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Slezina MP, Odintsova TI. Plant Antimicrobial Peptides: Insights into Structure-Function Relationships for Practical Applications. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3674-3704. [PMID: 37185763 PMCID: PMC10136942 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040239] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short polypeptide molecules produced by multicellular organisms that are involved in host defense and microbiome preservation. In recent years, AMPs have attracted attention as novel drug candidates. However, their successful use requires detailed knowledge of the mode of action and identification of the determinants of biological activity. In this review, we focused on structure-function relationships in the thionins, α-hairpinins, hevein-like peptides, and the unique Ib-AMP peptides isolated from Impatiens balsamina. We summarized the available data on the amino acid sequences and 3D structure of peptides, their biosynthesis, and their biological activity. Special attention was paid to the determination of residues that play a key role in the activity and the identification of the minimal active cores. We have shown that even subtle changes in amino acid sequences can affect the biological activity of AMPs, which opens up the possibility of creating molecules with improved properties, better therapeutic efficacy, and cheaper large-scale production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina P Slezina
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS, 119333 Moscow, Russia
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First Anti-Inflammatory Peptide AnmTX Sco 9a-1 from the Swimming Sea Anemone Stomphia coccinea. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111705. [DOI: 10.3390/biom12111705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel peptide AnmTX Sco 9a-1 with the β-hairpin fold was isolated from the swimming sea anemone Stomphia coccinea (Actinostolidae family). The peptide consists of 28 amino acid residues, including modified hydroxyproline residue, and its measured molecular mass is 2960 Da. The peptide was not toxic on mice; however, it stimulated their exploratory motivation and active search behavior, and demonstrated an anti-anxiety effect. AnmTX Sco 9a-1 at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg reduced the volume of edema during 24 h better than the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Diclofenac, at dose of 1 mg/kg in a model of acute local λ-carrageenan-induced inflammation. ELISA analysis of the animal’s blood showed that peptide at a dose of 1 mg/kg reduced the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a pro-inflammatory mediator responsible in the edema development, up to the level of TNF-α in the intact group. Besides, AnmTX Sco 9a-1 demonstrated a significant analgesic effect on acute pain sensitivity in the carrageenan-induced thermal hyperalgesia model at doses of 0.1 and 1 mg/kg. Activity of AnmTX Sco 9a-1 was shown not to be associated with modulation of nociceptive ASIC channels.
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Potential inhibitory activity of phytoconstituents against black fungus: In silico ADMET, molecular docking and MD simulation studies. COMPUTATIONAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 24:100247. [PMID: 36193218 PMCID: PMC9508704 DOI: 10.1016/j.comtox.2022.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mucormycosis or “black fungus” has been currently observed in India, as a secondary infection in COVID-19 infected patients in the post-COVID-stage. Fungus is an uncommon opportunistic infection that affects people who have a weak immune system. In this study, 158 antifungal phytochemicals were screened using molecular docking against glucoamylase enzyme of Rhizopus oryzae to identify potential inhibitors. The docking scores of the selected phytochemicals were compared with Isomaltotriose as a positive control. Most of the compounds showed lower binding energy values than Isomaltotriose (-6.4 kcal/mol). Computational studies also revealed the strongest binding affinity of the screened phytochemicals was Dioscin (-9.4 kcal/mol). Furthermore, the binding interactions of the top ten potential phytochemicals were elucidated and further analyzed. In-silico ADME and toxicity prediction were also evaluated using SwissADME and admetSAR online servers. Compounds Piscisoflavone C, 8-O-methylaverufin and Punicalagin exhibited positive results with the Lipinski filter and drug-likeness and showed mild to moderate of toxicity. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (at 300 K for 100 ns) was also employed to the docked ligand-target complex to explore the stability of ligand-target complex, improve docking results, and analyze the molecular mechanisms of protein-target interactions.
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Barashkova AS, Ryazantsev DY, Rogozhin EA. Rational Design of Plant Hairpin-like Peptide EcAMP1: Structural-Functional Correlations to Reveal Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113554. [PMID: 35684491 PMCID: PMC9182383 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant antimicrobial peptides from the α-hairpinins family (hairpin-like peptides) are known to possess a wide range of biological activities. However, less is known about the structural determinants of their antimicrobial activity. Here, we suggest that spatial structure as well as surface charge and hydrophobicity level contribute to the antimicrobial properties of α-hairpinin EcAMP1 from barnyard grass (Echinochloa cruss-galli) seeds. To examine the role of the peptide spatial structure, two truncated forms of EcAMP1 restricted by inner and outer cysteine pairs were synthesized. It was shown that both truncated forms of EcAMP1 lost their antibacterial activity. In addition, their antifungal activity became weaker. To review the contribution of surface charge and hydrophobicity, another two peptides were designed. One of them carried single amino acid substitution from tryptophan to alanine residue at the 20th position. The second one represented a truncated form of the native EcAMP1 lacking six C-terminal residues. But the α-helix was kept intact. It was shown that the antifungal activity of both modified peptides weakened. Thereby we can conclude that the secondary structural integrity, hydrophobic properties, and surface charge all play roles in the antimicrobial properties of α-hairpinins. In addition, the antibacterial activity of cereal α-hairpinins against Gram-positive bacteria was described for the first time. This study expands on the knowledge of structure–function interactions in antimicrobial α-hairpinins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S. Barashkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAS), ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (D.Y.R.)
| | - Dmitry Y. Ryazantsev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAS), ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (D.Y.R.)
| | - Eugene A. Rogozhin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (RAS), ul. Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.S.B.); (D.Y.R.)
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, ul. Bolshaya Pirogovskaya, 11, 119021 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds as a rich source of cysteine rich bioactive peptides. Food Chem 2022; 377:131959. [PMID: 34995961 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131959] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Amaranthus hypochondriacus is a nutritious alternative grain native to Central and South America. Increased interest in the impact of A. hypochondriacus on the human body has driven characterization of bioactive secondary metabolites. The seeds are known to contain bioactive small molecules but little is known regarding endogenous peptides. Cysteine-rich peptides (CRPs) in foodstuffs are particularly relevant because they are stabilized by disulfide bonds enhancing resistance to digestion. Here, in silico predictions, proteomics, and simulated gastrointestinal digestions are leveraged to identify digestion resistant CRPs within A. hypochondriacus seeds. Thirteen in silico predicted CRPs were detected in a seed extract providing evidence for the translation of five CRP families. Mature forms of six CRPs were characterized via top-down proteomics revealing multiple post-translational modifications. All six peptides demonstrated resistance to simulated gastrointestinal digestion, suggesting that A. hypochondriacus CRPs may exhibit bioactivity after consumption and should be prioritized for further characterization.
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Dutta D, Rahman S, Bhattacharje G, Bag S, Sing BC, Chatterjee J, Basak A, Das AK. Label-Free Method Development for Hydroxyproline PTM Mapping in Human Plasma Proteome. Protein J 2021; 40:741-755. [PMID: 33840009 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-021-09984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modifications (PTMs) impart structural heterogeneities that can alter plasma proteins' functions in various pathophysiological processes. However, the identification and mapping of PTMs in untargeted plasma proteomics is still a challenge due to the presence of diverse components in blood. Here, we report a label-free method for identifying and mapping hydroxylated proteins using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in the human plasma sample. Our untargeted proteomics approach led us to identify 676 de novo sequenced peptides in human plasma that correspond to 201 proteins, out of which 11 plasma proteins were found to be hydroxylated. Among these hydroxylated proteins, Immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) heavy chain was found to be modified at residue 285 (Pro285 to Hyp285), which was further validated by MS/MS study. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation analysis demonstrated that this proline hydroxylation in IgA1 caused both local and global structural changes. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the protein profile containing Hyp PTMs in human plasma and shows the future perspective of identifying and discriminating Hyp PTM in the normal and the diseased proteomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debabrata Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.,Advanced Technology Development Centre, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Shakilur Rahman
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Gourab Bhattacharje
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Swarnendu Bag
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Bidhan Chandra Sing
- Central Research Facility, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Jyotirmoy Chatterjee
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Amit Basak
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.,School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India
| | - Amit Kumar Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India. .,School of Bioscience, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, 721302, India.
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Parthasarathy A, Borrego EJ, Savka MA, Dobson RCJ, Hudson AO. Amino acid-derived defense metabolites from plants: A potential source to facilitate novel antimicrobial development. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100438. [PMID: 33610552 PMCID: PMC8024917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For millennia, humanity has relied on plants for its medicines, and modern pharmacology continues to reexamine and mine plant metabolites for novel compounds and to guide improvements in biological activity, bioavailability, and chemical stability. The critical problem of antibiotic resistance and increasing exposure to viral and parasitic diseases has spurred renewed interest into drug treatments for infectious diseases. In this context, an urgent revival of natural product discovery is globally underway with special attention directed toward the numerous and chemically diverse plant defensive compounds such as phytoalexins and phytoanticipins that combat herbivores, microbial pathogens, or competing plants. Moreover, advancements in “omics,” chemistry, and heterologous expression systems have facilitated the purification and characterization of plant metabolites and the identification of possible therapeutic targets. In this review, we describe several important amino acid–derived classes of plant defensive compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (e.g., defensins, thionins, and knottins), alkaloids, nonproteogenic amino acids, and phenylpropanoids as potential drug leads, examining their mechanisms of action, therapeutic targets, and structure–function relationships. Given their potent antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral properties, which can be superior to existing drugs, phytoalexins and phytoanticipins are an excellent resource to facilitate the rational design and development of antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Eli J Borrego
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Michael A Savka
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Renwick C J Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand; Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - André O Hudson
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester, New York, USA.
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Slavokhotova AA, Rogozhin EA. Defense Peptides From the α-Hairpinin Family Are Components of Plant Innate Immunity. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:465. [PMID: 32391035 PMCID: PMC7191063 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plant immunity represents a sophisticated system, including both basal and inducible mechanisms, to prevent pathogen infection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are among the innate immunity components playing a key role in effective and rapid response against various pathogens. This review is devoted to a small family of defense peptides called α-hairpinins. The general characters of the family, as well as the individual features of each member, including biological activities, structures of precursor proteins, and spatial structures, are described. Possible applications of α-hairpinin peptides in drug design are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Slavokhotova
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene A. Rogozhin
- M.M. Shemyakin and Yu.A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection, St. Petersburg-Pushkin, Russia
- Gause Institute of New Antibiotics, Moscow, Russia
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