This study highlights BAL16 fermentation products potential as valuable antimicrobial agents against MDR E. faecium infections, attributed to bacteriocins. Further in-depth studies are necessary for complete bacteriocin characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Blanco-Blanco
- Ingulados, S.L., 10004 Cáceres, Spain
- Biosanitary Research University Institute of Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - María Coronada Fernández-Calderón
- Biosanitary Research University Institute of Extremadura (INUBE), 06080 Badajoz, Spain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
- Networking Biomedical Research Centre on Bioenineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Medvedeva A, Teimouri H, Kolomeisky AB. Differences in Relevant Physicochemical Properties Correlate with Synergistic Activity of Antimicrobial Peptides. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:1407-1417. [PMID: 38306612 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c07663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
With the urgent need for new medical approaches due to increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as potential treatments for infections. Experiments indicate that combinations of several types of AMPs might be even more effective at inhibiting bacterial growth with reduced toxicity and a lower likelihood of inducing bacterial resistance. The molecular mechanisms of AMP-AMP synergistic antimicrobial activity, however, remain not well understood. Here, we present a theoretical approach that allows us to relate the physicochemical properties of AMPs and their antimicrobial cooperativity. It utilizes correlation and bioinformatics analysis. A concept of physicochemical similarity is introduced, and it is found that less similar AMPs with respect to certain physicochemical properties lead to greater synergy because of their complementary antibacterial actions. The analysis of correlations between the similarity and the antimicrobial properties allows us to effectively separate synergistic from nonsynergistic AMP pairs. Our theoretical approach can be used for the rational design of more effective AMP combinations for specific bacterial targets, for clarifying the mechanisms of bacterial elimination, and for a better understanding of cooperativity phenomena in biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Medvedeva
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Hamid Teimouri
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Anatoly B Kolomeisky
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
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13
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Bint-E-Naser SF, Mohamed ZJ, Chao Z, Bali K, Owens RM, Daniel S. Gram-Positive Bacterial Membrane-Based Biosensor for Multimodal Investigation of Membrane-Antibiotic Interactions. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:45. [PMID: 38248423 PMCID: PMC10813107 DOI: 10.3390/bios14010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As membrane-mediated antibiotic resistance continues to evolve in Gram-positive bacteria, the development of new approaches to elucidate the membrane properties involved in antibiotic resistance has become critical. Membrane vesicles (MVs) secreted by the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria contain native components, preserving lipid and protein diversity, nucleic acids, and sometimes virulence factors. Thus, MV-derived membrane platforms present a great model for Gram-positive bacterial membranes. In this work, we report the development of a planar bacterial cytoplasmic membrane-based biosensor using MVs isolated from the Bacillus subtilis WT strain that can be coated on multiple surface types such as glass, quartz crystals, and polymeric electrodes, fostering the multimodal assessment of drug-membrane interactions. Retention of native membrane components such as lipoteichoic acids, lipids, and proteins is verified. This biosensor replicates known interaction patterns of the antimicrobial compound, daptomycin, with the Gram-positive bacterial membrane, establishing the applicability of this platform for carrying out biophysical characterization of the interactions of membrane-acting antibiotic compounds with the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. We report changes in membrane viscoelasticity and permeability that correspond to partial membrane disruption when calcium ions are present with daptomycin but not when these ions are chelated. This biomembrane biosensing platform enables an assessment of membrane biophysical characteristics during exposure to antibiotic drug candidates to aid in identifying compounds that target membrane disruption as a mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samavi Farnush Bint-E-Naser
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (S.F.B.-E.-N.); (Z.C.)
| | | | - Zhongmou Chao
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (S.F.B.-E.-N.); (Z.C.)
| | - Karan Bali
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK; (K.B.); (R.M.O.)
| | - Róisín M. Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK; (K.B.); (R.M.O.)
| | - Susan Daniel
- Robert F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; (S.F.B.-E.-N.); (Z.C.)
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14
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Aguilera-Puga MDC, Cancelarich NL, Marani MM, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Plisson F. Accelerating the Discovery and Design of Antimicrobial Peptides with Artificial Intelligence. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2714:329-352. [PMID: 37676607 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3441-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Peptides modulate many processes of human physiology targeting ion channels, protein receptors, or enzymes. They represent valuable starting points for the development of new biologics against communicable and non-communicable disorders. However, turning native peptide ligands into druggable materials requires high selectivity and efficacy, predictable metabolism, and good safety profiles. Machine learning models have gradually emerged as cost-effective and time-saving solutions to predict and generate new proteins with optimal properties. In this chapter, we will discuss the evolution and applications of predictive modeling and generative modeling to discover and design safe and effective antimicrobial peptides. We will also present their current limitations and suggest future research directions, applicable to peptide drug design campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana D C Aguilera-Puga
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Natalia L Cancelarich
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Mariela M Marani
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Fabien Plisson
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
- CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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15
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Anurag Anand A, Amod A, Anwar S, Sahoo AK, Sethi G, Samanta SK. A comprehensive guide on screening and selection of a suitable AMP against biofilm-forming bacteria. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-20. [PMID: 38102871 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2293019] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lately, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing at an exponential rate making it important to search alternatives to antibiotics in order to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Out of the several antibacterial and antibiofilm strategies being tested, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown to give better hopes in terms of a long-lasting solution to the problem. To select a desired AMP, it is important to make right use of available tools and databases that aid in identification, classification, and analysis of the physiochemical properties of AMPs. To identify the targets of these AMPs, it becomes crucial to understand their mode-of-action. AMPs can also be used in combination with other antibacterial and antibiofilm agents so as to achieve enhanced efficacy against bacteria and their biofilms. Due to concerns regarding toxicity, stability, and bioavailability, strategizing drug formulation at an early-stage becomes crucial. Although there are few concerns regarding development of bacterial resistance to AMPs, the evolution of resistance to AMPs occurs extremely slowly. This comprehensive review gives a deep insight into the selection of the right AMP, deciding the right target and combination strategy along with the type of formulation needed, and the possible resistance that bacteria can develop to these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Anurag Anand
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Ayush Amod
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Sarfraz Anwar
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sintu Kumar Samanta
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
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16
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Campoccia D, Ravaioli S, Mirzaei R, Bua G, Daglia M, Arciola CR. Interactions of Neutrophils with the Polymeric Molecular Components of the Biofilm Matrix in the Context of Implant-Associated Bone and Joint Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17042. [PMID: 38069365 PMCID: PMC10707472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the presence of orthopedic implants, opportunistic pathogens can easily colonize the biomaterial surfaces, forming protective biofilms. Life in biofilm is a central pathogenetic mechanism enabling bacteria to elude the host immune response and survive conventional medical treatments. The formation of mature biofilms is universally recognized as the main cause of septic prosthetic failures. Neutrophils are the first leukocytes to be recruited at the site of infection. They are highly efficient in detecting and killing planktonic bacteria. However, the interactions of these fundamental effector cells of the immune system with the biofilm matrix, which is the true interface of a biofilm with the host cells, have only recently started to be unveiled and are still to be fully understood. Biofilm matrix macromolecules consist of exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, teichoic acids, and the most recently described extracellular DNA. The latter can also be stolen from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by bacteria, who use it to strengthen their biofilms. This paper aims to review the specific interactions that neutrophils develop when they physically encounter the matrix of a biofilm and come to interact with its polymeric molecular components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Campoccia
- Laboratorio di Patologia Delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (S.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Stefano Ravaioli
- Laboratorio di Patologia Delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (S.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Rasoul Mirzaei
- Venom and Biotherapeutics Molecules Laboratory, Medical Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran;
| | - Gloria Bua
- Laboratorio di Patologia Delle Infezioni Associate all’Impianto, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (D.C.); (S.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy;
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Carla Renata Arciola
- Laboratory of Immunorheumatology and Tissue Regeneration, Laboratory of Pathology of Implant Infections, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Via di Barbiano 1/10, 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 14, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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17
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Hong X, Liu X, Su B, Lin J. Improved Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Lactoferrin Peptide (LFcinB) Based on Rational Design. Protein J 2023; 42:633-644. [PMID: 37568054 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10142-4] [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] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin peptide (LFcinB), as an antimicrobial peptide, is expected to be an alternative of antibiotics owing to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and specific mechanism. However, the weak antimicrobial activity, high hemolysis, and poor stability of LFcinB limited its applications in the field of biomedicine, food and agriculture. In order to improve the antimicrobial activity of LFcinB, five mutants were designed rationally, of which mutant LF4 (M10W/P16R/A24L) showed highest antimicrobial activity. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that the improved antimicrobial activity of LF4 was related to its increased cations, higher amphiphilicity and the extension of the β-sheet in the structure. These studies will highlight the important role of bioinformatic tools in designing ideal biopeptides and lay a foundation for further development of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Hong
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqian Liu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Bingmei Su
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China.
| | - Juan Lin
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China.
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18
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Upender I, Yoshida O, Schrecengost A, Ranson H, Wu Q, Rowley DC, Kishore S, Cywes C, Miller EL, Whalen KE. A marine-derived fatty acid targets the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0031023. [PMID: 37905811 PMCID: PMC10662121 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00310-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE With the lack of new antibiotics in the drug discovery pipeline, coupled with accelerated evolution of antibiotic resistance, new sources of antibiotics that target pathogens of clinical importance are paramount. Here, we use bacterial cytological profiling to identify the mechanism of action of the monounsaturated fatty acid (Z)-13-methyltetra-4-decenoic acid isolated from the marine bacterium Olleya marilimosa with antibacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. The fatty acid antibiotic was found to rapidly destabilize the cell membrane by pore formation and membrane aggregation in Bacillus subtilis, suggesting that this fatty acid may be a promising adjuvant used in combination to enhance antibiotic sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha Upender
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Olivia Yoshida
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Anna Schrecengost
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Hilary Ranson
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Qihao Wu
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David C. Rowley
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shreya Kishore
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claire Cywes
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric L. Miller
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kristen E. Whalen
- Department of Biology, Haverford College, Haverford, Pennsylvania, USA
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19
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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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20
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Dennison SR, Morton LH, Badiani K, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Bacterial susceptibility and resistance to modelin-5. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8247-8263. [PMID: 37869970 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01007d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Modelin-5 (M5-NH2) killed Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a minimum lethal concentration (MLC) of 5.86 μM and strongly bound its cytoplasmic membrane (CM) with a Kd of 23.5 μM. The peptide adopted high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure (75.0%) and penetrated the CM hydrophobic core (8.0 mN m-1). This insertion destabilised CM structure via increased lipid packing and decreased fluidity (ΔGmix < 0), which promoted high levels of lysis (84.1%) and P. aeruginosa cell death. M5-NH2 showed a very strong affinity (Kd = 3.5 μM) and very high levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure with cardiolipin membranes (96.0%,) which primarily drove the peptide's membranolytic action against P. aeruginosa. In contrast, M5-NH2 killed Staphylococcus aureus with an MLC of 147.6 μM and weakly bound its CM with a Kd of 117.6 μM, The peptide adopted low levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure (35.0%) and only penetrated the upper regions of the CM (3.3 mN m-1). This insertion stabilised CM structure via decreased lipid packing and increased fluidity (ΔGmix > 0) and promoted only low levels of lysis (24.3%). The insertion and lysis of the S. aureus CM by M5-NH2 showed a strong negative correlation with its lysyl phosphatidylglycerol (Lys-PG) content (R2 > 0.98). In combination, these data suggested that Lys-PG mediated mechanisms inhibited the membranolytic action of M5-NH2 against S. aureus, thereby rendering the organism resistant to the peptide. These results are discussed in relation to structure/function relationships of M5-NH2 and CM lipids that underpin bacterial susceptibility and resistance to the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Leslie Hg Morton
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - Kamal Badiani
- Pepceuticals Limited, 4 Feldspar Close, Warrens Park, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 4JS, UK
| | - Frederick Harris
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
| | - David A Phoenix
- Office of the Vice Chancellor, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK
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21
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Bertelsen M, Lacey MM, Nichol T, Miller K. Mechanistic Insight into the Early Stages of Toroidal Pore Formation by the Antimicrobial Peptide Smp24. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2399. [PMID: 37896158 PMCID: PMC10610086 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102399] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial peptide Smp24, originally derived from the venom of Scorpio maurus palmatus, is a promising candidate for further drug development. However, before doing so, greater insight into the mechanism of action is needed to construct a reliable structure-activity relationship. The aim of this study was to specifically investigate the critical early stages of peptide-induced membrane disruption. Single-channel current traces were obtained via planar patch-clamp electrophysiology, with multiple types of pore-forming events observed, unlike those expected from the traditional, more rigid mechanistic models. To better understand the molecular-level structures of the peptide-pore assemblies underlying these observed conductance events, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the peptide structure and orientation both before and during pore formation. The transition of the peptides to transmembrane-like states within disordered toroidal pores occurred due to a peptide-induced bilayer-leaflet asymmetry, explaining why pore stabilization does not always follow pore nucleation in the experimental observations. To fully grasp the structure-activity relationship of antimicrobial peptides, a more nuanced view of the complex and dynamic mechanistic behaviour must be adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Keith Miller
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
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22
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Cavallazzi Sebold B, Li J, Ni G, Fu Q, Li H, Liu X, Wang T. Going Beyond Host Defence Peptides: Horizons of Chemically Engineered Peptides for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. BioDrugs 2023; 37:607-623. [PMID: 37300748 PMCID: PMC10432368 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-023-00608-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are considered a health threat worldwide, and this problem is set to increase over the decades. The ESKAPE, a group of six pathogens including Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. is the major source of concern due to their high death incidence and nosocomial acquired infection. Host defence peptides (HDPs) are a class of ribosomally synthesised peptides that have shown promising results in combating MDR, including the ESKAPE group, in- and outside bacterial biofilms. However, their poor pharmacokinetics in physiological mediums may impede HDPs from becoming viable clinical candidates. To circumvent this problem, chemical engineering of HDPs has been seen as an emergent approach to not only improve their pharmacokinetics but also their efficacy against pathogens. In this review, we explore several chemical modifications of HDPs that have shown promising results, especially against ESKAPE pathogens, and provide an overview of the current findings with respect to each modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Cavallazzi Sebold
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Junjie Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoying Ni
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanlan Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Hejie Li
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Xiaosong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/Clinical Medical School, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Centre for Bioinnovation, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
- School of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore BC, QLD, 4558, Australia.
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23
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Han W, Camesano TA. LL37-Derived Fragments Improve the Antibacterial Potential of Penicillin G and Ampicillin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1398. [PMID: 37760695 PMCID: PMC10525415 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091398] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a severe threat to public health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are novel and potential antimicrobials with specific antibacterial mechanisms. Our aim was to study the potential of LL37, FK16, and FK13 to enhance the anti-MRSA activity of antibiotics in vitro, particularly penicillin G and ampicillin. Our results showed that FK16 and FK13 have more synergistic inhibitory effects to MRSA strains when combined with penicillin G and ampicillin. In addition, AMPs exhibited strong membrane permeabilizing properties, and membrane permeabilizing effects can provide a possible explanation for the improved antibacterial effects of antibiotics, since permeabilizing AMPs have the potential to increase the access of antibiotics. To further study the electrostatic interactions among cationic AMPs with negatively charged bacteria, we measured the zeta potentials of three MRSA strains and also neutralized three MRSA strains with the addition of cationic AMPs. Further, we demonstrated the connection between membrane permeabilization and zeta potential neutralization. Finally, we treated MRSA strains with AMPs and characterized the MICs of penicillin G and ampicillin. FK16 was the most promising AMP among the three AMPs, since exposure to FK16 decreased the MICs of both penicillin G and ampicillin for all MRSA strains and also demonstrated more synergistic combinations when combined with antibiotics. AMP exposure and subsequent membrane permeabilization provide a possible pathway to re-sensitize drug-resistant bacteria to traditional antibiotics. Re-sensitization may help preserve the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics, thus providing a potential new strategy for fighting MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terri A. Camesano
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609, USA;
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24
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Garvey M. Antimicrobial Peptides Demonstrate Activity against Resistant Bacterial Pathogens. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:454-469. [PMID: 37623050 PMCID: PMC10454446 DOI: 10.3390/idr15040046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis is an ongoing major threat to public health safety. Low- and middle-income countries are particularly susceptible to higher fatality rates and the economic impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). As an increasing number of pathogens emerge with multi- and pan-drug resistance to last-resort antibiotics, there is an urgent need to provide alternative antibacterial options to mitigate disease transmission, morbidity, and mortality. As identified by the World Health Organization (WHO), critically important pathogens such as Klebsiella and Pseudomonas species are becoming resistant to last-resort antibiotics including colistin while being frequently isolated from clinical cases of infection. Antimicrobial peptides are potent amino acid sequences produced by many life forms from prokaryotic, fungal, plant, to animal species. These peptides have many advantages, including their multi-hit mode of action, potency, and rapid onset of action with low levels of resistance being evident. These innate defense mechanisms also have an immune-stimulating action among other activities in vivo, thus making them ideal therapeutic options. Large-scale production and formulation issues (pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics), high cost, and protease instability hinder their mass production and limit their clinical application. This review outlines the potential of these peptides to act as therapeutic agents in the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections considering the mode of action, resistance, and formulation aspects. Clinically relevant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens are highlighted according to the WHO priority pathogen list.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91YW50 Sligo, Ireland
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25
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George NL, Orlando BJ. Architecture of a complete Bce-type antimicrobial peptide resistance module. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3896. [PMID: 37393310 PMCID: PMC10314905 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39678-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gram-positive bacteria synthesize and secrete antimicrobial peptides that target the essential process of peptidoglycan synthesis. These antimicrobial peptides not only regulate the dynamics of microbial communities but are also of clinical importance as exemplified by peptides such as bacitracin, vancomycin, and daptomycin. Many gram-positive species have evolved specialized antimicrobial peptide sensing and resistance machinery known as Bce modules. These modules are membrane protein complexes formed by an unusual Bce-type ABC transporter interacting with a two-component system sensor histidine kinase. In this work, we provide the first structural insight into how the membrane protein components of these modules assemble into a functional complex. A cryo-EM structure of an entire Bce module revealed an unexpected mechanism of complex assembly, and extensive structural flexibility in the sensor histidine kinase. Structures of the complex in the presence of a non-hydrolysable ATP analog reveal how nucleotide binding primes the complex for subsequent activation. Accompanying biochemical data demonstrate how the individual membrane protein components of the complex exert functional control over one another to create a tightly regulated enzymatic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L George
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Dept. of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Benjamin J Orlando
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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26
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Saha S, Xiong JQ, Patil SM, Ha GS, Hoh JK, Park HK, Chung W, Chang SW, Khan MA, Park HB, Jeon BH. Dissemination of sulfonamide resistance genes in digester microbiome during anaerobic digestion of food waste leachate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 452:131200. [PMID: 36958158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The preeminence of sulfonamide drug resistance genes in food waste (FW) and the increased utilization of high-strength organic FW in anaerobic digestion (AD) to enhance methane production have raised severe public health concerns in wastewater treatment plants worldwide. In this regard, the dissemination patterns of different sulfonamide resistance genes (sul1 and sul2) and their impact on the digester core microbiota during AD of FW leachate (FWL) were evaluated. The presence of various sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) in FWL digesters improved the final methane yield by 37 % during AD compared with FWL digesters without SAs. Microbial population shifts towards hydrolytic, acidogenic, and acetogenic bacteria in the phyla Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Synergistota occurred due to SA induced substrate digestion and absorption through active transport; butanoate, propanoate, and pyruvate metabolism; glycolysis; gluconeogenesis; the citrate cycle; and pentose phosphate pathway. The initial dominance of Methanosaeta (89-96 %) declined to 47-53 % as AD progressed and shifted towards Methanosarcina (40 %) in digesters with the highest SA concentrations at the end of AD. Dissemination of sul1 depended on class 1 integron gene (intl1)-based horizontal gene transfer to pathogenic members of Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Patescibacteria, whereas sul2 was transmitted to Synergistota independent of intl1. Low susceptibility and ability to utilize SAs during methanogenesis shielded methanogenic archaea against selection pressure, thus preventing them from interacting with sul or intl1 genes, thereby minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance development. The observed emergence of cationic antimicrobial peptide, vancomycin, and β-lactam resistance in the core microbiota during AD of FWL in the presence of SAs suggests that multidrug resistance caused by bacterial transformation could lead to an increase in the environmental resistome through wastewater sludge treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouvik Saha
- Natural Resources Research Institute, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jiu-Qiang Xiong
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Swapnil M Patil
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea
| | - Geon-Soo Ha
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Kyu Hoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Park
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea
| | - Woojin Chung
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, the Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Woong Chang
- Department of Environmental Energy Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, the Republic of Korea
| | - Moonis Ali Khan
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ho Bum Park
- Department of Energy Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea
| | - Byong-Hun Jeon
- Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, the Republic of Korea.
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27
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Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Laskowska E. New Strategies to Kill Metabolically-Dormant Cells Directly Bypassing the Need for Active Cellular Processes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37370363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic therapy failure is often caused by the presence of persister cells, which are metabolically-dormant bacteria capable of surviving exposure to antimicrobials. Under favorable conditions, persisters can resume growth leading to recurrent infections. Moreover, several studies have indicated that persisters may promote the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and facilitate the selection of specific resistant mutants; therefore, in light of the increasing numbers of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide, developing efficient strategies against dormant cells is of paramount importance. In this review, we present and discuss the efficacy of various agents whose antimicrobial activity is independent of the metabolic status of the bacteria as they target cell envelope structures. Since the biofilm-environment is favorable for the formation of dormant subpopulations, anti-persister strategies should also include agents that destroy the biofilm matrix or inhibit biofilm development. This article reviews examples of selected cell wall hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases and antimicrobial peptides. Their combination with standard antibiotics seems to be the most promising approach in combating persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stojowska-Swędrzyńska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dorota Kuczyńska-Wiśnik
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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28
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De Gaetano GV, Lentini G, Famà A, Coppolino F, Beninati C. Antimicrobial Resistance: Two-Component Regulatory Systems and Multidrug Efflux Pumps. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:965. [PMID: 37370284 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of multidrug-resistant bacteria is rapidly spreading worldwide. Among the various mechanisms determining resistance to antimicrobial agents, multidrug efflux pumps play a noteworthy role because they export extraneous and noxious substrates from the inside to the outside environment of the bacterial cell contributing to multidrug resistance (MDR) and, consequently, to the failure of anti-infective therapies. The expression of multidrug efflux pumps can be under the control of transcriptional regulators and two-component systems (TCS). TCS are a major mechanism by which microorganisms sense and reply to external and/or intramembrane stimuli by coordinating the expression of genes involved not only in pathogenic pathways but also in antibiotic resistance. In this review, we describe the influence of TCS on multidrug efflux pump expression and activity in some Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Taking into account the strict correlation between TCS and multidrug efflux pumps, the development of drugs targeting TCS, alone or together with already discovered efflux pump inhibitors, may represent a beneficial strategy to contribute to the fight against growing antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Germana Lentini
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Agata Famà
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Coppolino
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Concetta Beninati
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Scylla Biotech Srl, 98124 Messina, Italy
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29
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Jacobo-Delgado YM, Rodríguez-Carlos A, Serrano CJ, Rivas-Santiago B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell-wall and antimicrobial peptides: a mission impossible? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1194923. [PMID: 37266428 PMCID: PMC10230078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1194923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is one of the most important infectious agents worldwide and causes more than 1.5 million deaths annually. To make matters worse, the drug resistance among Mtb strains has risen substantially in the last few decades. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find patients infected with Mtb strains that are virtually resistant to all antibiotics, which has led to the urgent search for new molecules and therapies. Over previous decades, several studies have demonstrated the efficiency of antimicrobial peptides to eliminate even multidrug-resistant bacteria, making them outstanding candidates to counterattack this growing health problem. Nevertheless, the complexity of the Mtb cell wall makes us wonder whether antimicrobial peptides can effectively kill this persistent Mycobacterium. In the present review, we explore the complexity of the Mtb cell wall and analyze the effectiveness of antimicrobial peptides to eliminate the bacilli.
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30
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Makwana P, Rahul K, Ito K, Subhadra B. Diversity of Antimicrobial Peptides in Silkworm. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13051161. [PMID: 37240807 DOI: 10.3390/life13051161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a phenomenon that the present-day world is witnessing that poses a serious threat to global health. The decline in the development of novel therapeutics over the last couple of decades has exacerbated the situation further. In this scenario, the pursuit of new alternative therapeutics to commonly used antibiotics has gained predominance amongst researchers across the world. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from natural sources have drawn significant interest in the recent years as promising pharmacological substitutes over the conventional antibiotics. The most notable advantage of AMPs is that microorganisms cannot develop resistance to them. Insects represent one of the potential sources of AMPs, which are synthesized as part of an innate immune defence against invading pathogens. AMPs from different insects have been extensively studied, and silkworm is one of them. Diverse classes of AMPs (including attacins, cecropins, defensins, enbocins, gloverins, lebocins and moricins) were identified from silkworm that exhibit antimicrobial property against bacteria, fungi and viruses, indicating their potential therapeutic benefits. This review briefs about the immune responses of silkworm to invading pathogens, the isolation of AMPs from silkworms, AMPs reported in silkworms and their activity against various microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Makwana
- Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Berhampore, Murshidabad 742101, West Bengal, India
| | - Kamidi Rahul
- Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Berhampore, Murshidabad 742101, West Bengal, India
| | - Katsuhiko Ito
- Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Department of Science of Biological Production, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu-shi 183-8509, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bindu Subhadra
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Long Island University, Brookville, New York, NY 11548, USA
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31
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Copling A, Akantibila M, Kumaresan R, Fleischer G, Cortes D, Tripathi RS, Carabetta VJ, Vega SL. Recent Advances in Antimicrobial Peptide Hydrogels. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7563. [PMID: 37108725 PMCID: PMC10139150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the number and type of available biomaterials have improved medical devices such as catheters, stents, pacemakers, prosthetic joints, and orthopedic devices. The introduction of a foreign material into the body comes with a risk of microbial colonization and subsequent infection. Infections of surgically implanted devices often lead to device failure, which leads to increased patient morbidity and mortality. The overuse and improper use of antimicrobials has led to an alarming rise and spread of drug-resistant infections. To overcome the problem of drug-resistant infections, novel antimicrobial biomaterials are increasingly being researched and developed. Hydrogels are a class of 3D biomaterials consisting of a hydrated polymer network with tunable functionality. As hydrogels are customizable, many different antimicrobial agents, such as inorganic molecules, metals, and antibiotics have been incorporated or tethered to them. Due to the increased prevalence of antibiotic resistance, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being increasingly explored as alternative agents. AMP-tethered hydrogels are being increasingly examined for antimicrobial properties and practical applications, such as wound-healing. Here, we provide a recent update, from the last 5 years of innovations and discoveries made in the development of photopolymerizable, self-assembling, and AMP-releasing hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryanna Copling
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Maxwell Akantibila
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Raaha Kumaresan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
| | - Gilbert Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Dennise Cortes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Rahul S. Tripathi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Valerie J. Carabetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA; (M.A.); (G.F.); (D.C.); (R.S.T.)
| | - Sebastián L. Vega
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA;
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
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32
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Ishak MI, Eales M, Damiati L, Liu X, Jenkins J, Dalby MJ, Nobbs AH, Ryadnov MG, Su B. Enhanced and Stem-Cell-Compatible Effects of Nature-Inspired Antimicrobial Nanotopography and Antimicrobial Peptides to Combat Implant-Associated Infection. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2023; 6:2549-2559. [PMID: 36875180 PMCID: PMC9972347 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.2c04913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nature-inspired antimicrobial surfaces and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising strategies to combat implant-associated infections. In this study, a bioinspired antimicrobial peptide was functionalized onto a nanospike (NS) surface by physical adsorption with the aim that its gradual release into the local environment would enhance inhibition of bacterial growth. Peptide adsorbed on a control flat surface exhibited different release kinetics compared to the nanotopography, but both surfaces showed excellent antibacterial properties. Functionalization with peptide at micromolar concentrations inhibited Escherichia coli growth on the flat surface, Staphylococcus aureus growth on the NS surface, and Staphylococcus epidermidis growth on both the flat and NS surfaces. Based on these data, we propose an enhanced antibacterial mechanism whereby AMPs can render bacterial cell membranes more susceptible to nanospikes, and the membrane deformation induced by nanospikes can increase the surface area for AMPs membrane insertion. Combined, these effects enhance bactericidal activity. Since functionalized nanostructures are highly biocompatible with stem cells, they make promising candidates for next generation antibacterial implant surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Irill Ishak
- Bristol
Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LY, U.K.
| | - Marcus Eales
- Bristol
Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LY, U.K.
- National
Physical Laboratory, Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K.
| | - Laila Damiati
- Department
of Biology, College of Science, University
of Jeddah, Jeddah 23218, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiayi Liu
- Bristol
Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LY, U.K.
| | - Joshua Jenkins
- Bristol
Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LY, U.K.
| | - Matthew J. Dalby
- Centre
for the Cellular Microenvironment, University
of Glasgow, Glasgow G11 6EW, Scotland
| | - Angela H. Nobbs
- Bristol
Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LY, U.K.
| | | | - Bo Su
- Bristol
Dental School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 2LY, U.K.
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33
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Pipiya SO, Mirzoeva NZ, Baranova MN, Eliseev IE, Mokrushina YA, Shamova OV, Gabibov AG, Smirnov IV, Terekhov SS. Creation of Recombinant Biocontrol Agents by Genetic Programming of Yeast. Acta Naturae 2023; 15:74-80. [PMID: 37153506 PMCID: PMC10154779 DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.11878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose an extremely serious and elusive problem in healthcare. The discovery and targeted creation of new antibiotics are today among the most important public health issues. Antibiotics based on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of particular interest due to their genetically encoded nature. A distinct advantage of most AMPs is their direct mechanism of action that is mediated by their membranolytic properties. The low rate of emergence of antibiotic resistance associated with the killing mechanism of action of AMPs attracts heightened attention to this field. Recombinant technologies enable the creation of genetically programmable AMP producers for large-scale generation of recombinant AMPs (rAMPs) or the creation of rAMP-producing biocontrol agents. The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was genetically modified for the secreted production of rAMP. Constitutive expression of the sequence encoding the mature AMP protegrin-1 provided the yeast strain that effectively inhibits the growth of target gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. An antimicrobial effect was also observed in the microculture when a yeast rAMP producer and a reporter bacterium were co-encapsulated in droplets of microfluidic double emulsion. The heterologous production of rAMPs opens up new avenues for creating effective biocontrol agents and screening antimicrobial activity using ultrahigh-throughput technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- S O Pipiya
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
| | - N Z Mirzoeva
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
| | - M N Baranova
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
| | - I E Eliseev
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
| | - Yu A Mokrushina
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow, 119234 Russian Federation
| | - O V Shamova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg, 197022 Russian Federation
| | - A G Gabibov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow, 119234 Russian Federation
| | - I V Smirnov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 115478 Russian Federation
| | - S S Terekhov
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, academicians M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997 Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University M.V. Lomonosov, Moscow, 119234 Russian Federation
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34
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Steigenberger J, Mergen C, De Roo V, Geudens N, Martins JC, Heerklotz H. The effect of membrane thickness on the membrane permeabilizing activity of the cyclic lipopeptide tolaasin II. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1064742. [PMID: 36619163 PMCID: PMC9817028 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1064742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tolaasin II is an amphiphilic, membrane-active, cyclic lipopeptide produced by Pseudomonas tolaasii and is responsible for brown blotch disease in mushroom. To better understand the mode of action and membrane selectivity of tolaasin II and related lipopeptides, its permeabilizing effect on liposomes of different membrane thickness was characterized. An equi-activity analysis served to distinguish between the effects of membrane partitioning and the intrinsic activity of the membrane-bound peptide. It was found that thicker membranes require higher local peptide concentrations to become leaky. More specifically, the mole ratio of membrane-bound peptide per lipid needed to induce 50% leakage of calcein within 1 h, Re 50, increased monotonically with membrane thickness from 0.0016 for the 14:1 to 0.0070 for the 20:1 lipid-chains. Moreover, fast but limited leakage kinetics in the low-lipid regime were observed implying a mode of action based on membrane asymmetry stress in this time and concentration window. While the assembly of the peptide to oligomeric pores of defined length along the bilayer z-axis can in principle explain inhibition by increasing membrane thickness, it cannot account for the observed limited leakage. Therefore, reduced intrinsic membrane-permeabilizing activity with increasing membrane thickness is attributed here to the increased mechanical strength and order of thicker membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Steigenberger
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Jessica Steigenberger, ; Heiko Heerklotz,
| | - Catherine Mergen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Vic De Roo
- NMR and Structure Analysis Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Niels Geudens
- NMR and Structure Analysis Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - José C. Martins
- NMR and Structure Analysis Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Heiko Heerklotz
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada,Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Jessica Steigenberger, ; Heiko Heerklotz,
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35
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Antoshina DV, Balandin SV, Bogdanov IV, Vershinina MA, Sheremeteva EV, Toropygin IY, Finkina EI, Ovchinnikova TV. Antimicrobial Activity and Immunomodulatory Properties of Acidocin A, the Pediocin-like Bacteriocin with the Non-Canonical Structure. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:1253. [PMID: 36557160 PMCID: PMC9780942 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12121253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Pediocin-like bacteriocins are among the natural antimicrobial agents attracting attention as scaffolds for the development of a new generation of antibiotics. Acidocin A has significant structural differences from most other members of this subclass. We studied its antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, as well as effects on the permeability of E. coli membranes in comparison with avicin A, the typical pediocin-like bacteriocin. Acidocin A had a more marked tendency to form an alpha-helical structure upon contact with detergent micelles, as was shown by CD spectroscopy, and demonstrated considerably less specific mode of action: it inhibited growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, which were unsusceptible to avicin A, and disrupted the integrity of outer and inner membranes of E. coli. However, the peptide retained a low toxicity towards normal and tumor human cells. The effect of mutations in the pediocin box of acidocin A (on average, a 2-4-fold decrease in activity) was less pronounced than is usually observed for such peptides. Using multiplex analysis, we showed that acidocin A and avicin A modulated the expression level of a number of cytokines and growth factors in primary human monocytes. Acidocin A induced the production of a number of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNFα, MIG/CXCL9, MCP-1/CCL2, MCP-3/CCL7, and MIP-1β) and inhibited the production of some anti-inflammatory factors (IL-1RA, MDC/CCL22). We assumed that the activity of acidocin A and similar peptides produced by lactic acid bacteria might affect the functional state of the human intestinal tract, not only through direct inhibition of various groups of symbiotic and pathogenic bacteria, but also via immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria V. Antoshina
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Balandin
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ivan V. Bogdanov
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A. Vershinina
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elvira V. Sheremeteva
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilia Yu. Toropygin
- V.N. Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119121 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina I. Finkina
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana V. Ovchinnikova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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A fusion protein comprising pneumococcal surface protein A and a pneumolysin derivate confers protection in a murine model of pneumococcal pneumonia. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277304. [PMID: 36477013 PMCID: PMC9728834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PspA and pneumolysin are two important vaccine candidates, able to elicit protection in different models of pneumococcal infection. The high immunogenic potential of PspA, combined with a possible adjuvant effect of pneumolysin derivatives (due to their ability to interact with TLR-4) could greatly improve the immunogenicity and coverage of a protein-based pneumococcal vaccine. A chimeric protein including the N-terminal region of PspA in fusion with the pneumolysin derivative, PlD1, has been shown to induce high antibody levels against each protein, and protect mice against invasive challenge. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cellular response induced by such vaccine, and to evaluate protection in a murine model of lobar pneumococcal pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia was induced in BALB/c mice by nasal instillation of a high dose of a serotype 14 strain with low virulence. Airway inflammation was confirmed by total and differential cell counts in BAL and by histological analysis of the lungs, and bacterial loads were measured 7 days after challenge. Cytokine levels were determined in the bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) of mice immunized with rPspA-PlD1 fusion after challenge, by flow cytometry and ELISA. After challenge, the mice developed lung inflammation with no invasion of other sites, as demonstrated by histological analysis. We detected significant production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the BALF, which correlated with protection against pneumonia in the group immunized with rPspA-PlD1. In conclusion, we found that the rPspA-PlD1fusion is protective against pneumococcal pneumonia in mice, and protection is correlated with an early and controlled local inflammatory response. These results are in agreement with previous data demonstrating the efficacy of the fusion protein against pneumococcal sepsis and reinforce the potential of the rPspA-PlD1 protein chimera as a promising vaccine strategy to prevent pneumococcal disease.
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Insights in the Development and Uses of Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Poultry and Swine Production. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060766. [PMID: 35740172 PMCID: PMC9219610 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. To address this global public health threat, many countries have restricted the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and promoted the development of alternatives to antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine and animal farming. In food-animal production, acidifiers, bacteriophages, enzymes, phytochemicals, probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobial peptides have shown hallmarks as alternatives to antibiotics. This review reports the current state of these alternatives as growth-promoting factors for poultry and swine production and describes their mode of action. Recent findings on their usefulness and the factors that presently hinder their broader use in animal food production are identified by SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) analysis. The potential for resistance development as well as co- and cross-resistance with currently used antibiotics is also discussed. Using predetermined keywords, we searched specialized databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Antibiotic resistance cannot be stopped, but its spreading can certainly be hindered or delayed with the development of more alternatives with innovative modes of action and a wise and careful use of antimicrobials in a One Health approach.
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Waz NT, Oliveira S, Girardello R, Lincopan N, Barazzone G, Parisotto T, Hakansson AP, Converso TR, Darrieux M. Influence of the Polysaccharide Capsule on the Bactericidal Activity of Indolicidin on Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:898815. [PMID: 35633685 PMCID: PMC9136410 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.898815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a pathogen responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The polysaccharide capsule confers protection against phagocytosis and influences many aspects of pneumococcal pathogenesis. The capsular polysaccharides (CPS) are highly immunogenic and exhibit great structural variability, with more than 100 serotypes described so far. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the innate defense mechanisms against many pathogens. Indolicidin is a cationic AMP produced by bovine neutrophils, with bactericidal effects against several bacteria. CPS has been shown to interfere with the ability of AMPs to kill pneumococci, but the effects of capsule variability on susceptibility to indolicidin have not been explored. The present work determined the effects of capsule on resistance to indolicidin in vitro. Using a bactericidal plate assay, we observed that different pneumococcal serotypes exhibited variable resistance to indolicidin, which correlated with the capsule net charge. Interestingly, the effect of capsule expression on resistance to indolicidin was dependent on the serotype; bacteria with lower zeta potential were more resistant to indolicidin when capsule was present, while those with less negative surface charge were more resistant in the absence of capsule. The addition of purified CPS partially rescued the bacteria from the bactericidal effects of indolicidin, while the addition of anticapsular antibodies accentuated the peptide’s bactericidal action, suggesting a possible new protective mechanism induced by polysaccharide-based pneumococcal vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalha T. Waz
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Sheila Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Raquel Girardello
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Nilton Lincopan
- Laboratório de Resistoma e Alternativas Terapêuticas, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovana Barazzone
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento de Vacinas, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Parisotto
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Anders P. Hakansson
- Division of Experimental Infection Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Thiago Rojas Converso
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Michelle Darrieux
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Universidade São Francisco, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Michelle Darrieux,
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Conformational snapshots of the bacitracin sensing and resistance transporter BceAB. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2123268119. [PMID: 35349335 PMCID: PMC9169098 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2123268119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceMany gram-positive organisms have evolved an elegant solution to sense and resist antimicrobial peptides that inhibit cell-wall synthesis. These organisms express an unusual "Bce-type" adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that recognizes complexes formed between antimicrobial peptides and lipids involved in cell-wall biosynthesis. In this work, we provide the first structural snapshots of a Bce-type ABC transporter trapped in different conformational states. Our structures and associated biochemical data provide key insights into the novel target protection mechanism that these unusual ABC transporters use to sense and resist antimicrobial peptides. The studies described herein set the stage to begin developing a comprehensive molecular understanding of the diverse interactions between antimicrobial peptides and conserved resistance machinery found across most gram-positive organisms.
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Jin L, Dong H, Sun D, Wang L, Qu L, Lin S, Yang Q, Zhang X. Biological Functions and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2022; 23:226-247. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203723666220519155942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:
Despite antimicrobial resistance, which is attributed to the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics,
antibiotics can indiscriminately kill pathogenic and beneficial microorganisms. These events
disrupt the delicate microbial balance in both humans and animals, leading to secondary infections
and other negative effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are functional natural biopolymers in
plants and animals. Due to their excellent antimicrobial activities and absence of microbial resistance,
AMPs have attracted enormous research attention. We reviewed the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral,
antiparasitic, as well as antitumor properties of AMPs and research progress on AMPs. In addition,
we highlighted various recommendations and potential research areas for their progress and
challenges in practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Libo Jin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Hao Dong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118,
China
| | - Da Sun
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Linkai Qu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118,
China
| | - Sue Lin
- Institute of Life Sciences & Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou University,
Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Qinsi Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Xingxing Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology
and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Walker LR, Marty MT. Lipid tails modulate antimicrobial peptide membrane incorporation and activity. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:183870. [PMID: 35077676 PMCID: PMC8818043 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.183870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Membrane disrupting antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are often amphipathic peptides that interact directly with lipid bilayers. AMPs are generally thought to interact mostly with lipid head groups, but it is less clear how the lipid alkyl chain length and saturation modulate interactions with membranes. Here, we used native mass spectrometry to measure the stoichiometry of three different AMPs-LL-37, indolicidin, and magainin-2-in lipid nanodiscs. We also measured the activity of these AMPs in unilamellar vesicle leakage assays. We found that LL-37 formed specific hexamer complexes but with different intermediates and affinities that depended on the bilayer thickness. LL-37 was also most active in lipid bilayers containing longer, unsaturated lipids. In contrast, indolicidin incorporated to a higher degree into more fluid lipid bilayers but was more active with bilayers with thinner, less fluid lipids. Finally, magainin-2 incorporated to a higher degree into bilayers with longer, unsaturated alkyl chains and showed more activity in these same conditions. Together, these data show that higher amounts of peptide incorporation generally led to higher activity and that AMPs tend to incorporate more into longer unsaturated lipid bilayers. However, the activity of AMPs was not always directly related to amount of peptide incorporated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence R Walker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
| | - Michael T Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States; Bio5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
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42
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In silico prediction and mass spectrometric characterization of botanical antimicrobial peptides. Methods Enzymol 2022; 663:157-175. [PMID: 35168787 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising compounds for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and are found across all organisms, including plants. Unlike most antibiotics, AMPs tend to act on more generalized and multiple targets, making development of resistance more difficult. Conventional approaches toward AMP identification include bioactivity-guided fractionation and genome mining. Complementary methods leveraging bioactivity-guided fractionation, cysteine motif-guided in silico AMP prediction, and mass spectrometric approaches can be combined to expand botanical AMP discovery. Herein, we present an integrated workflow which serves to streamline implementation toward a robust botanical AMP discovery pipeline.
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43
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Luong HX, Ngan HD, Thi Phuong HB, Quoc TN, Tung TT. Multiple roles of ribosomal antimicrobial peptides in tackling global antimicrobial resistance. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:211583. [PMID: 35116161 PMCID: PMC8790363 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the last century, conventional antibiotics have played a significant role in global healthcare. Antibiotics support the body in controlling bacterial infection and simultaneously increase the tendency of drug resistance. Consequently, there is a severe concern regarding the regression of the antibiotic era. Despite the use of antibiotics, host defence systems are vital in fighting infectious diseases. In fact, the expression of ribosomal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been crucial in the evolution of innate host defences and has been irreplaceable to date. Therefore, this valuable source is considered to have great potential in tackling the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Furthermore, the possibility of bacterial resistance to AMPs has been intensively investigated. Here, we summarize all aspects related to the multiple applications of ribosomal AMPs and their derivatives in combating AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Xuan Luong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Thang Nguyen Quoc
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Truong Thanh Tung
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
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Karlsen EA, Stensen W, Juskewitz E, Svenson J, Berglin M, Svendsen JSM. Anti-Colonization Effect of Au Surfaces with Self-Assembled Molecular Monolayers Functionalized with Antimicrobial Peptides on S. epidermidis. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1516. [PMID: 34943728 PMCID: PMC8698454 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical devices with an effective anti-colonization surface are important tools for combatting healthcare-associated infections. Here, we investigated the anti-colonization efficacy of antimicrobial peptides covalently attached to a gold model surface. The gold surface was modified by a self-assembled polyethylene glycol monolayer with an acetylene terminus. The peptides were covalently connected to the surface through a copper-catalyzed [3 + 2] azide-acetylene coupling (CuAAC). The anti-colonization efficacy of the surfaces varied as a function of the antimicrobial activity of the peptides, and very effective surfaces could be prepared with a 6 log unit reduction in bacterial colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eskil André Karlsen
- Amicoat AS, Sykehusvegen 23, 9019 Tromsø, Norway; (E.A.K.); (W.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Wenche Stensen
- Amicoat AS, Sykehusvegen 23, 9019 Tromsø, Norway; (E.A.K.); (W.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eric Juskewitz
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Johan Svenson
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Brinellgatan 4, 504 62 Borås, Sweden; (J.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mattias Berglin
- RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Brinellgatan 4, 504 62 Borås, Sweden; (J.S.); (M.B.)
| | - John Sigurd Mjøen Svendsen
- Amicoat AS, Sykehusvegen 23, 9019 Tromsø, Norway; (E.A.K.); (W.S.)
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UiT—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
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Bruno D, Montali A, Mastore M, Brivio MF, Mohamed A, Tian L, Grimaldi A, Casartelli M, Tettamanti G. Insights Into the Immune Response of the Black Soldier Fly Larvae to Bacteria. Front Immunol 2021; 12:745160. [PMID: 34867970 PMCID: PMC8636706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.745160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, a complex and effective immune system that can be rapidly activated by a plethora of stimuli has evolved. Although the main cellular and humoral mechanisms and their activation pathways are highly conserved across insects, the timing and the efficacy of triggered immune responses can differ among different species. In this scenario, an insect deserving particular attention is the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae). Indeed, BSF larvae can be reared on a wide range of decaying organic substrates and, thanks to their high protein and lipid content, they represent a valuable source of macromolecules useful for different applications (e.g., production of feedstuff, bioplastics, and biodiesel), thus contributing to the development of circular economy supply chains for waste valorization. However, decaying substrates bring the larvae into contact with different potential pathogens that can challenge their health status and growth. Although these life strategies have presumably contributed to shape the evolution of a sophisticated and efficient immune system in this dipteran, knowledge about its functional features is still fragmentary. In the present study, we investigated the processes underpinning the immune response to bacteria in H. illucens larvae and characterized their reaction times. Our data demonstrate that the cellular and humoral responses in this insect show different kinetics: phagocytosis and encapsulation are rapidly triggered after the immune challenge, while the humoral components intervene later. Moreover, although both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are completely removed from the insect body within a few hours after injection, Gram-positive bacteria persist in the hemolymph longer than do Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the activity of two key actors of the humoral response, i.e., lysozyme and phenoloxidase, show unusual dynamics as compared to other insects. This study represents the first detailed characterization of the immune response to bacteria of H. illucens larvae, expanding knowledge on the defense mechanisms of this insect among Diptera. This information is a prerequisite to manipulating the larval immune response by nutritional and environmental factors to increase resistance to pathogens and optimize health status during mass rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Bruno
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maristella Mastore
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maurizio Francesco Brivio
- Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Sciences, Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ling Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, Guangdong Provincial Sericulture and Mulberry Engineering Research Center, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Annalisa Grimaldi
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Morena Casartelli
- Laboratory of Insect Physiology and Biotechnology, Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Laboratory of Invertebrate Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Vimberg V, Buriánková K, Mazumdar A, Branny P, Novotná GB. Role of membrane proteins in bacterial resistance to antimicrobial peptides. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:1023-1036. [PMID: 34796517 DOI: 10.1002/med.21869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Several natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including the novel semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotics telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin, have been approved for clinical use to address the growing problem of multiple antibiotic-resistant Gram-positive bacterial infections. Nevertheless, the efficacy of these antibiotics has already been compromised. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic led to the increased clinical use of all antibiotics, further promoting the development of bacterial resistance. Therefore, it is critical to gain a deeper understanding of the role of resistance mechanisms to minimize the consequential risks of long-term antibiotic use and misuse. Here, we summarize for the first time the current knowledge of resistance mechanisms that have been shown to cause resistance to clinically used AMPs, with particular focus on membrane proteins that have been reported to interfere with the activity of AMPs by affecting the binding of AMPs to bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Vimberg
- Laboratory for Biology of Secondary Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karolína Buriánková
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Aninda Mazumdar
- Laboratory for Biology of Secondary Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Pavel Branny
- Laboratory of Cell Signaling, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Gabriela B Novotná
- Laboratory for Biology of Secondary Metabolism, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
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47
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Enantioselectivity of Chiral Derivatives of Xanthones in Virulence Effects of Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14111141. [PMID: 34832923 PMCID: PMC8623869 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111141] [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: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are one of the lines of defense produced by several hosts in response to bacterial infections. Inspired by them and recent discoveries of xanthones as bacterial efflux pump inhibitors, chiral amides with a xanthone scaffold were planned to be potential antimicrobial adjuvants. The chiral derivatives of xanthones were obtained by peptide coupling reactions between suitable xanthones with enantiomerically pure building blocks, yielding derivatives with high enantiomeric purity. Among 18 compounds investigated for their antimicrobial activity against reference strains of bacteria and fungi, antibacterial activity for the tested strains was not found. Selected compounds were also evaluated for their potential to inhibit bacterial efflux pumps. Compound (R,R)-8 inhibited efflux pumps in the Gram-positive model tested and three compounds, (S,S)-8, (R)-17 and (R,S)-18, displayed the same activity in the Gram-negative strain used. Studies were performed on the inhibition of biofilm formation and quorum-sensing, to which the enantiomeric pair 8 displayed activity for the latter. To gain a better understanding of how the active compounds bind to the efflux pumps, docking studies were performed. Hit compounds were proposed for each activity, and it was shown that enantioselectivity was noticeable and must be considered, as enantiomers displayed differences in activity.
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Gera S, Kankuri E, Kogermann K. Antimicrobial peptides - Unleashing their therapeutic potential using nanotechnology. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 232:107990. [PMID: 34592202 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potent, mostly cationic, and amphiphilic broad-spectrum host defense antimicrobials that are produced by all organisms ranging from prokaryotes to humans. In addition to their antimicrobial actions, they modulate inflammatory and immune responses and promote wound healing. Although they have clear benefits over traditional antibiotic drugs, their wide therapeutic utilization is compromised by concerns of toxicity, stability, and production costs. Recent advances in nanotechnology have attracted increasing interest to unleash the AMPs' immense potential as broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-biofilm agents, against which the bacteria have less chances to develop resistance. Topical application of AMPs promotes migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and contributes significantly to an accelerated wound healing process. Delivery of AMPs by employing nanotechnological approaches avoids the major disadvantages of AMPs, such as instability and toxicity, and provides a controlled delivery profile together with prolonged activity. In this review, we provide an overview of the key properties of AMPs and discuss the latest developments in topical AMP therapy using nanocarriers. We use chronic hard-to-heal wounds-complicated by infections, inflammation, and stagnated healing-as an example of an unmet medical need for which the AMPs' wide range of therapeutic actions could provide the most potential benefit. The use of innovative materials and sophisticated nanotechnological approaches offering various possibilities are discussed in more depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Gera
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Karin Kogermann
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
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Gheorghe DC, Ilie A, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Preventing Biofilm Formation and Development on Ear, Nose and Throat Medical Devices. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1025. [PMID: 34440229 PMCID: PMC8394763 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Otorhinolaryngology is a vast domain that requires the aid of many resources for optimal performance. The medical devices utilized in this branch share common problems, such as the formation of biofilms. These structured communities of microbes encased in a 3D matrix can develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR), thus making it a problem with challenging solutions. Therefore, it is of concern the introduction in the medical practice involving biomaterials for ear, nose and throat (ENT) devices, such as implants for the trachea (stents), ear (cochlear implants), and voice recovery (voice prosthetics). The surface of these materials must be biocompatible and limit the development of biofilm while still promoting regeneration. In this respect, several surface modification techniques and functionalization procedures can be utilized to facilitate the success of the implants and ensure a long time of use. On this note, this review provides information on the intricate underlying mechanisms of biofilm formation, the large specter of implants and prosthetics that are susceptible to microbial colonization and subsequently related infections. Specifically, the discussion is particularized on biofilm development on ENT devices, ways to reduce it, and recent approaches that have emerged in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Cristian Gheorghe
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- “M.S. Curie” Clinical Emergency Hospital for Children, 077120 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrei Ilie
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.); (A.-G.N.)
| | - Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Languages, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania; (A.I.); (A.-G.N.)
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 3 Ilfov Street, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
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Miller A, Matera-Witkiewicz A, Mikołajczyk A, Wieczorek R, Rowińska-Żyrek M. Chemical "Butterfly Effect" Explaining the Coordination Chemistry and Antimicrobial Properties of Clavanin Complexes. Inorg Chem 2021; 60:12730-12734. [PMID: 34382773 PMCID: PMC8424629 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.1c02101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Can a minor difference in the nonmetal binding sequence of antimicrobial clavanins explain the drastic change in the coordination environment and antimicrobial efficiency? This study answers the question with a definite "yes", showing the details of the bioinorganic chemistry of Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with clavanins, histidine-rich, antimicrobial peptides from hemocytes of the tunicate Styela clava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Miller
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Matera-Witkiewicz
- Screening Laboratory of Biological Activity Tests and Collection of Biological Material, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Mikołajczyk
- Screening Laboratory of Biological Activity Tests and Collection of Biological Material, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Robert Wieczorek
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, F. Joliot-Curie 14, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
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