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Kim H, Xue H, Li X, Yue G, Zhu J, Eh T, Wang S, Jin LH. Orostachys malacophylla (pall.) fisch extracts alleviate intestinal inflammation in Drosophila. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118215. [PMID: 38641073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Orostachys malacophylla (Pall.) Fisch (O. malacophylla) is a succulent herbaceous plant that is the Orostachys genus of Crassulaceae family. O. malacophylla has been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-febrile, antidote, anti-Toxoplasma gondii properties. However, the biological function of alleviating intestinal inflammation and key bioactive compounds were still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY We used a Drosophila model to study the protective effects and bioactive compounds of O. malacophylla water extract (OMWE) and butanol extract (OMBE) on intestinal inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Drosophila intestinal inflammation was induced by oral invasion of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) or Erwinia carotovora carotovora 15 (Ecc15). We revealed the protective effects of two extracts by determining intestinal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) levels and intestinal integrity, and using network pharmacology analysis to identify bioactive compounds. RESULTS We demonstrated that both OMWE and OMBE could ameliorate the detrimental effects of DSS, including a decreased survival rate, elevated ROS levels, increased cell death, excessive proliferation of ISCs, acid-base imbalance, and disruption of intestinal integrity. Moreover, the overabundance of lipid droplets (LDs) and AMPs by Ecc15 infection is mitigated by these extracts, thereby enhancing the flies' resistance to adverse stimuli. In addition, we used widely targeted metabolomics and network pharmacology analysis to identify bioactive compounds associated with IBD healing that are present in OMWE and OMBE. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our research indicates that OMWE and OMBE significantly mitigate intestinal inflammation and have the potential to be effective therapeutic agents for IBD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyonil Kim
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; College of Life Science, Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
| | - Hongmei Xue
- Department of Children's Emergency Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xiao Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Guanhua Yue
- Department of Basic Medical, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jiahua Zhu
- Department of Basic Medical, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China.
| | - Tongju Eh
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China; College of Life Science, Kim Il Sung University, Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
| | - Sihong Wang
- Analysis and Test Center, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, Jilin Province, PR China.
| | - Li Hua Jin
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Liguori F, Alberti F, Amadio S, Angelini DF, Pilesi E, Vitale G, Tesoriere G, Borsellino G, Vernì F, Volonté C. Pan-neuronal expression of human mutant SOD1 in Drosophila impairs survival and motor performance, induces early neuroinflammation and chromosome aberrations. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167192. [PMID: 38657911 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167192] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Several mutations in the SOD1 gene encoding for the antioxidant enzyme Superoxide Dismutase 1, are associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a rare and devastating disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration and patients' death within 2-5 years from diagnosis. Motor neuron loss and related symptomatology manifest mostly in adult life and, to date, there is still a gap of knowledge on the precise cellular and molecular events preceding neurodegeneration. To deepen our awareness of the early phases of the disease, we leveraged two Drosophila melanogaster models pan-neuronally expressing either the mutation A4V or G85R of the human gene SOD1 (hSOD1A4V or hSOD1G85R). We demonstrate that pan-neuronal expression of the hSOD1A4V or hSOD1G85R pathogenic construct impairs survival and motor performance in transgenic flies. Moreover, protein and transcript analysis on fly heads indicates that mutant hSOD1 induction stimulates the glial marker Repo, up-regulates the IMD/Toll immune pathways through antimicrobial peptides and interferes with oxidative metabolism. Finally, cytological analysis of larval brains demonstrates hSOD1-induced chromosome aberrations. Of note, these parameters are found modulated in a timeframe when neurodegeneration is not detected. The novelty of our work is twofold: we have expressed for the first time hSOD1 mutations in all neurons of Drosophila and confirmed some ALS-related pathological phenotypes in these flies, confirming the power of SOD1 mutations in generating ALS-like phenotypes. Moreover, we have related SOD1 pathogenesis to chromosome aberrations and antimicrobial peptides up-regulation. These findings were unexplored in the SOD1-ALS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Alberti
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Susanna Amadio
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Francesca Angelini
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pilesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vitale
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Tesoriere
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Borsellino
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Experimental Neuroscience and Neurological Disease Models, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 65, 00143 Rome, Italy; Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti" (IASI), National Research Council (CNR), Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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3
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Ren Y, Fu S, Dong W, Chen J, Xue H, Bu W. The ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks of defensins and lysozymes in Riptortus pedestris: involvement in response to gut bacterial disturbances. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1386345. [PMID: 38827147 PMCID: PMC11140134 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1386345] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects depend on humoral immunity against intruders through the secretion of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and immune effectors via NF-κB transcription factors, and their fitness is improved by gut bacterial microbiota. Although there are growing numbers of reports on noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) involving in immune responses against pathogens, comprehensive studies of ncRNA-AMP regulatory networks in Riptortus pedestris, which is one of the widely distributed pests in East Asia, are still not well understood under feeding environmental changes. The objective of this study employed the whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) to systematically identify the lncRNAs (long noncoding RNA) and circRNAs (circular RNA) and to obtain their differential expression from the R. pedestris gut under different feeding conditions. Functional annotation indicated that they were mainly enriched in various biological processes with the GO and KEGG databases, especially in immune signaling pathways. Five defensin (four novel members) and eleven lysozyme (nine novel members) family genes were identified and characterized from WTS data, and meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis confirmed their classification. Subsequently, the miRNA-mRNA interaction network of above two AMPs and lncRNA-involved ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) regulatory network of one lysozyme were predicted and built based on bioinformatic prediction and calculation, and the expression patterns of differentially expressed (DE) defensins, and DE lysozymes and related DE ncRNAs were estimated and selected among all the comparison groups. Finally, to integrate the analyses of WTS and previous 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we conducted the Pearson correlation analysis to reveal the significantly positive or negative correlation between above DE AMPs and ncRNAs, as well as most changes in the gut bacterial microbiota at the genus level of R. pedestris. Taken together, the present observations provide great insights into the ncRNA regulatory networks of AMPs in response to rearing environmental changes in insects and uncover new potential strategies for pest control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Ren
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siying Fu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhao Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, China
| | - Juhong Chen
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaijun Xue
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjun Bu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Chen H, Zhang T, Yan S, Zhang S, Fu Q, Xiong C, Zhou L, Ma X, Wang R, Chen G. Protective effects of the bioactive peptide from maggots against skin flap ischemia‒reperfusion injury in rats. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29874. [PMID: 38694094 PMCID: PMC11058300 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29874] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemia‒reperfusion (I/R) injury is a frequently observed complication after flap surgery, and it affects skin flap survival and patient prognosis. Currently, there are no proven safe and effective treatment options to treat skin flap I/R injury. Herein, the potential efficacies of the bioactive peptide from maggots (BPM), as well as its underlying mechanisms, were explored in a rat model of skin flap I/R injury and LPS- or H2O2-elicited RAW 264.7 cells. We demonstrated that BPM significantly ameliorated the area of flap survival, and histological changes in skin tissue in vivo. Furthermore, BPM could markedly restore or enhance Nrf2 and HO-1 levels, and suppress the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TLR4, p-IκB, NFκB p65, p-p65, IL-6, and TNF-α in I/R-injured skin flaps. In addition, BPM treatment exhibited excellent biocompatibility with an adequate safety profile, while it exhibited superior ROS-scavenging ability and the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes in vitro. Mechanistically, the above benefits related to BPM involved the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and suppression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway. Taken together, this study may provide a scientific basis for the potential therapeutic effect of BPM in the prevention of skin flap I/R injury and other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tianqi Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Su Yan
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qiuyue Fu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Chuchu Xiong
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Lina Zhou
- Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yixing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Rong Wang
- College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
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Erban T, Markovic M, Sopko B. Sublethal acetamiprid exposure induces immunity, suppresses pathways linked to juvenile hormone synthesis in queens and affects cycle-related signaling in emerging bees. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123901. [PMID: 38556147 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Acetamiprid is the only neonicotinoid registered in the European Union because the risks of neonicotinoids to honey bees and other pollinators are strictly regulated. Herein, we orally exposed honey bee colonies to sublethal concentrations of acetamiprid (20 μg/L) under isolated conditions. After one month of continuous exposure, the emerging bees and queens were collected and analyzed via high-throughput label-free quantitative proteomics using a data-independent acquisition strategy. Six and 34 significantly differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the emerging bees and queens, respectively. Mrjp3 was the only DEP found in both sample types/castes, and its opposite regulation illustrated a differential response. The DEPs in the emerging bees (H/ACA RNP, Rap1GAP, Mrjp3, and JHE) suggested that sublethal exposure to acetamiprid affected cell cycle-related signaling, which may affect the life history of workers in the colony. The DEPs with increased levels in queens, such as Mrjps 1-4 and 6-7, hymenoptaecin, and apidaecin 22, indicated an activated immune response. Additionally, the level of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS), which is essential for the mevalonate pathway and juvenile hormone biosynthesis, was significantly decreased in queens. The impaired utilization of juvenile hormone in queens supported the identification of additional DEPs. Furthermore, the proteome changes suggested the existence of increased neonicotinoid detoxification by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase and increased amino acid metabolism. The results suggest that the continuous exposure of bee colonies to acetamiprid at low doses (nanograms per gram in feed) may pose a threat to the colonies. The different exposure routes and durations for the emerging bees and queens in our experiment must be considered, i.e., the emerging bees were exposed as larvae via feeding royal jelly and beebread provided by workers (nurse bees), whereas the queens were fed royal jelly throughout the experiment. The biological consequences of the proteomic changes resulting from sublethal/chronic exposure require future determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Erban
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507/73, Prague 6-Ruzyne, CZ-161 06, Czechia.
| | - Martin Markovic
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507/73, Prague 6-Ruzyne, CZ-161 06, Czechia
| | - Bruno Sopko
- Crop Research Institute, Drnovska 507/73, Prague 6-Ruzyne, CZ-161 06, Czechia
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6
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Wrońska AK, Kaczmarek A, Sobich J, Boguś MI. The effect of infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomopthorales) on eighteen cytokine-like proteins in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera) larvae. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1385863. [PMID: 38774871 PMCID: PMC11106378 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In response to the replace mammal research models with insects in preliminary immunological studies, interest has grown in invertebrate defense systems. The immunological response is regulated by cytokines; however, while their role in mammals is well understood, little is known of their function in insects. A suitable target for studies into insect immunology is Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera), the wax moth: a common host for human fungal and bacterial pathogens. G. mellonella is also a perfect subject for studies into the presence of cytokine-like proteins. Specific objectives The main goal of present research was detection in insect immunocompetent cells the 18 mammalian cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-13, IL-15, IL-17, IL-19, IFN-γ, TNF-α, TNF-β, GM-CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF), which play important role in immunological response and indication how their level change after fungal infection. Methodology The changes of cytokine-like proteins level were detected in hemocytes taken from G. mellonella larvae infected with entomopathogenic fungus, C. coronatus. The presence of cytokine-proteins was confirmed with using fluorescence microscopy (in cultured hemocytes) and flow cytometry (in freshly collected hemolymph). The ELISA test was used to detect changes in concentration of examined cytokine-like proteins. Results Our findings indicated the presence of eighteen cytokine-like molecules in G. mellonella hemocytes during infection with C. coronatus. The hemocytes taken from infected larvae demonstrated higher fluorescence intensity for six cytokine-like proteins (GM-CSF, M-CSF, IL-3, IL-15, IL-1β and IL-19) compared to untreated controls. ELISA test indicated significantly higher IL-3 and IL-15. M-CSF, IL-1α and IL-19 concentration in the hemolymph after fungal infection, and significantly lower TNF-β and G-CSF. Conclusions Our findings confirm that the selected cytokine-like molecules are present in insect hemocytes and that their concentrations change after fungal infection, which might suggest that they play a role in the anti-fungal immunological response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agata Kaczmarek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Sobich
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Warsaw, Poland
- Dioscuri Centre for RNA-Protein Interactions in Human Health and Disease, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Galambos N, Vincent-Monegat C, Vallier A, Parisot N, Heddi A, Zaidman-Rémy A. Cereal weevils' antimicrobial peptides: at the crosstalk between development, endosymbiosis and immune response. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230062. [PMID: 38497254 PMCID: PMC10945404 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Interactions between animals and microbes are ubiquitous in nature and strongly impact animal physiology. These interactions are shaped by the host immune system, which responds to infections and contributes to tailor the associations with beneficial microorganisms. In many insects, beneficial symbiotic associations not only include gut commensals, but also intracellular bacteria, or endosymbionts. Endosymbionts are housed within specialized host cells, the bacteriocytes, and are transmitted vertically across host generations. Host-endosymbiont co-evolution shapes the endosymbiont genome and host immune system, which not only fights against microbial intruders, but also ensures the preservation of endosymbionts and the control of their load and location. The cereal weevil Sitophilus spp. is a remarkable model in which to study the evolutionary adaptation of the immune system to endosymbiosis owing to its binary association with a unique, relatively recently acquired nutritional endosymbiont, Sodalis pierantonius. This Gram-negative bacterium has not experienced the genome size shrinkage observed in long-term endosymbioses and has retained immunogenicity. We focus here on the sixteen antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) identified in the Sitophilus oryzae genome and their expression patterns in different tissues, along host development or upon immune challenges, to address their potential functions in the defensive response and endosymbiosis homeostasis along the insect life cycle. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Galambos
- INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | | | - A. Vallier
- INRAE, INSA Lyon, BF2I, UMR203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - N. Parisot
- INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - A. Heddi
- INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
| | - A. Zaidman-Rémy
- INSA Lyon, INRAE, BF2I, UMR203, 69621 Villeurbanne, France
- Institut universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
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Becchimanzi A, Nicoletti R, Di Lelio I, Russo E. Immune Gene Repertoire of Soft Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4922. [PMID: 38732132 PMCID: PMC11084805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094922] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects possess an effective immune system, which has been extensively characterized in several model species, revealing a plethora of conserved genes involved in recognition, signaling, and responses to pathogens and parasites. However, some taxonomic groups, characterized by peculiar trophic niches, such as plant-sap feeders, which are often important pests of crops and forestry ecosystems, have been largely overlooked regarding their immune gene repertoire. Here we annotated the immune genes of soft scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccidae) for which omics data are publicly available. By using immune genes of aphids and Drosophila to query the genome of Ericerus pela, as well as the transcriptomes of Ceroplastes cirripediformis and Coccus sp., we highlight the lack of peptidoglycan recognition proteins, galectins, thaumatins, and antimicrobial peptides in Coccidae. This work contributes to expanding our knowledge about the evolutionary trajectories of immune genes and offers a list of promising candidates for developing new control strategies based on the suppression of pests' immunity through RNAi technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Becchimanzi
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (I.D.L.); (E.R.)
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Rosario Nicoletti
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (I.D.L.); (E.R.)
- Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Lelio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (I.D.L.); (E.R.)
- BAT Center—Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-Environmental Technology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Elia Russo
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.B.); (I.D.L.); (E.R.)
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Silva FJ, Domínguez-Santos R, Latorre A, García-Ferris C. Comparative Transcriptomics of Fat Bodies between Symbiotic and Quasi-Aposymbiotic Adult Females of Blattella germanica with Emphasis on the Metabolic Integration with Its Endosymbiont Blattabacterium and Its Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4228. [PMID: 38673813 PMCID: PMC11050582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084228] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We explored the metabolic integration of Blattella germanica and its obligate endosymbiont Blattabacterium cuenoti by the transcriptomic analysis of the fat body of quasi-aposymbiotic cockroaches, where the endosymbionts were almost entirely removed with rifampicin. Fat bodies from quasi-aposymbiotic insects displayed large differences in gene expression compared to controls. In quasi-aposymbionts, the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine involved in cuticle sclerotization and pigmentation increased drastically to compensate for the deficiency in the biosynthesis of these amino acids by the endosymbionts. On the other hand, the uricolytic pathway and the biosynthesis of uric acid were severely decreased, probably because the reduced population of endosymbionts was unable to metabolize urea to ammonia. Metabolite transporters that could be involved in the endosymbiosis process were identified. Immune system and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gene expression was also reduced in quasi-aposymbionts, genes encoding peptidoglycan-recognition proteins, which may provide clues for the maintenance of the symbiotic relationship, as well as three AMP genes whose involvement in the symbiotic relationship will require additional analysis. Finally, a search for AMP-like factors that could be involved in controlling the endosymbiont identified two orphan genes encoding proteins smaller than 200 amino acids underexpressed in quasi-aposymbionts, suggesting a role in the host-endosymbiont relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J. Silva
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Domínguez-Santos
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Amparo Latorre
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos García-Ferris
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), University of Valencia and Spanish Research Council, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (R.D.-S.); (A.L.)
- Genomics and Health Area, Foundation for the Promotion of Sanitary and Biomedical Research of the Valencia Region, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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Zhou L, Meng G, Zhu L, Ma L, Chen K. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides as Guardians of Immunity and Beyond: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3835. [PMID: 38612644 PMCID: PMC11011964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073835] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as immune effectors synthesized by a variety of organisms, not only constitute a robust defense mechanism against a broad spectrum of pathogens in the host but also show promising applications as effective antimicrobial agents. Notably, insects are significant reservoirs of natural AMPs. However, the complex array of variations in types, quantities, antimicrobial activities, and production pathways of AMPs, as well as evolution of AMPs across insect species, presents a significant challenge for immunity system understanding and AMP applications. This review covers insect AMP discoveries, classification, common properties, and mechanisms of action. Additionally, the types, quantities, and activities of immune-related AMPs in each model insect are also summarized. We conducted the first comprehensive investigation into the diversity, distribution, and evolution of 20 types of AMPs in model insects, employing phylogenetic analysis to describe their evolutionary relationships and shed light on conserved and distinctive AMP families. Furthermore, we summarize the regulatory pathways of AMP production through classical signaling pathways and additional pathways associated with Nitric Oxide, insulin-like signaling, and hormones. This review advances our understanding of AMPs as guardians in insect immunity systems and unlocks a gateway to insect AMP resources, facilitating the use of AMPs to address food safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Zhou
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Guanliang Meng
- Zoological Research Museum Alexander Koenig, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, 53113 Bonn, Germany;
| | - Ling Zhu
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China;
| | - Li Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030810, China
| | - Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China;
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11
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Manfredini F, Wurm Y, Sumner S, Leadbeater E. Transcriptomic responses to location learning by honeybee dancers are partly mirrored in the brains of dance-followers. Proc Biol Sci 2023; 290:20232274. [PMID: 38113935 PMCID: PMC10730293 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2274] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The waggle dances of honeybees are a strikingly complex form of animal communication that underlie the collective foraging behaviour of colonies. The mechanisms by which bees assess the locations of forage sites that they have visited for representation on the dancefloor are now well-understood, but few studies have considered the remarkable backward translation of such information into flight vectors by dance-followers. Here, we explore whether the gene expression patterns that are induced through individual learning about foraging locations are mirrored when bees learn about those same locations from their nest-mates. We first confirmed that the mushroom bodies of honeybee dancers show a specific transcriptomic response to learning about distance, and then showed that approximately 5% of those genes were also differentially expressed by bees that follow dances for the same foraging sites, but had never visited them. A subset of these genes were also differentially expressed when we manipulated distance perception through an optic flow paradigm, and responses to learning about target direction were also in part mirrored in the brains of dance followers. Our findings show a molecular footprint of the transfer of learnt information from one animal to another through this extraordinary communication system, highlighting the dynamic role of the genome in mediating even very short-term behavioural changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Manfredini
- Present address: School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, AB24 3UL Aberdeen, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, TW20 OEX Egham, UK
| | - Yannick Wurm
- School of Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS London, UK
- Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, E1 4NS London, UK
| | - Seirian Sumner
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, WC1E 6BT London, UK
| | - Ellouise Leadbeater
- Department of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, TW20 OEX Egham, UK
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12
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Tom A, Kumar NP, Kumar A, Saini P. Interactions between Leishmania parasite and sandfly: a review. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:6. [PMID: 38052752 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08043-7] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis transmission cycles are maintained and sustained in nature by the complex crosstalk of the Leishmania parasite, sandfly vector, and the mammalian hosts (human, as well as zoonotic reservoirs). Regardless of the vast research on human host-parasite interaction, there persists a substantial knowledge gap on the parasite's development and modulation in the vector component. This review focuses on some of the intriguing aspects of the Leishmania-sandfly interface, beginning with the uptake of the intracellular amastigotes from an infected host to the development of the parasite within the sandfly's alimentary canal, followed by the transmission of infective metacyclic stages to another potential host. Upon ingestion of the parasite, the sandfly hosts an intricate repertoire of immune barriers, either to evade the parasite or to ensure its homeostatic coexistence with the vector gut microbiome. Sandfly salivary polypeptides and Leishmania exosomes are co-egested with the parasite inoculum during the infected vector bite. This has been attributed to the modulation of the parasite infection and subsequent clinical manifestation in the host. While human host-based studies strive to develop effective therapeutics, a greater understanding of the vector-parasite-microbiome and human host interactions could help us to identify the targets and to develop strategies for effectively preventing the transmission of leishmaniasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anns Tom
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - N Pradeep Kumar
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- ICMR- Vector Control Research Centre, Puducherry, India
| | - Prasanta Saini
- ICMR-Vector Control Research Centre (Field Station), Kottayam, Kerala, India.
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13
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Fahmy L, Ali YM, Seilly D, McCoy R, Owens RM, Pipan M, Christie G, Grant AJ. An attacin antimicrobial peptide, Hill_BB_C10074, from Hermetia illucens with anti-Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:378. [PMID: 38036998 PMCID: PMC10690985 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03131-1] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a global need to develop new therapies to treat infectious diseases and tackle the rise in antimicrobial resistance. To date, the larvae of the Black Solider Fly, Hermetia illucens, have the largest repertoire of antimicrobial peptides derived from insects. Antimicrobial peptides are of particular interest in the exploration of alternative antimicrobials due to their potent action and reduced propensity to induce resistance compared with more traditional antibiotics. RESULTS The predicted attacin from H. illucens, Hill_BB_C10074, was first identified in the transcriptome of H. illucens populations that had been fed a plant-oil based diet. In this study, recombinant Hill_BB_C10074 (500 µg/mL), was found to possess potent antimicrobial activity against the serious Gram-negative pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sequence and structural homology modelling predicted that Hill_BB_C10074 formed a homotrimeric complex that may form pores in the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane. In vitro experiments defined the antimicrobial action of Hill_BB_C10074 against P. aeruginosa and transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the outer membrane disruptive power of Hill_BB_C10074 which was greater than the clinically relevant antibiotic, polymyxin B. CONCLUSIONS Combining predictive tools with in vitro approaches, we have characterised Hill_BB_C10074 as an important insect antimicrobial peptide and promising candidate for the future development of clinical antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Fahmy
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Youssif M Ali
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Seilly
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Reece McCoy
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Róisín M Owens
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Miha Pipan
- Better Origin, Future Business Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Graham Christie
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew J Grant
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Milyaeva PA, Kukushkina IV, Kim AI, Nefedova LN. Stress Induced Activation of LTR Retrotransposons in the Drosophila melanogaster Genome. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2272. [PMID: 38137873 PMCID: PMC10745035 DOI: 10.3390/life13122272] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Retrotransposons with long terminal repeats (LTR retrotransposons) are widespread in all groups of eukaryotes and are often both the cause of new mutations and the source of new sequences. Apart from their high activity in generative and differentiation-stage tissues, LTR retrotransposons also become more active in response to different stressors. The precise causes of LTR retrotransposons' activation in response to stress, however, have not yet been thoroughly investigated. Methods: We used RT-PCR to investigate the transcriptional profile of LTR retrotransposons and piRNA clusters in response to oxidative and chronic heat stresses. We used Oxford Nanopore sequencing to investigate the genomic environment of new insertions of the retrotransposons. We used bioinformatics methods to find the stress-induced transcription factor binding sites in LTR retrotransposons. Results: We studied the transposition activity and transcription level of LTR retrotransposons in response to oxidative and chronic heat stress and assessed the contribution of various factors that can affect the increase in their expression under stress conditions: the state of the piRNA-interference system, the influence of the genomic environment on individual copies, and the presence of the stress-induced transcription factor binding sites in retrotransposon sequences. Conclusions: The main reason for the activation of LTR retrotransposons under stress conditions is the presence of transcription factor binding sites in their regulatory sequences, which are triggered in response to stress and are necessary for tissue regeneration processes. Stress-induced transposable element activation can function as a trigger mechanism, triggering multiple signal pathways and resulting in a polyvariant cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina A. Milyaeva
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.M.); (I.V.K.); (A.I.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Longgang District, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Inna V. Kukushkina
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.M.); (I.V.K.); (A.I.K.)
| | - Alexander I. Kim
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.M.); (I.V.K.); (A.I.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Longgang District, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Lidia N. Nefedova
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia; (P.A.M.); (I.V.K.); (A.I.K.)
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15
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Nowicka J, Janczura A, Pajączkowska M, Chodaczek G, Szymczyk-Ziółkowska P, Walczuk U, Gościniak G. Effect of Camel Peptide on the Biofilm of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus Formed on Orthopedic Implants. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1671. [PMID: 38136705 PMCID: PMC10740474 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12121671] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing bacterial drug resistance and the associated challenges in the treatment of infections warrant the search for alternative therapeutic methods. Hope is placed in antimicrobial peptides, which have a broad spectrum of action and are effective against strains which are resistant to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides are also tested for their efficacy in the treatment of infections associated with the formation of biofilm. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Camel peptide on S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus adhesion to and formation of biofilm on steel cortical bone screws and also on the process of reducing mature biofilm in orthopedic implants. The tests were performed on steel implants for osteosynthesis. The MIC value and MBEC values of the peptide were determined using the microdilution method in microtiter plates. The effect of the peptide on adhesion and biofilm formation, as well as on the activity on the preformed biofilm, was evaluated using quantitative methods and confocal microscopy. The presented research results indicate that the peptide exhibits very good antimicrobial properties against the analyzed strains. Concentrations above MIC reduced biofilm in the range of 90-99%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Nowicka
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (M.P.); (U.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Adriana Janczura
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (M.P.); (U.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Magdalena Pajączkowska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (M.P.); (U.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Grzegorz Chodaczek
- Bioimaging Laboratory, Łukasiewicz Research Network—PORT Polish Center for Technology Development, 54-066 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Szymczyk-Ziółkowska
- Centre for Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (CAMT/FPC), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Łukasiewicza 5, 50-371 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Urszula Walczuk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (M.P.); (U.W.); (G.G.)
| | - Grażyna Gościniak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland; (M.P.); (U.W.); (G.G.)
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16
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Bui Thi Phuong H, Le Uyen C, Doan Ngan H, Luong Xuan H. Impact of chemical modifications on the antimicrobial and hemolytic activity of helical amphipathic peptide Lasioglossin LL-III. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1531-1544. [PMID: 37737904 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03326-w] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Insect venom is abundant in potential antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can serve as novel alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Among them, Lasioglossin III LL-III) is a promising candidate with a broad spectrum against many fungi strains and both types of bacteria, whereas almost non-toxic to red blood cells. Many chemical approaches have been recently applied to improve its pharmacological properties and provide useful information regarding structure-activity relationships. Hence, this review focused on highlighting the lesson learned from each modification and supporting the future design of potent, selective, and metabolically stable AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Le Uyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam
| | - Hoa Doan Ngan
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam
| | - Huy Luong Xuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam.
- Phenikaa Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam.
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17
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Qush A, Al Khatib HA, Rachid H, Al-Tamimi H, Al-Eshaq A, Al-Adwi S, Yassine HM, Kamareddine L. Intake of caffeine containing sugar diet remodels gut microbiota and perturbs Drosophila melanogaster immunity and lifespan. Microbes Infect 2023; 25:105149. [PMID: 37169244 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2023.105149] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The diet-microbiome-immunity axis is one among the many arms that draw up the "we are what we intake" proclamation. As such, studies on the effect of food and beverage intake on the gut environment and microbiome and on modulating immunological responses and the host's susceptibility to pathogens are on the rise. A typical accompaniment in different sustenance we consume on daily basis is the trimethylxanthine alkaloid caffeine. Being a chief component in our regular aliment, a better understanding of the effect of caffeine containing food and beverages on our gut-microbiome-immunity axis and henceforth on our health is much needed. In this study, we shed more light on the effect of oral consumption of caffeine supplemented sugar diet on the gut environment, specifically on the gut microbiota, innate immunity and host susceptibility to pathogens using the Drosophila melanogaster model organism. Our findings reveal that the oral intake of a dose-specific caffeine containing sucrose/agarose sugar diet causes a significant alteration within the fly gut milieu demarcated by microbial dysbiosis and an elevation in the production of reactive oxygen species and expression of immune-deficiency (Imd) pathway-dependent antimicrobial peptide genes. The oral intake of caffeine containing sucrose/agarose sugar diet also renders the flies more susceptible to bacterial infection and shortens their lifespan in both infection and non-infection settings. Our findings set forth additional insight into the potentiality of diet to alter the gut milieu and highlight the importance of dietary control on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Qush
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hebah A Al Khatib
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hajar Rachid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hend Al-Tamimi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Alyaa Al-Eshaq
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaima Al-Adwi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hadi M Yassine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Layla Kamareddine
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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18
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Gostaviceanu A, Gavrilaş S, Copolovici L, Copolovici DM. Membrane-Active Peptides and Their Potential Biomedical Application. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2091. [PMID: 37631305 PMCID: PMC10459175 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082091] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-active peptides (MAPs) possess unique properties that make them valuable tools for studying membrane structure and function and promising candidates for therapeutic applications. This review paper provides an overview of the fundamental aspects of MAPs, focusing on their membrane interaction mechanisms and potential applications. MAPs exhibit various structural features, including amphipathic structures and specific amino acid residues, enabling selective interaction with multiple membranes. Their mechanisms of action involve disrupting lipid bilayers through different pathways, depending on peptide properties and membrane composition. The therapeutic potential of MAPs is significant. They have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, making them promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. MAPs can selectively target cancer cells and induce apoptosis, opening new avenues in cancer therapeutics. Additionally, MAPs serve as drug delivery vectors, facilitating the transport of therapeutic cargoes across cell membranes. They represent a fascinating class of biomolecules with significant potential in basic research and clinical applications. Understanding their mechanisms of action and designing peptides with enhanced selectivity and efficacy will further expand their utility in diverse fields. Exploring MAPs holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies against infections, cancer, and drug delivery challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea Gostaviceanu
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, and Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Technical and Natural Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University, Elena Drăgoi St., No. 2, 310330 Arad, Romania; (A.G.); (S.G.); (L.C.)
- Biomedical Sciences Doctoral School, University of Oradea, University St., No. 1, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Gavrilaş
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, and Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Technical and Natural Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University, Elena Drăgoi St., No. 2, 310330 Arad, Romania; (A.G.); (S.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Lucian Copolovici
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, and Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Technical and Natural Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University, Elena Drăgoi St., No. 2, 310330 Arad, Romania; (A.G.); (S.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Dana Maria Copolovici
- Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, and Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Technical and Natural Sciences, Aurel Vlaicu University, Elena Drăgoi St., No. 2, 310330 Arad, Romania; (A.G.); (S.G.); (L.C.)
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Khan S, Lang M. A Comprehensive Review on the Roles of Metals Mediating Insect-Microbial Pathogen Interactions. Metabolites 2023; 13:839. [PMID: 37512546 PMCID: PMC10384549 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070839] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Insects and microbial pathogens are ubiquitous and play significant roles in various biological processes, while microbial pathogens are microscopic organisms that can cause diseases in multiple hosts. Insects and microbial pathogens engage in diverse interactions, leveraging each other's presence. Metals are crucial in shaping these interactions between insects and microbial pathogens. However, metals such as Fe, Cu, Zn, Co, Mo, and Ni are integral to various physiological processes in insects, including immune function and resistance against pathogens. Insects have evolved multiple mechanisms to take up, transport, and regulate metal concentrations to fight against pathogenic microbes and act as a vector to transport microbial pathogens to plants and cause various plant diseases. Hence, it is paramount to inhibit insect-microbe interaction to control pathogen transfer from one plant to another or carry pathogens from other sources. This review aims to succinate the role of metals in the interactions between insects and microbial pathogens. It summarizes the significance of metals in the physiology, immune response, and competition for metals between insects, microbial pathogens, and plants. The scope of this review covers these imperative metals and their acquisition, storage, and regulation mechanisms in insect and microbial pathogens. The paper will discuss various scientific studies and sources, including molecular and biochemical studies and genetic and genomic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhanullah Khan
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Minglin Lang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- College of Life Science, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding 071000, China
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20
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Alajlani M. Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptide Produced by Bacillus Subtilis Subsp. Subtilis.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2856256/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Antimicrobial peptides are amongst the most promising class of peptides to contract the rise of global antimicrobial resistant. This article investigates a new antimicrobial peptide from bacteria.Methods: Bacterial identification was based on phenotypical and biochemical properties as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence homology. Bacterial growth and production of the inhibitory substance was standardized and optimized. The newly antimicrobial peptide was purified to homogeneity, subsequently analyzed by PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS.Results: The bacterium identified as Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis and designated as strain MZ-32. Landy medium was best for the production when compared with different media after fixing the least influential variables in standardized fermentation conditions. Carbohydrate and nitrogen supplements investigated to improve production in Landy medium. The antimicrobial peptide of 2.158-Da was active against a broad range of skin-born pathogenic bacteria that were resistant to standard antibiotics, and possessed the physico-chemical properties of an ideal antimicrobial agent in terms of water solubility, thermal resistance, and stability towards acid/alkali (pH 4.0 to 9.0) treatments.Conclusion: The new strain and its associated peptide are potentially new candidates for medical and biotechnological applications.
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21
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El-Saadi MI, MacMillan HA, Ferguson LV. Cold-induced immune activation in chill-susceptible insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023:101054. [PMID: 37207832 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Chilling injuries in chill-susceptible insects, like the model dipteran Drosophila melanogaster, have been well-documented as a consequence of stressful low temperature exposures. Cold stress also causes upregulation of genes in the insect immune pathways, some of which are also upregulated following other forms of sterile stress. The adaptive significance and underlying mechanisms surrounding cold-induced immune activation, however, are still unclear. Here, we review recent work on the roles of ROS, DAMPs, and AMPs in insect immune signalling or function. Using this emerging knowledge, we propose a conceptual model linking biochemical and molecular causes of immune activation to its consequences during and following cold stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I El-Saadi
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1S 5B6
| | - Heath A MacMillan
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1S 5B6
| | - Laura V Ferguson
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, B4P 2R6
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