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Abd El-Aal AAA, Jayakumar FA, Reginald K. Dual-action potential of cationic cryptides against infections and cancers. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103764. [PMID: 37689179 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103764] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptides are a subfamily of bioactive peptides embedded latently in their parent proteins and have multiple biological functions. Cationic cryptides could be used as modern drugs in both infectious diseases and cancers because their mechanism of action is less likely to be affected by genetic mutations in the treated cells, therefore addressing a current unmet need in these two areas of medicine. In this review, we present the current understanding of cryptides, methods to mine them sustainably using available online databases and prediction tools, with a particular focus on their antimicrobial and anticancer potential, and their potential applicability in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr A A Abd El-Aal
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Fairen A Jayakumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kavita Reginald
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor, Malaysia.
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2
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Hu R, Wan L, Liu X, Lu J, Hu X, Zhang X, Zhang M. K. pneumoniae and M. smegmatis infect epithelial cells via different strategies. J Thorac Dis 2023; 15:4396-4412. [PMID: 37691650 PMCID: PMC10482649 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-23-493] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Background As the first line of defense, epithelial cells play a vital role in the initiation and control of both innate and adaptive immunity, which participate in the development of disease. Despite its therapeutic significance, little is understood about the specific interaction between pathogenic microorganisms and lung epithelial cells. Methods In this study, we performed a head-to-head comparison of the virulence and infection mechanisms of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis), which represent Gram-negative/positive respiratory pathogens, respectively, in lung epithelial cell models for the first time. Results Through scanning electron microscopy combined with bacterial infection experiments, we confirmed the ability of K. pneumoniae and M. smegmatis strains to form biofilm and cord factor out of the cell wall. M. smegmatis has stronger adhesion and intracellular retention ability, while K. pneumoniae is more likely to induce acute infection. These pathogens could stay and proliferate in lung epithelial cells and stimulate the secretion of specific cytokines and chemokines through a gene transcription regulator. M. smegmatis infection can promote crosstalk among epithelial cells and other immune cells in the lung from a very early stage by prompting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, there were significant correlations between K. pneumonia infection and higher levels of interleukin-15 (IL-15), interleukin-1Rα (IL-1Rα), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) basic, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). At the same time, K. pneumonia infection also led to changes in the expression of cytoskeletal proteins in epithelial cells. Conclusions Our results emphasized the immunoprotection and immunomodulation of lung epithelial cells against exogenous pathogenic microorganisms, indicating that different pathogens damaged the host through different strategies and induced varying innate immune responses. At the same time, they provided important clues and key immune factors for dealing with complicated pulmonary infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjing Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Lin Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Center Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Xichi Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Jiangnan University Medical Center, Wuxi, China
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3
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Cesaro A, Bagheri M, Torres MDT, Wan F, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Deep learning tools to accelerate antibiotic discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1245-1257. [PMID: 37794737 PMCID: PMC10790350 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2250721] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) expand to many segments of our society, they are increasingly being used for drug discovery. Recent deep learning models offer an efficient way to explore high-dimensional data and design compounds with desired properties, including those with antibacterial activity. AREAS COVERED This review covers key frameworks in antibiotic discovery, highlighting physicochemical features and addressing dataset limitations. The deep learning approaches here described include discriminative models such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, graph neural networks, and generative models like neural language models, variational autoencoders, generative adversarial networks, normalizing flow, and diffusion models. As the integration of these approaches in drug discovery continues to evolve, this review aims to provide insights into promising prospects and challenges that lie ahead in harnessing such technologies for the development of antibiotics. EXPERT OPINION Accurate antimicrobial prediction using deep learning faces challenges such as imbalanced data, limited datasets, experimental validation, target strains, and structure. The integration of deep generative models with bioinformatics, molecular dynamics, and data augmentation holds the potential to overcome these challenges, enhance model performance, and utlimately accelerate antimicrobial discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cesaro
- 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, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mojtaba Bagheri
- 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, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Marcelo D. T. Torres
- 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, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Fangping Wan
- 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, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - 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, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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4
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Cesaro A, Lin S, Pardi N, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Advanced delivery systems for peptide antibiotics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 196:114733. [PMID: 36804008 PMCID: PMC10771258 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) hold promise as alternatives to traditional antibiotics for preventing and treating multidrug-resistant infections. Although they have potent antimicrobial efficacy, AMPs are mainly limited by their susceptibility to proteases and potential off-site cytotoxicity. Designing the right delivery system for peptides can help to overcome such limitations, thus improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of these drugs. The versatility of peptides and their genetically encodable structure make them suitable for both conventional and nucleoside-based formulations. In this review, we describe the main drug delivery procedures developed so far for peptide antibiotics: lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, hydrogels, functionalized surfaces, and DNA- and RNA-based delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cesaro
- 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, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shuangzhe Lin
- 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, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - 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, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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5
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Dell'Olmo E, Pane K, Schibeci M, Cesaro A, De Luca M, Ismail S, Gaglione R, Arciello A. Host defense peptides identified in human apolipoprotein B as natural food bio‐preservatives: Evaluation of their biosafety and digestibility. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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Kim YM, Son H, Park SC, Lee JK, Jang MK, Lee JR. Anti-Biofilm Effects of Rationally Designed Peptides against Planktonic Cells and Pre-Formed Biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020349. [PMID: 36830260 PMCID: PMC9952520 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are resistant to antibiotics and are a major source of persistent and recurring infections by clinically important pathogens. Drugs used for biofilm-associated infections are limited because biofilm-embedded or biofilm-matrix bacteria are difficult to kill or eradiate. Therefore, many researchers are developing new and effective antibiofilm agents. Among them, antimicrobial peptides have an attractive interest in the development of antibiofilm agents. The present study evaluated the effects of 10 synthetic peptides on growth inhibition, inhibition of biofilm formation, and biofilm elimination in drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The planktonic cell growth and biofilm formation were dose-dependently inhibited by most of the peptides. WIK-14 eliminated preformed biofilm masses by removing carbohydrates, extracellular nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids constituting extracellular polymeric substances. The results demonstrated that WIK-14 and WIKE-14 peptides might provide novel therapeutic drugs to overcome multidrug resistance in biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyosuk Son
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Department of Exhibition and Education, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Seocheon 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Kook Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (M.-K.J.); (J.R.L.)
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- LMO Team, National Institute of Ecology (NIE), Seocheon 33657, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (M.-K.J.); (J.R.L.)
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Ephedra foeminea as a Novel Source of Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Compounds to Fight Multidrug Resistance Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043284. [PMID: 36834695 PMCID: PMC9965181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043284] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are considered a wealthy resource of novel natural drugs effective in the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections. Here, a bioguided purification of Ephedra foeminea extracts was performed to identify bioactive compounds. The determination of antimicrobial properties was achieved by broth microdilution assays to evaluate minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and by crystal violet staining and confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses (CLSM) to investigate the antibiofilm capacity of the isolated compounds. Assays were performed on a panel of three gram-positive and three gram-negative bacterial strains. Six compounds were isolated from E. foeminea extracts for the first time. They were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (MS) analyses as the well-known monoterpenoid phenols carvacrol and thymol and as four acylated kaempferol glycosides. Among them, the compound kaempferol-3-O-α-L-(2″,4″-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside was found to be endowed with strong antibacterial properties and significant antibiofilm activity against S. aureus bacterial strains. Moreover, molecular docking studies on this compound suggested that the antibacterial activity of the tested ligand against S. aureus strains might be correlated to the inhibition of Sortase A and/or of tyrosyl tRNA synthase. Collectively, the results achieved open interesting perspectives to kaempferol-3-O-α-L-(2″,4″-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-rhamnopyranoside applicability in different fields, such as biomedical applications and biotechnological purposes such as food preservation and active packaging.
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8
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Kong D, Hua X, Zhou R, Cui J, Wang T, Kong F, You H, Liu X, Adu-Amankwaah J, Guo G, Zheng K, Wu J, Tang R. Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of MAF-1-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide Mt6 and Its D-Enantiomer D-Mt6 against Acinetobacter baumannii by Targeting Cell Membranes and Lipopolysaccharide Interaction. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0131222. [PMID: 36190276 PMCID: PMC9603722 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01312-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii is on the rise around the world, highlighting the urgent need for novel antimicrobial drugs. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) contribute to effective protection against infections by pathogens, making them the most promising options for next-generation antibiotics. Here, we report two designed, cationic, antimicrobial-derived peptides: Mt6, and its dextroisomer D-Mt6, belonging to the analogs of MAF-1, which is isolated from the instar larvae of houseflies. Both Mt6 and D-Mt6 have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity that is accompanied by strong antibacterial activities, especially against A. baumannii planktonic bacteria and biofilms. Additionally, the effect of D-Mt6 against A. baumannii is stable in a variety of physiological settings, including enzyme, salt ion, and hydrogen ion environments. Importantly, D-Mt6 cleans the bacteria on Caenorhabditis elegans without causing apparent toxicity and exhibits good activity in vivo. Both Mt6 and D-Mt6 demonstrated synergistic or additive capabilities with traditional antibiotics against A. baumannii, demonstrating their characteristics as potential complements to combination therapy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) experiments revealed that two analogs displayed rapid bactericidal activity by destroying cell membrane integrity. Furthermore, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage cells, these AMPs drastically decreased IL-1β and TNF-a gene expression and protein secretion, implying anti-inflammatory characteristics. This trait is likely due to its dual function of directly binding LPS and inhibiting the LPS-activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in macrophages. Our findings suggested that D-Mt6 could be further developed as a novel antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory agent and used in the treatment of A. baumannii infections. IMPORTANCE Around 700,000 people worldwide die each year from antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Acinetobacter baumannii in clinical specimens increases year by year, and it is developing a strong resistance to clinical drugs, which is resulting in A. baumannii becoming the main opportunistic pathogen. Antimicrobial peptides show great potential as new antibacterial drugs that can replace traditional antibiotics. In our study, Mt6 and D-Mt6, two new antimicrobial peptides, were designed based on a natural peptide that we first discovered in the hemlymphocytes of housefly larvae. Both Mt6 and D-Mt6 showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially against A. baumannii, by damaging membrane integrity. Moreover, D-Mt6 showed better immunoregulatory activity against LPS induced inflammation through its LPS-neutralizing and suppression on MAPK signaling. This study suggested that D-Mt6 is a promising candidate drug as a derived peptide against A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xuan Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jie Cui
- Department of Physiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology of Education Department of Guizhou, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Xiangye Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | | | - Guo Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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9
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Famiglietti M, Savastano A, Gaglione R, Arciello A, Naviglio D, Mariniello L. Edible Films Made of Dried Olive Leaf Extract and Chitosan: Characterization and Applications. Foods 2022; 11:foods11142078. [PMID: 35885321 PMCID: PMC9318626 DOI: 10.3390/foods11142078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays a possible strategy in food preservation consists of the use of active and functional packaging to improve safety and ensure a longer shelf life of food products. Many studies refer to chitosan-based films because of the already-known chitosan (CH) antibacterial and antifungal activity. In this work, we developed CH-based films containing Dried Olive Leaf Extract (DOLE) obtained by Naviglio extractor, with the aim to investigate the polyphenols yield and the antioxidant activity of this extract entrapped in CH-based-edible films. Olive tree cultivation produces a huge amount of byproducts that are usually simply burned. Phenolic compounds are already studied for their beneficial effects on human health. Some studies reported that phenols isolated from olive leaves have been shown to inhibit the growth of different strains of microorganisms. Thus, the antimicrobial effect of DOLE-containing films against bacterial strains (Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC® 14028, Salmonella enteritidis RIVM 706, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC® 29212) was tested in vitro. The DOLE component of the films is effective in inhibiting all the bacteria tested in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, it was demonstrated that these edible films can act as active bioplastics when used to wrap hamburgers in substitution for baking paper, which is normally used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Famiglietti
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (A.S.); (R.G.); (A.A.); (D.N.)
| | - Alessandro Savastano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (A.S.); (R.G.); (A.A.); (D.N.)
| | - Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (A.S.); (R.G.); (A.A.); (D.N.)
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (A.S.); (R.G.); (A.A.); (D.N.)
| | - Daniele Naviglio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (A.S.); (R.G.); (A.A.); (D.N.)
| | - Loredana Mariniello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (A.S.); (R.G.); (A.A.); (D.N.)
- Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology (BAT), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Novel Retro-Inverso Peptide Antibiotic Efficiently Released by a Responsive Hydrogel-Based System. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061301. [PMID: 35740323 PMCID: PMC9219916 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Topical antimicrobial treatments are often ineffective on recalcitrant and resistant skin infections. This necessitates the design of antimicrobials that are less susceptible to resistance mechanisms, as well as the development of appropriate delivery systems. These two issues represent a great challenge for researchers in pharmaceutical and drug discovery fields. Here, we defined the therapeutic properties of a novel peptidomimetic inspired by an antimicrobial sequence encrypted in human apolipoprotein B. The peptidomimetic was found to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties at concentration values ranging from 2.5 to 20 µmol L−1, to be biocompatible toward human skin cell lines, and to protect human keratinocytes from bacterial infections being able to induce a reduction of bacterial units by two or even four orders of magnitude with respect to untreated samples. Based on these promising results, a hyaluronic-acid-based hydrogel was devised to encapsulate and to specifically deliver the selected antimicrobial agent to the site of infection. The developed hydrogel-based system represents a promising, effective therapeutic option by combining the mechanical properties of the hyaluronic acid polymer with the anti-infective activity of the antimicrobial peptidomimetic, thus opening novel perspectives in the treatment of skin infections.
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Gaglione R, Pane K, De Luca M, Franzese M, Arciello A, Trama F, Brancorsini S, Salvatore M, Illiano E, Costantini E. Novel Antimicrobial Strategies to Prevent Biofilm Infections in Catheters after Radical Cystectomy: A Pilot Study. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12060802. [PMID: 35743833 PMCID: PMC9225455 DOI: 10.3390/life12060802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Catheter-associated infections in bladder cancer patients, following radical cystectomy or ureterocutaneostomy, are very frequent, and the development of antibiotic resistance poses great challenges for treating biofilm-based infections. Here, we characterized bacterial communities from catheters of patients who had undergone radical cystectomy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. We evaluated the efficacy of conventional antibiotics, alone or combined with the human ApoB-derived antimicrobial peptide r(P)ApoBLAla, to treat ureteral catheter-colonizing bacterial communities on clinically isolated bacteria. Microbial communities adhering to indwelling catheters were collected during the patients’ regular catheter change schedules (28 days) and extracted within 48 h. Living bacteria were characterized using selective media and biochemical assays. Biofilm growth and novel antimicrobial strategies were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Statistical analyses confirmed the relevance of the biofilm reduction induced by conventional antibiotics (fosfomycin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and tetracycline) and a well-characterized human antimicrobial peptide r(P)ApoBLAla (1:20 ratio, respectively). Catheters showed polymicrobial communities, with Enterobactericiae and Proteus isolates predominating. In all samples, we recorded a meaningful reduction in biofilms, in both biomass and thickness, upon treatment with the antimicrobial peptide r(P)ApoBLAla in combination with low concentrations of conventional antibiotics. The results suggest that combinations of conventional antibiotics and human antimicrobial peptides might synergistically counteract biofilm growth on ureteral catheters, suggesting novel avenues for preventing catheter-associated infections in patients who have undergone radical cystectomy and ureterocutaneostomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.A.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Pane
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Maria De Luca
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.A.)
| | - Monica Franzese
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (M.D.L.); (A.A.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Trama
- Andrological and Urogynecological Clinic, Santa Maria Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, 05100 Terni, Italy; (F.T.); (E.I.); (E.C.)
| | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Marco Salvatore
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Via E. Gianturco 113, 80143 Naples, Italy; (M.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Ester Illiano
- Andrological and Urogynecological Clinic, Santa Maria Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, 05100 Terni, Italy; (F.T.); (E.I.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisabetta Costantini
- Andrological and Urogynecological Clinic, Santa Maria Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, 05100 Terni, Italy; (F.T.); (E.I.); (E.C.)
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12
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Loading of Polydimethylsiloxane with a Human ApoB-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide to Prevent Bacterial Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095219. [PMID: 35563610 PMCID: PMC9103716 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: medical device-induced infections affect millions of lives worldwide and innovative preventive strategies are urgently required. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear as ideal candidates to efficiently functionalize medical devices surfaces and prevent bacterial infections. In this scenario, here, we produced antimicrobial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by loading this polymer with an antimicrobial peptide identified in human apolipoprotein B, r(P)ApoBLPro. Methods: once obtained loaded PDMS, its structure, anti-infective properties, ability to release the peptide, stability, and biocompatibility were evaluated by FTIR spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, broth microdilution method, time-killing kinetic assays, quartz crystal microbalance analyses, MTT assays, and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Results: PDMS was loaded with r(P)ApoBLPro peptide which was found to be present not only in the bulk matrix of the polymer but also on its surface. ApoB-derived peptide was found to retain its antimicrobial properties once loaded into PDMS and the antimicrobial material was found to be stable upon storage at 4 °C for a prolonged time interval. A gradual and significant release (70% of the total amount) of the peptide from PDMS was also demonstrated upon 400 min incubation and the antimicrobial material was found to be endowed with anti-adhesive properties and with the ability to prevent biofilm attachment. Furthermore, PDMS loaded with r(P)ApoBLPro peptide was found not to affect the viability of eukaryotic cells. Conclusions: an easy procedure to functionalize PDMS with r(P)ApoBLPro peptide has been here developed and the obtained functionalized material has been found to be stable, antimicrobial, and biocompatible.
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13
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Cesaro A, Torres MDT, Gaglione R, Dell'Olmo E, Di Girolamo R, Bosso A, Pizzo E, Haagsman HP, Veldhuizen EJA, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Arciello A. Synthetic Antibiotic Derived from Sequences Encrypted in a Protein from Human Plasma. ACS NANO 2022; 16:1880-1895. [PMID: 35112568 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c04496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Encrypted peptides have been recently found in the human proteome and represent a potential class of antibiotics. Here we report three peptides derived from the human apolipoprotein B (residues 887-922) that exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococci both in vitro and in an animal model. The peptides had excellent cytotoxicity profiles, targeted bacteria by depolarizing and permeabilizing their cytoplasmic membrane, inhibited biofilms, and displayed anti-inflammatory properties. Importantly, the peptides, when used in combination, potentiated the activity of conventional antibiotics against bacteria and did not select for bacterial resistance. To ensure translatability of these molecules, a protease resistant retro-inverso variant of the lead encrypted peptide was synthesized and demonstrated anti-infective activity in a preclinical mouse model. Our results provide a link between human plasma and innate immunity and point to the blood as a source of much-needed antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cesaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Molecular Host Defence, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CL, The Netherlands
- 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, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Marcelo D T Torres
- 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, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Rome 00136, Italy
| | - Eliana Dell'Olmo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
| | - Rocco Di Girolamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
| | - Andrea Bosso
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
| | - Elio Pizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
| | - Henk P Haagsman
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Molecular Host Defence, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CL, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin J A Veldhuizen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CL, The Netherlands
| | - 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, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples I-80126, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Rome 00136, Italy
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14
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Cesaro A, Torres MDT, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Methods for the design and characterization of peptide antibiotics. Methods Enzymol 2022; 663:303-326. [PMID: 35168794 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Multi-drug resistant infections cause the death of millions of people worldwide. Today, there is an urgent need to identify innovative and sustainable alternatives to conventional antibiotics and to develop outside the box strategies to counter drug resistance. Versatile molecules such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which display multiple mechanisms of action, have been explored as templates constituting a new generation of antibiotics. Here, we review recent methodological advances for the design, structural and functional characterization of AMPs. The methodologies outlined here have been validated and well established and may be used as a guide for the discovery, design, development, and reprogramming of peptide antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cesaro
- 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, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marcelo Der Torossian Torres
- 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, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - 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, United States; Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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15
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Escobar‐Salom M, Torrens G, Jordana‐Lluch E, Oliver A, Juan C. Mammals' humoral immune proteins and peptides targeting the bacterial envelope: from natural protection to therapeutic applications against multidrug‐resistant
Gram
‐negatives. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1005-1037. [PMID: 35043558 PMCID: PMC9304279 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian innate immunity employs several humoral ‘weapons’ that target the bacterial envelope. The threats posed by the multidrug‐resistant ‘ESKAPE’ Gram‐negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) are forcing researchers to explore new therapeutic options, including the use of these immune elements. Here we review bacterial envelope‐targeting (peptidoglycan and/or membrane‐targeting) proteins/peptides of the mammalian immune system that are most likely to have therapeutic applications. Firstly we discuss their general features and protective activity against ESKAPE Gram‐negatives in the host. We then gather, integrate, and discuss recent research on experimental therapeutics harnessing their bactericidal power, based on their exogenous administration and also on the discovery of bacterial and/or host targets that improve the performance of this endogenous immunity, as a novel therapeutic concept. We identify weak points and knowledge gaps in current research in this field and suggest areas for future work to obtain successful envelope‐targeting therapeutic options to tackle the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Escobar‐Salom
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Gabriel Torrens
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Elena Jordana‐Lluch
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Antonio Oliver
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
| | - Carlos Juan
- Department of Microbiology University Hospital Son Espases‐Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa) Carretera de Valldemossa 79 Palma Balearic Islands 07010 Spain
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16
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Gomes A, Bessa LJ, Fernandes I, Ferraz R, Monteiro C, L. Martins MC, Mateus N, Gameiro P, Teixeira C, Gomes P. Disclosure of a Promising Lead to Tackle Complicated Skin and Skin Structure Infections: Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Actions of Peptide PP4-3.1. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1962. [PMID: 34834377 PMCID: PMC8619843 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111962] [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: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient antibiotics are being exhausted, which compromises the treatment of infections, including complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSTI) often associated with multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) being the most prevalent. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are being increasingly regarded as the new hope for the post-antibiotic era. Thus, future management of cSSTI may include use of peptides that, on the one hand, behave as AMP and, on the other, are able to promote fast and correct skin rebuilding. As such, we combined the well-known cosmeceutical pentapeptide-4 (PP4), devoid of antimicrobial action but possessing collagenesis-boosting properties, with the AMP 3.1, to afford the chimeric peptide PP4-3.1. We further produced its N-methyl imidazole derivative, MeIm-PP4-3.1. Both peptide-based constructs were evaluated in vitro against Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, and Candida spp. fungi. Additionally, the antibiofilm activity, the toxicity to human keratinocytes, and the activity against S. aureus in simulated wound fluid (SWF) were assessed. The chimeric peptide PP4-3.1 stood out for its potent activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including against MDR clinical isolates (0.8 ≤ MIC ≤ 5.7 µM), both in planktonic form and in biofilm matrix. The peptide was also active against three clinically relevant species of Candida fungi, with an overall performance superior to that of fluconazole. Altogether, data reveal that PP4-3.1 is as a promising lead for the future development of new topical treatments for severe skin infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Lucinda J. Bessa
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Egas Moniz-Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL, P-2829-511 Almada, Portugal
| | - Iva Fernandes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Ricardo Ferraz
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
- Ciências Químicas e das Biomoléculas–CISA, Escola Superior de Saúde, Politécnico do Porto, P-4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Monteiro
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, P-4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (M.C.L.M.)
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, P-4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - M. Cristina L. Martins
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, P-4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (C.M.); (M.C.L.M.)
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, P-4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, P-4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Mateus
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Paula Gameiro
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Cátia Teixeira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, P-4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (A.G.); (L.J.B.); (I.F.); (R.F.); (N.M.); (P.G.); (C.T.)
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17
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DNA Binding Mode Analysis of a Core-Extended Naphthalene Diimide as a Conformation-Sensitive Fluorescent Probe of G-Quadruplex Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910624. [PMID: 34638964 PMCID: PMC8508963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
G-quadruplex existence was proved in cells by using both antibodies and small molecule fluorescent probes. However, the G-quadruplex probes designed thus far are structure- but not conformation-specific. Recently, a core-extended naphthalene diimide (cex-NDI) was designed and found to provide fluorescent signals of markedly different intensities when bound to G-quadruplexes of different conformations or duplexes. Aiming at evaluating how the fluorescence behaviour of this compound is associated with specific binding modes to the different DNA targets, cex-NDI was here studied in its interaction with hybrid G-quadruplex, parallel G-quadruplex, and B-DNA duplex models by biophysical techniques, molecular docking, and biological assays. cex-NDI showed different binding modes associated with different amounts of stacking interactions with the three DNA targets. The preferential binding sites were the groove, outer quartet, or intercalative site of the hybrid G-quadruplex, parallel G-quadruplex, and B-DNA duplex, respectively. Interestingly, our data show that the fluorescence intensity of DNA-bound cex-NDI correlates with the amount of stacking interactions formed by the ligand with each DNA target, thus providing the rationale behind the conformation-sensitive properties of cex-NDI and supporting its use as a fluorescent probe of G-quadruplex structures. Notably, biological assays proved that cex-NDI mainly localizes in the G-quadruplex-rich nuclei of cancer cells.
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18
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Gaglione R, Smaldone G, Cesaro A, Rumolo M, De Luca M, Di Girolamo R, Petraccone L, Del Vecchio P, Oliva R, Notomista E, Pedone E, Arciello A. Impact of a Single Point Mutation on the Antimicrobial and Fibrillogenic Properties of Cryptides from Human Apolipoprotein B. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070631. [PMID: 34209895 PMCID: PMC8308739 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are gaining increasing interest, since they are endowed with multiple activities, are often effective on multidrug resistant bacteria and do not generally lead to the development of resistance phenotypes. Cryptic HDPs have been recently identified in human apolipoprotein B and found to be endowed with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with anti-biofilm, wound healing and immunomodulatory properties, and with the ability to synergistically act in combination with conventional antibiotics, while being not toxic for eukaryotic cells. Here, a multidisciplinary approach was used, including time killing curves, differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, ThT binding assays, and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The effects of a single point mutation (Pro → Ala in position 7) on the biological properties of ApoB-derived peptide r(P)ApoBLPro have been evaluated. Although the two versions of the peptide share similar antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties, only r(P)ApoBLAla peptide was found to exert bactericidal effects. Interestingly, antimicrobial activity of both peptide versions appears to be dependent from their interaction with specific components of bacterial surfaces, such as LPS or LTA, which induce peptides to form β-sheet-rich amyloid-like structures. Altogether, obtained data indicate a correlation between ApoB-derived peptides self-assembling state and their antibacterial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angela Cesaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
| | - Mariano Rumolo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
| | - Maria De Luca
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
| | - Rocco Di Girolamo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Physical Chemistry I—Biophysical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, 44227 Dortmund, Germany;
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy;
| | - Emilia Pedone
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, 80134 Naples, Italy;
- Research Centre on Bioactive Peptides (CIRPeB), University of Naples Federico II, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (R.G.); (A.C.); (M.R.); (M.D.L.); (R.D.G.); (L.P.); (P.D.V.)
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), 00136 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-679147
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19
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Host defense peptides identified in human apolipoprotein B as novel food biopreservatives and active coating components. Food Microbiol 2021; 99:103804. [PMID: 34119097 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2021.103804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The effectiveness of three novel "host defence peptides" identified in human Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) as novel antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents to be employed in food industry is reported. ApoB-derived peptides have been found to exert significant antimicrobial effects towards Salmonella typhimurium ATCC® 14028 and Salmonella enteritidis 706 RIVM strains. Furthermore, they have been found to retain antimicrobial activity under experimental conditions selected to simulate those occurring during food storage, transportation and heat treatment, and have been found to be endowed with antibiofilm properties. Based on these findings, to evaluate the applicability of ApoB-derived peptides as food biopreservatives, coating solutions composed by chitosan (CH) and an ApoB-derived peptide have been prepared and found to be able to prevent Salmonella cells attachment to different kinds of surfaces employed in food industry. Finally, obtained coating solution has been demonstrated to hinder microbial proliferation in chicken meat samples. Altogether, obtained findings indicate that ApoB-derived peptides are promising candidates as novel biopreservatives for food packaging.
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20
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Dell'Olmo E, Gaglione R, Cesaro A, Cafaro V, Teertstra WR, de Cock H, Notomista E, Haagsman HP, Veldhuizen EJA, Arciello A. Host defence peptides identified in human apolipoprotein B as promising antifungal agents. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:1953-1964. [PMID: 33576886 PMCID: PMC7907042 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11114-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Therapeutic options to treat invasive fungal infections are still limited. This makes the development of novel antifungal agents highly desirable. Naturally occurring antifungal peptides represent valid candidates, since they are not harmful for human cells and are endowed with a wide range of activities and their mechanism of action is different from that of conventional antifungal drugs. Here, we characterized for the first time the antifungal properties of novel peptides identified in human apolipoprotein B. ApoB-derived peptides, here named r(P)ApoBLPro, r(P)ApoBLAla and r(P)ApoBSPro, were found to have significant fungicidal activity towards Candida albicans (C. albicans) cells. Peptides were also found to be able to slow down metabolic activity of Aspergillus niger (A. niger) spores. In addition, experiments were carried out to clarify the mechanism of fungicidal activity of ApoB-derived peptides. Peptides immediately interacted with C. albicans cell surfaces, as indicated by fluorescence live cell imaging analyses, and induced severe membrane damage, as indicated by propidium iodide uptake induced upon treatment of C. albicans cells with ApoB-derived peptides. ApoB-derived peptides were also tested on A. niger swollen spores, initial hyphae and branched mycelium. The effects of peptides were found to be more severe on swollen spores and initial hyphae compared to mycelium. Fluorescence live cell imaging analyses confirmed peptide internalization into swollen spores with a consequent accumulation into hyphae. Altogether, these findings open interesting perspectives to the application of ApoB-derived peptides as effective antifungal agents. Key points Human cryptides identified in ApoB are effective antifungal agents. ApoB-derived cryptides exert fungicidal effects towards C. albicans cells. ApoB-derived cryptides affect different stages of growth of A. niger.
Graphical abstract![]() Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11114-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Dell'Olmo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Molecular Host Defence, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa Gaglione
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Cesaro
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Cafaro
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Wieke R Teertstra
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans de Cock
- Molecular Microbiology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Henk P Haagsman
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Molecular Host Defence, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin J A Veldhuizen
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Section Molecular Host Defence, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Angela Arciello
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126, Naples, Italy.
- Istituto Nazionale di Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Rome, Italy.
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21
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Topka-Bielecka G, Dydecka A, Necel A, Bloch S, Nejman-Faleńczyk B, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Bacteriophage-Derived Depolymerases against Bacterial Biofilm. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:175. [PMID: 33578658 PMCID: PMC7916357 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to specific antibiotic resistance, the formation of bacterial biofilm causes another level of complications in attempts to eradicate pathogenic or harmful bacteria, including difficult penetration of drugs through biofilm structures to bacterial cells, impairment of immunological response of the host, and accumulation of various bioactive compounds (enzymes and others) affecting host physiology and changing local pH values, which further influence various biological functions. In this review article, we provide an overview on the formation of bacterial biofilm and its properties, and then we focus on the possible use of phage-derived depolymerases to combat bacterial cells included in this complex structure. On the basis of the literature review, we conclude that, although these bacteriophage-encoded enzymes may be effective in destroying specific compounds involved in the formation of biofilm, they are rarely sufficient to eradicate all bacterial cells. Nevertheless, a combined therapy, employing depolymerases together with antibiotics and/or other antibacterial agents or factors, may provide an effective approach to treat infections caused by bacteria able to form biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracja Topka-Bielecka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Aleksandra Dydecka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Agnieszka Necel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Sylwia Bloch
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Bożena Nejman-Faleńczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland;
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22
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Abstract
In recent years, peptides have received increased interest in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and various other fields [...].
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