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Zhou H, Du X, Wang Y, Kong J, Zhang X, Wang W, Sun Y, Zhou C, Zhou T, Ye J. Antimicrobial peptide A20L: in vitro and in vivo antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Microbiol Spectr 2024:e0397923. [PMID: 38980018 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03979-23] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health threat in recent years. Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the priority pathogens listed by the World Health Organization. Antimicrobial peptides are considered promising alternatives to antibiotics due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and low resistance. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of antimicrobial peptide A20L against K. pneumoniae. In vitro antibacterial activity of A20L against K. pneumoniae was demonstrated by broth microdilution method. We confirmed the in vivo efficacy of A20L by Galleria mellonella infection model. In addition, we found that A20L also had certain antibiofilm activity by crystal violet staining. We also evaluated the safety and stability of A20L, and the results revealed that at a concentration of ≤128 µg/mL, A20L exhibited negligible toxicity to RAW264.7 cells and no substantial toxicity to G. mellonella. A20L was stable at different temperatures and with low concentration of serum [5% fetal bovine serum (FBS)]; however, Ca2+, Mg2+, and high serum concentrations reduced the antibacterial activity of A20L. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and membrane permeability tests revealed that A20L may exhibit antibacterial action by damaging bacterial cell membranes and increasing the permeability of outer membrane. Taken together, our results suggest that A20L has significant development potential as a therapeutic antibiotic alternative, which provides ideas for the treatment of K. pneumoniae infection. IMPORTANCE A20L showed antibacterial and anti-infective efficacy in vitro and in vivo against Klebsiella pneumoniae. It can have an antibacterial effect by disrupting the integrity of cell membranes. A20L displayed anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory activity against carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and certain application potential in vivo, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijing Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingchun Kong
- Department of Medical Lab Science, School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weixiang Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yao Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cui Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tieli Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzhong Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Cafarchia C, Mendoza-Roldan JA, Rhimi W, C I Ugochukwu I, Miglianti M, Beugnet F, Giuffrè L, Romeo O, Otranto D. Candida auris from the Egyptian cobra: Role of snakes as potential reservoirs. Med Mycol 2024; 62:myae056. [PMID: 38816207 DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myae056] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida auris represents one of the most urgent threats to public health, although its ecology remains largely unknown. Because amphibians and reptiles may present favorable conditions for C. auris colonization, cloacal and blood samples (n = 68), from several snake species, were cultured and molecularly screened for C. auris using molecular amplification of glycosylphosphatidylinositol protein-encoding genes and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Candida auris was isolated from the cloacal swab of one Egyptian cobra (Naja haje legionis) and molecularly identified in its cloaca and blood. The isolation of C. auris from wild animals is herein reported for the first time, thus suggesting the role that these animals could play as reservoirs of this emerging pathogen. The occurrence of C. auris in blood requires further investigation, although the presence of cationic antimicrobial peptides in the plasma of reptiles could play a role in reducing the vitality of the fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cafarchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy , 70010
| | | | - Wafa Rhimi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
| | - Iniobong C I Ugochukwu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
- Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria, 410001
| | - Mara Miglianti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
| | | | - Letterio Giuffrè
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy, 98122
| | - Orazio Romeo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy, 98122
| | - Domenico Otranto
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy, 70010
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 518057
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Yu CG, Ma L, Zhang DN, Ma Y, Wang CY, Chen J. Structure-activity relationships of the intramolecular disulphide bonds in LEAP2, an antimicrobial peptide from Acrossocheilus fasciatus. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:243. [PMID: 38835040 PMCID: PMC11149183 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04106-8] [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: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) plays a pivotal role in the host's immune response against pathogenic microorganisms. Numerous such antimicrobial peptides have recently been shown to mitigate infection risk in fish, and studying those harboured by the economically important fish Acrossocheilus fasciatus is imperative for enhancing its immune responses against pathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we cloned and sequenced LEAP2 cDNA from A. fasciatus to examine its expression in immune tissues and investigate the structure-activity relationships of its intramolecular disulphide bonds. RESULTS The predicted amino acid sequence of A. fasciatus LEAP2 was found to include a signal peptide, pro-domain, and mature peptide. Sequence analysis indicated that A. fasciatus LEAP2 is a member of the fish LEAP2A cluster and is closely related to Cyprinus carpio LEAP2A. A. fasciatus LEAP2 transcripts were expressed in various tissues, with the head kidney exhibiting the highest mRNA levels. Upon exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila infection, LEAP2 expression was significantly upregulated in the liver, head kidney, and spleen. A mature peptide of A. fasciatus LEAP2, consisting of two disulphide bonds (Af-LEAP2-cys), and a linear form of the LEAP2 mature peptide (Af-LEAP2) were chemically synthesised. The circular dichroism spectroscopy result shows differences between the secondary structures of Af-LEAP2 and Af-LEAP2-cys, with a lower proportion of alpha helix and a higher proportion of random coil in Af-LEAP2. Af-LEAP2 exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against most tested bacteria, including Acinetobacter guillouiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, and Staphylococcus warneri. In contrast, Af-LEAP2-cys demonstrated weak or no antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria. Af-LEAP2 had a disruptive effect on bacterial cell membrane integrity, whereas Af-LEAP2-cys did not exhibit this effect. Additionally, neither Af-LEAP2 nor Af-LEAP2-cys displayed any observable ability to hydrolyse the genomic DNA of P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides clear evidence that linear LEAP2 exhibits better antibacterial activity than oxidised LEAP2, thereby confirming, for the first time, this phenomenon in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ci-Gang Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Di-Ni Zhang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Chang-Yong Wang
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China.
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory on Biodiversity and Biosafety, Nanjing, 210042, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
- Lishui Institute for Ecological Economy Research, Lishui, 323000, China.
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Carpenter AM, van Hoek ML. Development of a defibrinated human blood hemolysis assay for rapid testing of hemolytic activity compared to computational prediction. J Immunol Methods 2024; 529:113670. [PMID: 38604530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Cytotoxicity studies determining hemolytic properties of antimicrobial peptides or other drugs are an important step in the development of novel therapeutics for clinical use. Hemolysis is an affordable, accessible, and rapid method for initial assessment of cellular toxicity for all drugs under development. However, variability in species of red blood cells and protocols used may result in significant differences in results. AMPs generally possess higher selectivity for bacterial cells but can have toxicity against host cells at high concentrations. Knowing the hemolytic activity of the peptides we are developing contributes to our understanding of their potential toxicity. Computational approaches for predicting hemolytic activity of AMPs exist and were tested head-to-head with our experimental results. RESULTS Starting with an observation of high hemolytic activity of LL-37 peptide against human red blood cells that were collected in EDTA, we explored alternative approaches to develop a more robust, accurate and simple hemolysis assay using defibrinated human blood. We found significant differences between the sensitivity of defibrinated red blood cells and EDTA treated red blood cells. SIGNIFICANCE Accurately determining the hemolytic activity using human red blood cells will allow for a more robust calculation of the therapeutic index of our potential antimicrobial compounds, a critical measure in their pre-clinical development. CONCLUSION We introduce a standardized, more accurate protocol for assessing hemolytic activity using defibrinated human red blood cells. This approach, facilitated by the increased commercial availability of de-identified human blood and defibrination methods, offers a robust tool for evaluating toxicity of emerging drug compounds, especially AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Carpenter
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America
| | - Monique L van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America; Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, United States of America.
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Fang P, Yu S, Ma X, Hou L, Li T, Gao K, Wang Y, Sun Q, Shang L, Liu Q, Nie M, Yang J. Applications of tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in antimicrobial peptides field: Current state and new applications. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28484. [PMID: 38601527 PMCID: PMC11004759 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28484] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute a group of small molecular peptides that exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activity. These peptides are abundantly present in the innate immune system of various organisms. Given the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria, microbiological studies have identified AMPs as potential natural antibiotics. In the context of antimicrobial resistance across various human pathogens, AMPs hold considerable promise for clinical applications. However, numerous challenges exist in the detection of AMPs, particularly by immunological and molecular biological methods, especially when studying of newly discovered AMPs in proteomics. This review outlines the current status of AMPs research and the strategies employed in their development, considering resent discoveries and methodologies. Subsequently, we focus on the advanced techniques of mass spectrometry for the quantification of AMPs in diverse samples, and analyzes their application, advantages, and limitations. Additionally, we propose suggestions for the future development of tandem mass spectrometry for the detection of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Fang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Songlin Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Lian Hou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, PR China
| | - Tiewei Li
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Kaijie Gao
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Yingyuan Wang
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Qianqian Sun
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Lujun Shang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Manjie Nie
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
| | - Junmei Yang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Children's Infection and Immunity, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, PR China
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Zhang M, Wang J, Li C, Wu S, Liu W, Zhou C, Ma L. Cathelicidin AS-12W Derived from the Alligator sinensis and Its Antimicrobial Activity Against Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria In Vitro and In Vivo. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10250-2. [PMID: 38587584 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10250-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have the potential to treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Cathelicidins are a class of cationic antimicrobial peptides that are found in nearly all vertebrates. Herein, we determined the mature peptide region of Alligator sinensis cathelicidin by comparing its cathelicidin peptide sequence with those of other reptiles and designed nine peptide mutants based on the Alligator sinensis cathelicidin mature peptide. According to the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity screening, the peptide AS-12W demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and exhibited low erythrocyte hemolytic activity. In particular, AS-12W exhibited strong antibacterial activity and rapid bactericidal activity against carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. Additionally, AS-12W effectively removed carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa from blood and organs in vivo, leading to improved survival rates in septic mice. Furthermore, AS-12W exhibited good stability and tolerance to harsh conditions such as high heat, high salt, strong acid, and strong alkali, and it also displayed high stability toward trypsin and simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Moreover, AS-12W showed significant anti-inflammatory effects in vitro by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory factors induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Due to its antibacterial mechanism against Escherichia coli, we found that this peptide could neutralize the negative charge on the surface of the bacteria and disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane. In addition, AS-12W has the ability to bind to the genomic DNA of bacteria and stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within bacteria, which is believed to be the reason for the good antibacterial activity of AS-12W. These results demonstrated that AS-12W exhibits remarkable antibacterial activity, particularly against carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa. Therefore, it is a potential candidate for antibacterial drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meina Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Chao Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Shaoju Wu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Wei Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Changlin Zhou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Lingman Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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Tankrathok A, Mahong B, Roytrakul S, Daduang S, Temsiripong Y, Klaynongsruang S, Jangpromma N. Proteomic analysis of crocodile white blood cells reveals insights into the mechanism of the innate immune system. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24583. [PMID: 38312682 PMCID: PMC10835162 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24583] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Crocodiles have a particularly powerful innate immune system because their blood contains high levels of antimicrobial peptides. They can survive injuries that would be fatal to other animals, and they are rarely afflicted with diseases. To better understand the crocodile's innate immune response, proteomic analysis was performed on the white blood cells (WBC) of an Aeromonas hydrophila-infected crocodile. Levels of WBC and red blood cells (RBC) rapidly increased within 1 h. In WBC, there were 109 up-regulated differentially expressed proteins (DEP) that were up-regulated. Fifty-nine DEPs dramatically increased expression from 1 h after inoculation, whereas 50 up-regulated DEPs rose after 24 h. The most abundant DEPs mainly had two biological functions, 1) gene expression regulators, for example, zinc finger proteins and histone H1 family, and 2) cell mechanical forces such as actin cytoskeleton proteins and microtubule-binding proteins. This finding illustrates the characteristic effective innate immune response mechanism of crocodiles that might occur via boosted transcription machinery proteins to accelerate cytoskeletal protein production for induction of phagocytosis, along with the increment of trafficking proteins to transport essential molecules for combating pathogens. The findings of this study provide new insights into the mechanisms of the crocodile's innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupong Tankrathok
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Kalasin University, Kalasin, 46000, Thailand
| | - Bancha Mahong
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Proteomics Laboratory, Genome Technology Research Unit, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Division of Pharmacognosy and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Jangpromma
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
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Hernández-Arvizu EE, Silis-Moreno TM, García-Arredondo JA, Rodríguez-Torres A, Cervantes-Chávez JA, Mosqueda J. Aquiluscidin, a Cathelicidin from Crotalus aquilus, and the Vcn-23 Derivative Peptide, Have Anti-Microbial Activity against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2778. [PMID: 38004789 PMCID: PMC10673557 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112778] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides play a vital role in the defense mechanisms of various organisms performing functions that range from the elimination of microorganisms, through diverse mechanisms, to the modulation of the immune response, providing protection to the host. Among these peptides, cathelicidins, a well-studied family of anti-microbial peptides, are found in various animal species, including reptiles. Due to the rise in anti-microbial resistance, these compounds have been suggested as potential candidates for developing new drugs. In this study, we identified and characterized a cathelicidin-like peptide called Aquiluscidin (Aq-CATH) from transcripts obtained from the skin and oral mucosa of the Querétaro's dark rattlesnake, Crotalus aquilus. The cDNA was cloned, sequenced, and yielded a 566-base-pair sequence. Using bioinformatics, we predicted that the peptide precursor contains a signal peptide, a 101-amino-acid conserved cathelin domain, an anionic region, and a 34-amino-acid mature peptide in the C-terminal region. Aq-CATH and a derived 23-amino-acid peptide (Vcn-23) were synthesized, and their anti-microbial activity was evaluated against various species of bacteria in in vitro assays. The minimal inhibitory concentrations against bacteria ranged from 2 to 8 μg/mL for both peptides. Furthermore, at concentrations of up to 50 μM, they exhibited no significant hemolytic activity (<2.3% and <1.2% for Aquiluscidin and Vcn-23, respectively) against rat erythrocytes and displayed no significant cytotoxic activity at low concentrations (>65% cell viability at 25 µM). Finally, this study represents the first identification of an antimicrobial peptide in Crotalus aquilus, which belongs to the cathelicidin family and exhibits the characteristic features of these peptides. Both Aq-CATH and its derived molecule, Vcn-23, displayed remarkable inhibitory activity against all tested bacteria, highlighting their potential as promising candidates for further antimicrobial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin Esaú Hernández-Arvizu
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
- Ph.D. Program in Natural Sciences, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | - Teresa Monserrat Silis-Moreno
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
| | - José Alejandro García-Arredondo
- Departamento de Investigación Química y Farmacológica de Productos Naturales, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario S/N, Queretaro 76010, Mexico;
| | - Angelina Rodríguez-Torres
- Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Querétaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (A.R.-T.); (J.A.C.-C.)
- Cuerpo Academico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
| | | | - Juan Mosqueda
- Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Natural Sciences College, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico; (E.E.H.-A.)
- Cuerpo Academico Salud Animal y Microbiología Ambiental, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76230, Mexico
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Santos ATD, Kumar S, Albuquerque JVDS, Arcce IML, Chaves OA, Cruz GS, Carretero VJ, Melo LM, Chaves MS, Guijo JMH, Freitas VJDF, Rádis-Baptista G. The anti-infective crotalicidin peptide analog RhoB-Ctn[1-9] is harmless to bovine oocytes and able to induce parthenogenesis in vitro. Toxicon 2023; 234:107274. [PMID: 37657514 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Crotalicidin is a cathelicidin-related anti-infective (antimicrobial) peptide expressed in the venom glands of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Congener peptides of crotalicidin, named vipericidins, are found in other pit vipers inhabiting South America. Crotalicidin is active against bacteria and pathogenic yeasts and has anti-proliferative activity for some cancer cells. The structural dissection of crotalicidin produced fragments (e.g., Ctn [15-34]) with multiple biological functionalities that mimic the native peptide. Another structural characteristic of crotalidicin and congeners is a unique repetitive stretch of amino acid sequences in tandem embedded in their primary structures. One of the encrypted vipericidn peptides (Ctn [1-9]) was synthesized, and the analog covalently conjugated with rhodamine B (RhoB-Ctn [1-9]) displayed considerable antimicrobial activity and selective cytotoxicity. Methods to evaluate antimicrobial peptides' toxicity include lysis of red blood cells (hemolysis) in vitro and cytotoxicity of healthy cultured cells (e.g., fibroblasts). Here, as a non-conventional model of toxicity, the bovine oocytes were exposed to two standardized concentrations of RhoB-Ctn [1-9], and embryo viability and development at its first stage of cleavage (division of cells) and blastocyst formation were evaluated. Oocytes treated with peptide at 10 and 40 μM induced cleavage rates of 44.94% and 51.53%, resulting in the formation of blastocysts of 7.07% and 11.73%, respectively. Light sheet microscopy and in silico prediction analysis indicated that RhoB-Ctn [1-9] peptide interacts with zona pellucida and internalizes into bovine oocytes and developing embryos. The ADMET prediction estimated good bioavailability of RhoB-Ctn [1-9]. In conclusion, the peptide appeared harmless to bovine oocytes and, remarkably, activated the parthenogenesis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Teixeira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Satish Kumar
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Irving Mitchell Laines Arcce
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Otávio Augusto Chaves
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; CQC-IMS, Departament of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga S/n, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva Cruz
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Dentistry, And Nursing, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Victoria Jimenez Carretero
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Molecular Genetics Research Unit, University Center Fametro (UNIFAMETRO), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maiana Silva Chaves
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jesus Miguel Hernandez Guijo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, Instituto Teófilo Hernando, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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10
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Alsaab FM, Dean SN, Bobde S, Ascoli GG, van Hoek ML. Computationally Designed AMPs with Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity against MDR Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1396. [PMID: 37760693 PMCID: PMC10525135 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of new antimicrobials is necessary to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, especially those that infect wounds and form prodigious biofilms, such as Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising class of new therapeutics against drug-resistant bacteria, including gram-negatives. Here, we utilized a computational AMP design strategy combining database filtering technology plus positional analysis to design a series of novel peptides, named HRZN, designed to be active against A. baumannii. All of the HRZN peptides we synthesized exhibited antimicrobial activity against three MDR A. baumannii strains with HRZN-15 being the most active (MIC 4 µg/mL). This peptide also inhibited and eradicated biofilm of A. baumannii strain AB5075 at 8 and 16 µg/mL, which is highly effective. HRZN-15 permeabilized and depolarized the membrane of AB5075 rapidly, as demonstrated by the killing kinetics. HRZN 13 and 14 peptides had little to no hemolysis activity against human red blood cells, whereas HRZN-15, -16, and -17 peptides demonstrated more significant hemolytic activity. HRZN-15 also demonstrated toxicity to waxworms. Further modification of HRZN-15 could result in a new peptide with an improved toxicity profile. Overall, we successfully designed a set of new AMPs that demonstrated activity against MDR A. baumannii using a computational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad M. Alsaab
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Al Ahsa 36428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Scott N. Dean
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - Shravani Bobde
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
| | - Gabriel G. Ascoli
- Aspiring Scientist Summer Internship Program, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Monique L. van Hoek
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA (S.B.)
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
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11
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Siddiqui R, Akbar N, Soares NC, Al-Hroub HM, Semreen MH, Maciver SK, Khan NA. Mass spectrometric analysis of bioactive conditioned media of bacteria isolated from reptilian gut. Future Sci OA 2023; 9:FSO861. [PMID: 37180607 PMCID: PMC10167718 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To determine whether selected gut bacteria of crocodile exhibit antibacterial properties. Materials & methods Two bacteria isolated from Crocodylus porosus gut were used, namely: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aeromonas dhakensis. Conditioned media were tested against pathogenic bacteria and metabolites were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results & conclusion Antibacterial assays revealed that conditioned media showed potent effects against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. LC-MS revealed identity of 210 metabolites. The abundant metabolites were, N-Acetyl-L-tyrosine, Acetaminophen, Trans-Ferulic acid, N, N-Dimethylformamide, Pyrocatechol, Cyclohexanone, Diphenhydramine, Melatonin, Gamma-terpinene, Cysteamine, 3-phenoxypropionic acid, Indole-3-carbinol, Benzaldehyde, Benzocaine, 2-Aminobenzoic acid, 3-Methylindole. These findings suggest that crocodile gut bacteria are potential source of novel bioactive molecules that can be utilized as pre/post/antibiotics for the benefit of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts & Sciences, American University of Sharjah, University City, Sharjah, 26666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
| | - Noor Akbar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson Cruz Soares
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamza Mohammad Al-Hroub
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Harb Semreen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Istanbul, 34010, Turkey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, 27272, United Arab Emirates
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12
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Paolino G, Di Nicola MR, Avella I, Mercuri SR. Venomous Bites, Stings and Poisoning by European Vertebrates as an Overlooked and Emerging Medical Problem: Recognition, Clinical Aspects and Therapeutic Management. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1228. [PMID: 37374011 DOI: 10.3390/life13061228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Europe presents a high number of venomous and poisonous animals able to elicit medically relevant symptoms in humans. However, since most of the accidents involving venomous or poisonous animals in Europe are unreported, their incidence and morbidity are severely overlooked. Here we provide an overview of the European vertebrate species of greatest toxicological interest, the clinical manifestations their toxins can cause, and their treatment. We report the clinical symptoms induced by envenomations and poisoning caused by reptiles, fishes, amphibians and mammals in Europe, ranging from mild, local symptoms (e.g., erythema, edema) to systemic and potentially deadly. The present work constitutes a tool for physicians to recognize envenomation/poisoning symptoms caused by the most medically relevant European vertebrates and to decide which approach is the most appropriate to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Paolino
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Dermatology, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Riccardo Di Nicola
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Asociación Herpetológica Española, Apartado de Correos 191, 28911 Leganés, Spain
| | - Ignazio Avella
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal
- BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Santo Raffaele Mercuri
- Unit of Dermatology and Cosmetology, I.R.C.C.S. San Raffaele Hospital, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
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13
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Alibardi L. Immunolocalization of Pglyrp3 and Eps8l1 proteins in the regenerating lizard epidermis indicates they contribute to epidermal barrier formation. ZOOLOGY 2023; 157:126080. [PMID: 36854226 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2023.126080] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
During tail regeneration in lizards the new corneous layer formed in the regenerating epidermis includes antimicrobial peptides, cystatin and serpins, likely forming an anti-microbial barrier. The present study aims to reveal other proteins potentially contributing to this protective barrier of the epidermis. Using immunohistochemistry we have detected a peptidoglycan-like recognition protein-3 (pglyrp3), an antimicrobial molecule, and an epidermal growth factor receptor kinase 8 l (eps8l), a receptor of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) that stimulates epidermal formation. The study shows that the two proteins are mostly accumulated in the forming wound epidermis and in the shedding layer of the regenerating scales. The shedding layer is the intra-epidermal layer that allows the separation of the initial corneous layer from the regenerating epidermis. While presence of pglyrp3 is likely related to the formation of the anti-microbial barrier, the function of the eps8l protein in epidermal regeneration remains unknown. Whether the latter protein is involved in keratinocyte movement within the regenerating epidermis has to be specifically determined in future studies. Together with the antimicrobial peptides cystatin and serpins, previously detected in the wound epidermis and shedding layer, the present study indicates that pglyp3, and potentially eps8l, contribute to protect the new skin and underlying regenerated tissues from the potential microbe invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Italy.
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14
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Crocodile defensin (CpoBD13) antifungal activity via pH-dependent phospholipid targeting and membrane disruption. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1170. [PMID: 36859344 PMCID: PMC9977887 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36280-y] [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: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Crocodilians are an order of ancient reptiles that thrive in pathogen-rich environments. The ability to inhabit these harsh environments is indicative of a resilient innate immune system. Defensins, a family of cysteine-rich cationic host defence peptides, are a major component of the innate immune systems of all plant and animal species, however crocodilian defensins are poorly characterised. We now show that the saltwater crocodile defensin CpoBD13 harbors potent antifungal activity that is mediated by a pH-dependent membrane-targeting action. CpoBD13 binds the phospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA) to form a large helical oligomeric complex, with specific histidine residues mediating PA binding. The utilisation of histidine residues for PA engagement allows CpoBD13 to exhibit differential activity at a range of environmental pH values, where CpoBD13 is optimally active in an acidic environment.
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15
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Immunity in Sea Turtles: Review of a Host-Pathogen Arms Race Millions of Years in the Running. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040556. [PMID: 36830343 PMCID: PMC9951749 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system of sea turtles is not completely understood. Sea turtles (as reptiles) bridge a unique evolutionary gap, being ectothermic vertebrates like fish and amphibians and amniotes like birds and mammals. Turtles are ectotherms; thus, their immune system is influenced by environmental conditions like temperature and season. We aim to review the turtle immune system and note what studies have investigated sea turtles and the effect of the environment on the immune response. Turtles rely heavily on the nonspecific innate response rather than the specific adaptive response. Turtles' innate immune effectors include antimicrobial peptides, complement, and nonspecific leukocytes. The antiviral defense is understudied in terms of the diversity of pathogen receptors and interferon function. Turtles also mount adaptive responses to pathogens. Lymphoid structures responsible for lymphocyte activation and maturation are either missing in reptiles or function is affected by season. Turtles are a marker of health for their marine environment, and their immune system is commonly dysregulated because of disease or contaminants. Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a tumorous disease that afflicts sea turtles and is thought to be caused by a virus and an environmental factor. We aim, by exploring the current understanding of the immune system in turtles, to aid the investigation of environmental factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease and provide options for immunotherapy.
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16
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Field EK, Hartzheim A, Terry J, Dawson G, Haydt N, Neuman-Lee LA. Reptilian Innate Immunology and Ecoimmunology: What Do We Know and Where Are We Going? Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:1557-1571. [PMID: 35833292 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reptiles, the only ectothermic amniotes, employ a wide variety of physiological adaptations to adjust to their environments but remain vastly understudied in the field of immunology and ecoimmunology in comparison to other vertebrate taxa. To address this knowledge gap, we assessed the current state of research on reptilian innate immunology by conducting an extensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles published across the four orders of Reptilia (Crocodilia, Testudines, Squamata, and Rhynchocephalia). Using our compiled dataset, we investigated common techniques, characterization of immune components, differences in findings and type of research among the four orders, and immune responses to ecological and life-history variables. We found that there are differences in the types of questions asked and approaches used for each of these reptilian orders. The different conceptual frameworks applied to each group has led to a lack of unified understanding of reptilian immunological strategies, which, in turn, have resulted in large conceptual gaps in the field of ecoimmunology as a whole. To apply ecoimmunological concepts and techniques most effectively to reptiles, we must combine traditional immunological studies with ecoimmunological studies to continue to identify, characterize, and describe the reptilian immune components and responses. This review highlights the advances and gaps that remain to help identify targeted and cohesive approaches for future research in reptilian ecoimmunological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Field
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Alyssa Hartzheim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jennifer Terry
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Grant Dawson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Natalie Haydt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Lorin A Neuman-Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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17
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Dematei A, Costa SR, Moreira DC, Barbosa EA, Friaça Albuquerque LF, Vasconcelos AG, Nascimento T, Silva PC, Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Saldanha-Araújo F, Silva Mancini MC, Saboia Ponte LG, Neves Bezerra RM, Simabuco FM, Batagin-Neto A, Brand G, Borges TKS, Eaton P, Leite JRSA. Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of the First Tryptophyllin Found in Snake Venom ( Bothrops moojeni). JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2022; 85:2695-2705. [PMID: 36508333 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of the peptide BmT-2 belonging to the tryptophyllins family, isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops moojeni. This is the first time a tryptophyllin is identified in snake venom. We tested whether BmT-2 had cytotoxic effects and antioxidant activity in a set of experiments that included both in vitro and cell-based assays. BmT-2 presented a radical scavenging activity toward ABTS• and AAPH-derived radicals. BmT-2 protected fluorescein, DNA molecules, and human red blood cells (RBCs) from free radicals generated by the thermal decomposition of AAPH. The novel tryptophyllin was not toxic in cell viability tests, where it (up to 0.4 mg/mL) did not cause hemolysis of human RBCs and did not cause significant loss of cell viability, showing a CC50 > 1.5 mM for cytotoxic effects against SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma cells. BmT-2 prevented the arsenite-induced upregulation of Nrf2 in Neuro-2a neuroblasts and the phorbol myristate acetate-induced overgeneration of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma cells. Electronic structure calculations and full atomistic reactive molecular dynamics simulations revealed the relevant contribution of aromatic residues in BmT-2 to its antioxidant properties. Our study presents a novel peptide classified into the family of the tryptophyllins, which has been reported exclusively in amphibians. Despite the promising results on its antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity, the mechanisms of action of BmT-2 still need to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Dematei
- Center for Tropical Medicine (NMT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Samuel Ribeiro Costa
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules (LSAB), Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Moreira
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Eder Alves Barbosa
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules (LSAB), Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas F Friaça Albuquerque
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Andreanne G Vasconcelos
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Tiago Nascimento
- Research Center on Biodiversity and Biotechnology (Biotec), Parnaiba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba 64202-020, Brazil
| | - Pedro Costa Silva
- Research Center on Biodiversity and Biotechnology (Biotec), Parnaiba Delta Federal University, Parnaíba 64202-020, Brazil
| | - Amandda É Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratory of Hematology and Stem Cells (LHCT), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araújo
- Laboratory of Hematology and Stem Cells (LHCT), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana Camargo Silva Mancini
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Luis Gustavo Saboia Ponte
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Rosangela Maria Neves Bezerra
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil
| | - Augusto Batagin-Neto
- Institute of Science and Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Itapeva, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Brand
- Laboratory for the Synthesis and Analysis of Biomolecules (LSAB), Institute of Chemistry, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiana Karla S Borges
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Peter Eaton
- LAQV/REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto 4099-002, Portugal
- The Bridge, Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Chemistry, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, U.K
| | - José Roberto S A Leite
- Center for Tropical Medicine (NMT), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
- Research Center in Morphology and Applied Immunology (NuPMIA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Brasilia, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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18
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Our Experience over 20 Years: Antimicrobial Peptides against Gram Positives, Gram Negatives, and Fungi. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010040. [PMID: 36678669 PMCID: PMC9862542 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is rapidly increasing, and new anti-infective therapies are urgently needed. In this regard, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may represent potential candidates for the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant microorganisms. In this narrative review, we reported the experience of our research group over 20 years. We described the AMPs we evaluated against Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungi. In conclusion, our experience shows that AMPs can be a key option for treating multiresistant infections and overcoming resistance mechanisms. The combination of AMPs allows antibiotics and antifungals that are no longer effective to exploit the synergistic effect by restoring their efficacy. A current limitation includes poor data on human patients, the cost of some AMPs, and their safety, which is why studies on humans are needed as soon as possible.
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19
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Chafran L, Carfagno A, Altalhi A, Bishop B. Green Hydrogel Synthesis: Emphasis on Proteomics and Polymer Particle-Protein Interaction. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4755. [PMID: 36365747 PMCID: PMC9656617 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of drug discovery has seen significant progress in recent years. These advances drive the development of new technologies for testing compound's effectiveness, as well as their adverse effects on organs and tissues. As an auxiliary tool for drug discovery, smart biomaterials and biopolymers produced from biodegradable monomers allow the manufacture of multifunctional polymeric devices capable of acting as biosensors, of incorporating bioactives and biomolecules, or even mimicking organs and tissues through self-association and organization between cells and biopolymers. This review discusses in detail the use of natural monomers for the synthesis of hydrogels via green routes. The physical, chemical and morphological characteristics of these polymers are described, in addition to emphasizing polymer-particle-protein interactions and their application in proteomics studies. To highlight the diversity of green synthesis methodologies and the properties of the final hydrogels, applications in the areas of drug delivery, antibody interactions, cancer therapy, imaging and biomarker analysis are also discussed, as well as the use of hydrogels for the discovery of antimicrobial and antiviral peptides with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Chafran
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110 , USA
| | | | | | - Barney Bishop
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110 , USA
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20
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Dini I, De Biasi MG, Mancusi A. An Overview of the Potentialities of Antimicrobial Peptides Derived from Natural Sources. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1483. [PMID: 36358138 PMCID: PMC9686932 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are constituents of the innate immune system in every kind of living organism. They can act by disrupting the microbial membrane or without affecting membrane stability. Interest in these small peptides stems from the fear of antibiotics and the emergence of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics. Through membrane or metabolic disruption, they defend an organism against invading bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi. High efficacy and specificity, low drug interaction and toxicity, thermostability, solubility in water, and biological diversity suggest their applications in food, medicine, agriculture, animal husbandry, and aquaculture. Nanocarriers can be used to protect, deliver, and improve their bioavailability effectiveness. High cost of production could limit their use. This review summarizes the natural sources, structures, modes of action, and applications of microbial peptides in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Any restrictions on AMPs' large-scale production are also taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Dini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Mancusi
- Department of Food Microbiology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Via Salute 2, 80055 Portici, Italy
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21
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Wang S, Liu S, Wang C, Ye B, Lv L, Ye Q, Xie S, Hu G, Zou J. Dietary Antimicrobial Peptides Improve Intestinal Function, Microbial Composition and Oxidative Stress Induced by Aeromonas hydrophila in Pengze Crucian Carp ( Carassius auratus var. Pengze). Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091756. [PMID: 36139830 PMCID: PMC9495946 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for the potential use of antimicrobial peptides as dietary supplements and antibiotic substitutes. In this study, we analyzed the differential effects of varying levels of antimicrobial peptides on the intestinal function and intestinal microbial and disease resistance of Pengze crucian carp. Approximately 630 experimental fishes were randomized in the control group (G0: 0 mg/kg) and in five groups supplemented with different doses of AMPs (G1: 100 mg/kg, G2: 200 mg/kg, G3: 400 mg/kg, G4: 800 mg/kg, and G5: 1600 mg/kg) and were fed for ten weeks. Three replicates per group of 35 fish were performed. The results showed that AMPs promoted intestinal villus development and increased intestinal muscular thickness (p < 0.05) and goblet cell abundance. The enzymatic activities of all groups supplemented with AMPs were effectively improved. AMP supplementation significantly enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes and digestive enzymes in the intestines of G3 animals (p < 0.05). Compared with G0 animals, AMP-supplemented animals regulated the expression of intestinal immune-related genes and exhibited significant differences in the G3 animal group (p < 0.05). The abundance of intestinal Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes increased in the AMP-supplemented groups, but the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was lower than that in the G0 group. AMP supplementation also decreased the abundance of Fusobacterium while increasing the proportion of Actinobacteria (p < 0.05). After Aeromonas hydrophila infection, the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors in the intestinal tract of G3 animals were significantly upregulated, and the level of the proinflammatory factor was decreased (p < 0.05). The intestinal Cetobacterium levels of G3 animals were significantly increased (p < 0.01), while the Proteobacteria levels were decreased, and the intestinal goblet cell proliferation was significantly lower than that of G0 animals (p < 0.05). This indicates that groups supplemented with AMPs have better disease resistance than the G0 group and can rapidly reduce the adverse effects caused by inflammatory response. Taken together, the present results suggest that AMP supplementation can improve intestinal function and intestinal microbial and pathogen resistance in Pengze crucian carp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaodan Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Shulin Liu
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Liqun Lv
- National Pathogen Collection Center for Aquatic Animals, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fishery Germplasm Resources, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Qiao Ye
- School of Life Sciences, Huizhou University, Huizhou 516007, China
| | - Shaolin Xie
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Guocheng Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou 510655, China
- Correspondence: (G.H.); (J.Z.); Tel./Fax: +86-20-29119036 (G.H.); +86-20-87571321 (J.Z.)
| | - Jixing Zou
- Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province and Hong Kong Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
- Correspondence: (G.H.); (J.Z.); Tel./Fax: +86-20-29119036 (G.H.); +86-20-87571321 (J.Z.)
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22
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In pursuit of next-generation therapeutics: Antimicrobial peptides against superbugs, their sources, mechanism of action, nanotechnology-based delivery, and clinical applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 218:135-156. [PMID: 35868409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) attracted attention as potential source of novel antimicrobials. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections have emerged as a global threat to public health in recent years. Furthermore, due to rapid emergence of new diseases, there is pressing need for development of efficient antimicrobials. AMPs are essential part of the innate immunity in most living organisms, acting as the primary line of defense against foreign invasions. AMPs kill a wide range of microorganisms by primarily targeting cell membranes or intracellular components through a variety of ways. AMPs can be broadly categorized based on their physico-chemical properties, structure, function, target and source of origin. The synthetic analogues produced either with suitable chemical modifications or with the use of suitable delivery systems are projected to eliminate the constraints of toxicity and poor stability commonly linked with natural AMPs. The concept of peptidomimetics is gaining ground around the world nowadays. Among the delivery systems, nanoparticles are emerging as potential delivery tools for AMPs, amplifying their utility against a variety of pathogens. In the present review, the broad classification of various AMPs, their mechanism of action (MOA), challenges associated with AMPs, current applications, and novel strategies to overcome the limitations have been discussed.
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23
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Kowalski K, Marciniak P, Rychlik L. A new, widespread venomous mammal species: hemolytic activity of Sorex araneus venom is similar to that of Neomys fodiens venom. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2022; 8:7. [PMID: 35672837 PMCID: PMC9172195 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-022-00191-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venom production has evolved independently many times in the animal kingdom, although it is rare among mammals. Venomous shrews produce toxins in their salivary glands and use their venoms to hunt and store prey. Thus far, the toxicity and composition of shrew venoms have been studied only in two shrew species: the northern short-tailed shrew, Blarina brevicauda, and the Eurasian water shrew, Neomys fodiens. Venom of N. fodiens has potent paralytic activity which enables hunting and storing prey in a comatose state. Here, we assayed the hemolytic effects of extracts from salivary glands of N. fodiens and the common shrew, Sorex araneus, in erythrocytes of Pelophylax sp. frogs. We identified toxins in shrew venom by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Our results prove, confirming a suggestion made four centuries ago, that S. araneus is venomous. We also provide the first experimental evidence that shrew venoms produce potent hemolysis in frog erythrocytes. We found significant concentration-dependent effects of venoms of N. fodiens and S. araneus on hemolysis of red blood cells evaluated as hemoglobin release. Treatment of erythrocytes with N. fodiens venom at concentrations of 1.0 and 0.5 mg/ml and with S. araneus venom at concentration of 1.0 mg/ml caused an increased release of hemoglobin. Our findings confirm that hemolytic effects of N. fodiens venom are stronger than those produced by S. araneus venom. We identified four toxins in the venom of N. fodiens: proenkephalin, phospholipase A2 (PLA2), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein (ADAM) and lysozyme C, as well as a non-toxic hyaluronidase. In the venom of S. araneus we found five toxins: proenkephalin, kallikrein 1-related peptidase, beta-defensin, ADAM and lysozyme C. PLA2 and ADAMs are likely to produce hemolysis in frog erythrocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our results clearly show that shrew venoms possess hemolytic action that may allow them to hunt larger prey. Since a member of the numerous genus Sorex is venomous, it is likely that venom production among shrews and other eulipotyphlans may be more widespread than it has previously been assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kowalski
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology and Ecology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Paweł Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Leszek Rychlik
- Department of Systematic Zoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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24
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Lebedev AT, Vasileva ID, Samgina TY. FT-MS in the de novo top-down sequencing of natural nontryptic peptides. MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS 2022; 41:284-313. [PMID: 33347655 DOI: 10.1002/mas.21678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present review covers available results on the application of FT-MS for the de novo sequencing of natural peptides of various animals: cones, bees, snakes, amphibians, scorpions, and so forth. As these peptides are usually bioactive, the animals efficiently use them as a weapon against microorganisms or higher animals including predators. These peptides represent definite interest as drugs of future generations since the mechanism of their activity is completely different in comparison with that of the modern antibiotics. Utilization of those peptides as antibiotics can eliminate the problem of the bacterial resistance development. Sequence elucidation of these bioactive peptides becomes even more challenging when the species genome is not available and little is known about the protein origin and other properties of those peptides in the study. De novo sequencing may be the only option to obtain sequence information. The benefits of FT-MS for the top-down peptide sequencing, the general approaches of the de novxxo sequencing, the difficult cases involving sequence coverage, isobaric and isomeric amino acids, cyclization of short peptides, the presence of posttranslational modifications will be discussed in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert T Lebedev
- Organic Chemistry Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina D Vasileva
- Organic Chemistry Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana Y Samgina
- Organic Chemistry Department, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Akat E, Yenmiş M, Pombal MA, Molist P, Megías M, Arman S, Veselỳ M, Anderson R, Ayaz D. Comparison of Vertebrate Skin Structure at Class Level: A Review. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 305:3543-3608. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esra Akat
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Melodi Yenmiş
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
| | - Manuel A. Pombal
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Pilar Molist
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Manuel Megías
- Universidade de Vigo, Departamento de Bioloxía Funcional e Ciencias da Saúde, Facultade de Bioloxía‐IBIV Vigo, España
| | - Sezgi Arman
- Sakarya University, Faculty of Science and Letters, Biology Department Sakarya Turkey
| | - Milan Veselỳ
- Palacky University, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology Olomouc Czechia
| | - Rodolfo Anderson
- Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências Universidade Estadual Paulista São Paulo Brazil
| | - Dinçer Ayaz
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Biology Department Bornova, İzmir Turkey
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26
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Maijaroen S, Klaynongsruang S, Reabroi S, Chairoungdua A, Roytrakul S, Daduang J, Taemaitree L, Jangpromma N. Proteomic profiling reveals antitumor effects of RT2 peptide on a human colon carcinoma xenograft mouse model. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 917:174753. [PMID: 35032485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A comparative study of human colon HCT-116 xenograft in nude mice treated with and without peptide RT2 at high doses is performed along with a label-free proteomic analysis of the tissue in order to understand the potential mechanisms by which RT2 acts in vivo against colorectal tumors. RT2 displays no significant systematic toxicity, but reduces tumor growth after either intraperitoneal or intratumoral injection demonstrating it is a safe and efficacious antitumor agent in vivo. Of the 3196 proteins identified by label-free proteomics, 61 proteins appear only in response to RT2 and are involved in cellular processes largely localized in the cells and cell parts. Some of the proteins identified, including CFTR, Wnt7a, TIA1, PADI2, NRBP2, GADL1, LZIC, TLR6, and GPR37, have been reported to suppress tumor growth and are associated with cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and immune evasion. Our work supports their role as tumor biomarkers and reveals RT2 has a complex mechanism of action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surachai Maijaroen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand; Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Sompong Klaynongsruang
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand; Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Somrudee Reabroi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Arthit Chairoungdua
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Ingredients and Food Innovation Research Group, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jureerut Daduang
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Lapatrada Taemaitree
- Department of Integrated Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand
| | - Nisachon Jangpromma
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand; Department of Integrated Science, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
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27
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Brown GP, Shine R. Do Microbiota in the Soil Affect Embryonic Development and Immunocompetence in Hatchling Reptiles? Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.780456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reptile eggs develop in intimate association with microbiota in the soil, raising the possibility that embryogenesis may be affected by shifts in soil microbiota caused by anthropogenic disturbance, translocation of eggs for conservation purposes, or laboratory incubation in sterile media. To test this idea we incubated eggs of keelback snakes (Tropidonophis mairii, Colubridae) in untreated versus autoclaved soil, and injected lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the egg to induce an immune response in the embryo. Neither treatment modified hatching success, water uptake, incubation period, or white-blood-cell profiles, but both treatments affected hatchling size. Eggs incubated on autoclaved soil produced smaller hatchlings than did eggs on untreated soil, suggesting that heat and/or pressure treatment decrease the soil’s suitability for incubation. Injection of LPS reduced hatchling size, suggesting that the presence of pathogen cues disrupts embryogenesis, possibly by initiating immune reactions unassociated with white-blood-cell profiles. Smaller neonates had higher ratios of heterophils to leucocytes, consistent with higher stress in smaller snakes, or body-size effects on investment into different types of immune cells. Microbiota in the incubation medium thus can affect viability-relevant phenotypic traits of hatchling reptiles. We need further studies to explore the complex mechanisms and impacts of environmental conditions on reptilian embryogenesis.
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28
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Zhu Y, Hao W, Wang X, Ouyang J, Deng X, Yu H, Wang Y. Antimicrobial peptides, conventional antibiotics, and their synergistic utility for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. Med Res Rev 2022; 42:1377-1422. [PMID: 34984699 DOI: 10.1002/med.21879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), are important effector immune defense molecules in multicellular organisms. AMPs exert their antimicrobial activities through several mechanisms; thus far, induction of drug resistance through AMPs has been regarded as unlikely. Therefore, they have great potential as new generation antimicrobial agents. To date, more than 30 AMP-related drugs are in the clinical trial phase. In recent years, studies show that some AMPs and conventional antibiotics have synergistic effects. The combined use of AMPs and antibiotics can kill drug-resistant pathogens, prevent drug resistance, and significantly improve the therapeutic effects of antibiotics. In this review, we discuss the progress in synergistic studies on AMPs and conventional antibiotics. An overview of the current understanding of the functional scope of AMPs, ongoing clinical trials, and challenges in the development processes are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyun Zhu
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weijing Hao
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianhong Ouyang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyi Deng
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haining Yu
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yipeng Wang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
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29
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Siddiqui R, Maciver SK, Khan NA. Gut microbiome-immune system interaction in reptiles. J Appl Microbiol 2022; 132:2558-2571. [PMID: 34984778 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reptiles are ectothermic amniotes in a world dominated by endotherms. Reptiles originated more than 300 million years ago and they often dwell in polluted environments which may expose them to pathogenic micro-organisms, radiation and/or heavy metals. Reptiles also possess greater longevity and may live much longer than similar-sized land mammals, for example, turtles, tortoises, crocodiles and tuatara are long-lived reptiles living up to 100 years or more. Many recent studies have emphasized the pivotal role of the gut microbiome on its host; thus, we postulated that reptilian gut microbiome and/or its metabolites and the interplay with their robust immune system may contribute to their longevity and overall hardiness. Herein, we discuss the composition of the reptilian gut microbiome, immune system-gut microbiome cross-talk, antimicrobial peptides, reptilian resistance to infectious diseases and cancer, ageing, as well the current knowledge of the genome and epigenome of these remarkable species. Preliminary studies have demonstrated that microbial gut flora of reptiles such as crocodiles, tortoises, water monitor lizard and python exhibit remarkable anticancer and antibacterial properties, as well as comprise novel gut bacterial metabolites and antimicrobial peptides. The underlying mechanisms between the gut microbiome and the immune system may hold clues to developing new therapies overall for health, and possible extrapolation to exploit the ancient defence systems of reptiles for Homo sapiens benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui
- College of Arts and Sciences, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sutherland K Maciver
- Centre for Discovery Brain Science, Edinburgh Medical School, Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Naveed Ahmed Khan
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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30
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Self-Control of Inflammation during Tail Regeneration of Lizards. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040048. [PMID: 34842738 PMCID: PMC8629022 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Lizards can spontaneously regenerate their lost tail without evoking excessive inflammation at the damaged site. In contrast, tissue/organ injury of its mammalian counterparts results in wound healing with a formation of a fibrotic scar due to uncontrolled activation of inflammatory responses. Unveiling the mechanism of self-limited inflammation occurring in the regeneration of a lizard tail will provide clues for a therapeutic alternative to tissue injury. The present review provides an overview of aspects of rapid wound healing and roles of antibacterial peptides, effects of leukocytes on the tail regeneration, self-blocking of the inflammatory activation in leukocytes, as well as inflammatory resistance of blastemal cells or immature somatic cells during lizard tail regeneration. These mechanistic insights of self-control of inflammation during lizard tail regeneration may lead in the future to the development of therapeutic strategies to fight injury-induced inflammation.
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31
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Bin Hafeez A, Jiang X, Bergen PJ, Zhu Y. Antimicrobial Peptides: An Update on Classifications and Databases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11691. [PMID: 34769122 PMCID: PMC8583803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are distributed across all kingdoms of life and are an indispensable component of host defenses. They consist of predominantly short cationic peptides with a wide variety of structures and targets. Given the ever-emerging resistance of various pathogens to existing antimicrobial therapies, AMPs have recently attracted extensive interest as potential therapeutic agents. As the discovery of new AMPs has increased, many databases specializing in AMPs have been developed to collect both fundamental and pharmacological information. In this review, we summarize the sources, structures, modes of action, and classifications of AMPs. Additionally, we examine current AMP databases, compare valuable computational tools used to predict antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of action, and highlight new machine learning approaches that can be employed to improve AMP activity to combat global antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmer Bin Hafeez
- Centre of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar, Peshawar 25120, Pakistan;
| | - Xukai Jiang
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (X.J.); (P.J.B.)
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Phillip J. Bergen
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (X.J.); (P.J.B.)
| | - Yan Zhu
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia; (X.J.); (P.J.B.)
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32
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Luo Y, Song Y. Mechanism of Antimicrobial Peptides: Antimicrobial, Anti-Inflammatory and Antibiofilm Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111401. [PMID: 34768832 PMCID: PMC8584040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as a new generation of antibiotics. Besides antimicrobial activity, AMPs also have antibiofilm, immune-regulatory, and other activities. Exploring the mechanism of action of AMPs may help in the modification and development of AMPs. Many studies were conducted on the mechanism of AMPs. The present review mainly summarizes the research status on the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibiofilm properties of AMPs. This study not only describes the mechanism of cell wall action and membrane-targeting action but also includes the transmembrane mechanism of intracellular action and intracellular action targets. It also discusses the dual mechanism of action reported by a large number of investigations. Antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory mechanisms were described based on the formation of biofilms and inflammation. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the multiple activities and coordination of AMPs in vivo, and to fully understand AMPs to realize their therapeutic prospect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Luo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
| | - Yuzhu Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Medical College, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-871-65939528
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33
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Chook CYB, Chen FM, Leung FP, Chen ZY, Wong WT. Potential of crocodile blood as a medication and dietary supplement: A systemic review. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1043-1058. [PMID: 33987869 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Crocodile blood has long been used as a traditional medicine in many Asian countries to treat diseases such as asthma, allergies, and many others. Yet, only recently has the safety and effectiveness of using crocodile blood as a medicine been examined using modern scientific methods; with both conserved and novel active components identified from crocodile blood. Further in vitro and in vivo investigations found that crocodile blood can have a wide range of beneficial effects, including antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumour effects, anti-anaemia, and enhancement of wound healing. A systematic research of literature published in English-language journals up to April 2020 was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Based on the biological and chemical knowledge of crocodile immunity and crocodile blood, this article aims to: provide a critical review on the proposed properties of crocodile blood, identify the knowledge gap and offer some insights for future investigations regarding the use of crocodile blood as a medication or dietary supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chui Yiu Bamboo Chook
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Francis M Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fung Ping Leung
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Tak Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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BING, a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from Japanese medaka plasma, targets bacterial envelope stress response by suppressing cpxR expression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12219. [PMID: 34108601 PMCID: PMC8190156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to small molecule antibiotics. Although AMPs have previously been isolated in many organisms, efforts on the systematic identification of AMPs in fish have been lagging. Here, we collected peptides from the plasma of medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish. By using mass spectrometry, 6399 unique sequences were identified from the isolated peptides, among which 430 peptides were bioinformatically predicted to be potential AMPs. One of them, a thermostable 13-residue peptide named BING, shows a broad-spectrum toxicity against pathogenic bacteria including drug-resistant strains, at concentrations that presented relatively low toxicity to mammalian cell lines and medaka. Proteomic analysis indicated that BING treatment induced a deregulation of periplasmic peptidyl-prolyl isomerases in gram-negative bacteria. We observed that BING reduced the RNA level of cpxR, an upstream regulator of envelope stress responses. cpxR is known to play a crucial role in the development of antimicrobial resistance, including the regulation of genes involved in drug efflux. BING downregulated the expression of efflux pump components mexB, mexY and oprM in P. aeruginosa and significantly synergised the toxicity of antibiotics towards these bacteria. In addition, exposure to sublethal doses of BING delayed the development of antibiotic resistance. To our knowledge, BING is the first AMP shown to suppress cpxR expression in Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery highlights the cpxR pathway as a potential antimicrobial target.
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Oronsky B, Guo X, Wang X, Cabrales P, Sher D, Cannizzo L, Wardle B, Abrouk N, Lybeck M, Caroen S, Oronsky A, Reid TR. Discovery of RRx-001, a Myc and CD47 Downregulating Small Molecule with Tumor Targeted Cytotoxicity and Healthy Tissue Cytoprotective Properties in Clinical Development. J Med Chem 2021; 64:7261-7271. [PMID: 34043360 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
After extensive screening of aerospace compounds in an effort to source a novel anticancer agent, RRx-001, a first-in-class dinitroazetidine small molecule, was selected for advancement into preclinical and clinical development. RRx-001 is a minimally toxic small molecule with a distinct chemical structure and mechanism of action. The paradox of RRx-001 is that it mediates both antitumor cytotoxicity and normal tissue protection. The question of exactly how RRx-001 does this, and by means of what mechanism(s), depending on the route of delivery, intravenous or intratumoral, are explored. RRx-001 is currently in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for the treatment of multiple solid tumor malignancies and as a supportive care drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Oronsky
- EpicentRx Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 160, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - XiaoNing Guo
- SciClone Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., 22 Floor, Shanghai Central Plaza, No. 381 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu, Shanghai 200020, China
| | - XiaoHui Wang
- SciClone Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., 22 Floor, Shanghai Central Plaza, No. 381 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu, Shanghai 200020, China
| | - Pedro Cabrales
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - David Sher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 2280 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas 75390, United States
| | - Lou Cannizzo
- Department of Space Systems, Northrop Grumman Corporation, 2980 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, United States
| | - Bob Wardle
- Department of Space Systems, Northrop Grumman Corporation, 2980 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, United States
| | - Nacer Abrouk
- EpicentRx Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 160, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Michelle Lybeck
- EpicentRx Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 160, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Scott Caroen
- EpicentRx Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 160, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Arnold Oronsky
- InterWest Partners, 467 First Street, Suite 201, Los Altos, California 94022, United States
| | - Tony R Reid
- EpicentRx Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 160, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Samgina TY, Tolpina MD, Surin AK, Kovalev SV, Bosch RA, Alonso IP, Garcia FA, Gonzalez Lopez LJ, Lebedev AT. Manual mass spectrometry de novo sequencing of the anionic host defense peptides of the Cuban Treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2021; 35:e9061. [PMID: 33527491 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Host defense peptides accumulated in the skin glands of the animals constitute the basis of the adaptive and immune system of amphibians. The peptidome of the Cuban frog Osteopilus septentrionalis was established using tandem mass spectrometry as the best analytical tool to elucidate the sequence of these peptides. METHODS Manual interpretation of complementary collision-induced dissociation (CID), higher energy collision-induced dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) tandem mass spectra recorded with an Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) mode was used to sequence the peptide components of the frog skin secretion, obtained by mild electrostimulation. RESULTS Although the vast majority of amphibian peptides discovered so far are cationic, surprisingly only anionic peptides were identified in the skin secretion of the Cuban frog Osteopilus septentrionalis. Mass spectrometry allowed the sequences to be established of 16 representatives of new peptide families: septenins 1 and septenins 2. The highest sequence coverage when dealing with these anionic peptides was obtained with CID normalized collision energy 35 and HCD normalized collision energy 28. CONCLUSIONS Mirror-symmetrical peptides are sequenced using N-terminal acetylation. Acetylated Ser is reliably distinguished from isomeric Glu by the loss of ketene from b-ions containing the corresponding residue. Calculations of the physicochemical and structural properties of the discovered anionic septenins 1 and 2 allowed the mechanism of their interaction with microbe cells to be postulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Y Samgina
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Maria D Tolpina
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Alexey K Surin
- Pushchino Branch, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Nauki 6, Pushchino, Moscow, 142290, Russia
| | - Sergey V Kovalev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Roberto Alonso Bosch
- Museum of Natural History "Felipe Poey", Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Isel Pascual Alonso
- Center for Protein Studies, Faculty of Biology, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Luis Javier Gonzalez Lopez
- Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, Department of Proteomics, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, PO Box 6162, Havana, Cuba
| | - Albert T Lebedev
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/3, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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Venom Use in Eulipotyphlans: An Evolutionary and Ecological Approach. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030231. [PMID: 33810196 PMCID: PMC8004749 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Venomousness is a complex functional trait that has evolved independently many times in the animal kingdom, although it is rare among mammals. Intriguingly, most venomous mammal species belong to Eulipotyphla (solenodons, shrews). This fact may be linked to their high metabolic rate and a nearly continuous demand of nutritious food, and thus it relates the venom functions to facilitation of their efficient foraging. While mammalian venoms have been investigated using biochemical and molecular assays, studies of their ecological functions have been neglected for a long time. Therefore, we provide here an overview of what is currently known about eulipotyphlan venoms, followed by a discussion of how these venoms might have evolved under ecological pressures related to food acquisition, ecological interactions, and defense and protection. We delineate six mutually nonexclusive functions of venom (prey hunting, food hoarding, food digestion, reducing intra- and interspecific conflicts, avoidance of predation risk, weapons in intraspecific competition) and a number of different subfunctions for eulipotyphlans, among which some are so far only hypothetical while others have some empirical confirmation. The functions resulting from the need for food acquisition seem to be the most important for solenodons and especially for shrews. We also present several hypotheses explaining why, despite so many potentially beneficial functions, venomousness is rare even among eulipotyphlans. The tentativeness of many of the arguments presented in this review highlights our main conclusion, i.e., insights regarding the functions of eulipotyphlan venoms merit additional study.
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Lima HVD, Dos Santos TMC, de Sousa Silva MMA, da Silva Albuquerque JV, Melo LM, de Figueirêdo Freitas VJ, Rádis-Baptista G. The Rhodamine B-encrypted vipericidin peptide, RhoB-Ctn[1-9], displays in vitro antimicrobial activity against opportunistic bacteria and yeasts. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:172-179. [PMID: 33749557 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210322123903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crotalicidin (Ctn), a snake venom cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide, is a 34-residue-long linear lysine-rich vipericidin obtained from the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus. Ctn contains tandem repeats of nine amino acid residues (1KRFKKFFKK9 and 16KRLKKIFKK24; consensus: 1KRhKKhFKK9, h = hydrophobic amino acid) as an integral part of its structure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the encrypted vipericidin nonapeptide KRFKKFFKK, designated as Ctn[1-9], and its structural analogue, rhodamine-B‒conjugated Ctn[1-9], designated as RhoB-Ctn[1-9]. METHOD The susceptibility of representative pathogenic bacteria and yeasts to antimicrobial agents was determined using the broth microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. Cytotoxicity was estimated using a hemolytic assay. The accumulation of RhoB-Ctn[1-9] in microbial cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy. The antimicrobial synergism of RhoB-Ctn[1-9] with antimicrobials was evaluated using a checkerboard analysis. RESULTS RhoB-conjugated Ctn[1-9] displayed selective antimicrobial activity against infectious gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic species of Candida with low hemolytic effects on human erythrocytes which was not observed with unconjugated Ctn[1-9]. RhoB-Ctn[1-9] could permeate cell membranes and accumulate intracellularly in microbial cells. RhoB-Ctn[1-9] exhibits synergistic effects when used with antibiotics or antifungal agents and reduced the MICs of the peptide and antimicrobials. CONCLUSION These findings indicate the potential of crotalicidin-related short peptides as structural motifs for the diversification of biological functionalities. Further, they set the stage to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which chemically modified vipericidin repeats modulate cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilania Valeria Doudou Lima
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | - Thales Márcio Cabral Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | | | - João Victor da Silva Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | - Luciana Magalhães Melo
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary, State University of Ceará (UECE), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
| | | | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza-CE. Brazil
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Rádis-Baptista G. Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived from Animal Venoms and Toxins. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:147. [PMID: 33671927 PMCID: PMC7919042 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) comprise a class of short polypeptides that possess the ability to selectively interact with the cytoplasmic membrane of certain cell types, translocate across plasma membranes and accumulate in the cell cytoplasm, organelles (e.g., the nucleus and mitochondria) and other subcellular compartments. CPPs are either of natural origin or de novo designed and synthesized from segments and patches of larger proteins or designed by algorithms. With such intrinsic properties, along with membrane permeation, translocation and cellular uptake properties, CPPs can intracellularly convey diverse substances and nanomaterials, such as hydrophilic organic compounds and drugs, macromolecules (nucleic acids and proteins), nanoparticles (nanocrystals and polyplexes), metals and radionuclides, which can be covalently attached via CPP N- and C-terminals or through preparation of CPP complexes. A cumulative number of studies on animal toxins, primarily isolated from the venom of arthropods and snakes, have revealed the cell-penetrating activities of venom peptides and toxins, which can be harnessed for application in biomedicine and pharmaceutical biotechnology. In this review, I aimed to collate examples of peptides from animal venoms and toxic secretions that possess the ability to penetrate diverse types of cells. These venom CPPs have been chemically or structurally modified to enhance cell selectivity, bioavailability and a range of target applications. Herein, examples are listed and discussed, including cysteine-stabilized and linear, α-helical peptides, with cationic and amphipathic character, from the venom of insects (e.g., melittin, anoplin, mastoparans), arachnids (latarcin, lycosin, chlorotoxin, maurocalcine/imperatoxin homologs and wasabi receptor toxin), fish (pardaxins), amphibian (bombesin) and snakes (crotamine and cathelicidins).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60165-081, Brazil
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Kumar R, Ali SA, Singh SK, Bhushan V, Mathur M, Jamwal S, Mohanty AK, Kaushik JK, Kumar S. Antimicrobial Peptides in Farm Animals: An Updated Review on Its Diversity, Function, Modes of Action and Therapeutic Prospects. Vet Sci 2020; 7:vetsci7040206. [PMID: 33352919 PMCID: PMC7766339 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci7040206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the arsenals of the innate host defense system, exhibiting evolutionarily conserved characteristics that are present in practically all forms of life. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria compounded with a slow discovery rate for new antibiotics that have necessitated scientific efforts to search for alternatives to antibiotics. Research on the identification of AMPs has generated very encouraging evidence that they curb infectious pathologies and are also useful as novel biologics to function as immunotherapeutic agents. Being innate, they exhibit the least cytotoxicity to the host and exerts a wide spectrum of biological activity including low resistance among microbes and increased wound healing actions. Notably, in veterinary science, the constant practice of massive doses of antibiotics with inappropriate withdrawal programs led to a high risk of livestock-associated antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the world faces tremendous pressure for designing and devising strategies to mitigate the use of antibiotics in animals and keep it safe for posterity. In this review, we illustrate the diversity of farm animal-specific AMPs, and their biochemical foundations, mode of action, and prospective application in clinics. Subsequently, we present the data for their systematic classification under the major and minor groups, antipathogenic action, and allied bioactivities in the host. Finally, we address the limitations of their clinical implementation and envision areas for further advancement.
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Zhong L, Liu J, Teng S, Xie Z. Identification of a Novel Cathelicidin from the Deinagkistrodon acutus Genome with Antibacterial Activity by Multiple Mechanisms. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12120771. [PMID: 33291852 PMCID: PMC7762006 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12120771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics and the consequent increase of drug-resistant bacteria constitute a serious threat to human health, and new antibiotics are urgently needed. Research shows that antimicrobial peptides produced by natural organisms are potential substitutes for antibiotics. Based on Deinagkistrodonacutus (known as five-pacer viper) genome bioinformatics analysis, we discovered a new cathelicidin antibacterial peptide which was called FP-CATH. Circular dichromatic analysis showed a typical helical structure. FP-CATH showed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. It has antibacterial activity to Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that FP-CATH could cause the change of bacterial cell integrity, having a destructive effect on Gram-negative bacteria and inducing Gram-positive bacterial surface formation of vesicular structure. FP-CATH could bind to LPS and showed strong binding ability to bacterial DNA. In vivo, FP-CATH can improve the survival rate of nematodes in bacterial invasion experiments, and has a certain protective effect on nematodes. To sum up, FP-CATH is likely to play a role in multiple mechanisms of antibacterial action by impacting bacterial cell integrity and binding to bacterial biomolecules. It is hoped that the study of FP-CATH antibacterial mechanisms will prove useful for development of novel antibiotics.
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Han Z, Lian C, Ma Y, Zhang C, Liu Z, Tu Y, Ma Y, Gu Y. A frog-derived bionic peptide with discriminative inhibition of tumors based on integrin αvβ3 identification. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:5920-5930. [PMID: 32959810 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01187h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aureins, natural active peptides extracted from skin secretions of Australian bell frogs, have become a research focus due to the antitumor effects caused by lysing cell membranes. However, clinical translation of Aureins is still limited by non-selective toxicity between normal and cancer cells. Herein, by structure-activity relationship analysis and rational linker design, a dual-function fusion peptide RA3 is designed by tactically fusing Aurein peptide A1 with strong anticancer activity, with a tri-peptide with integrin αvβ3-binding ability which was screened in our previous work. Rational design and selection of fusion linkers ensures α-helical conformation and active functions of this novel fusion peptide, inducing effective membrane rupture and selective apoptosis of cancer cells. The integrin binding and tumor recognition ability of the fusion peptide is further validated by fluorescence imaging in cell and mouse models, in comparison with the non-selective A1 peptide. Meanwhile, increased stability and superior therapeutic efficacy are achieved in vivo for the RA3 fusion peptide. Our study highlights that aided by computational simulation technologies, the biomimetic fusion RA3 peptide has been successfully designed, surmounting the poor tumor-selectivity of the natural defensive peptide, serving as a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedicine Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, 210009, China.
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Antibiofilm Activity on Candida albicans and Mechanism of Action on Biomembrane Models of the Antimicrobial Peptide Ctn[15-34]. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218339. [PMID: 33172206 PMCID: PMC7664368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ctn[15–34], the C-terminal fragment of crotalicidin, an antimicrobial peptide from the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus venom, displays remarkable anti-infective and anti-proliferative activities. Herein, its activity on Candida albicans biofilms and its interaction with the cytoplasmic membrane of the fungal cell and with a biomembrane model in vitro was investigated. A standard C. albicans strain and a fluconazole-resistant clinical isolate were exposed to the peptide at its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (10 µM) and up to 100 × MIC to inhibit biofilm formation and its eradication. A viability test using XTT and fluorescent dyes, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to observe the antibiofilm effect. To evaluate the importance of membrane composition on Ctn[15–34] activity, C. albicans protoplasts were also tested. Fluorescence assays using di-8-ANEPPS, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measurements using liposomes, protoplasts, and C. albicans cells indicated a direct mechanism of action that was dependent on membrane interaction and disruption. Overall, Ctn[15–34] showed to be an effective antifungal peptide, displaying antibiofilm activity and, importantly, interacting with and disrupting fungal plasma membrane.
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Hitt SJ, Bishop BM, van Hoek ML. Komodo-dragon cathelicidin-inspired peptides are antibacterial against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1262-1272. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.The rise of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is a growing crisis that requires development of novel therapeutics.Hypothesis.To this end, cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) represent a possible source of new potential therapeutics to treat difficult pathogens such as carbapenem-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP), which has gained resistance to many if not all currently approved antibiotics, making treatment difficult.Aim.To examine the anti-CRKP antimicrobial activity of the predicted cathelicidins derived fromVaranus komodoensis(Komodo dragon) as well as synthetic antimicrobial peptides that we created.Methodology.We determined the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the peptides against CRKP. We also characterized the abilities of these peptides to disrupt the hyperpolarization of the bacterial membrane as well as their ability to form pores in the membrane.Results.We did not observe significant anti-CRKP activity for the predicted native Komodo cathelicidin peptides. We found that the novel peptides DRGN-6,-7 and -8 displayed significant antimicrobial activity against CRKP with MICs of 4–8 µg ml−1. DRGN-6 peptide was the most effective peptide against CRKP. Unfortunately, these peptides showed higher than desired levels of hemolysis, althoughin vivotesting in the waxwormGalleria mellonellashowed no mortality associated with treatment by the peptide; however, CRKP-infected waxworms treated with peptide did not show an improvement in survival.Conclusion.Given the challenges of treating CRKP, identification of peptides with activity against it represents a promising avenue for further research. Given DRGN-6′s similar level of activity to colistin, DRGN-6 is a promising template for the development of novel antimicrobial peptide-based therapeutics.
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are important candidates for developing new classes of antibiotics because of their potency against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Current research focuses on topical applications and it is unclear how to design peptides with systemic efficacy. To address this problem, we designed two potent peptides by combining database-guided discovery with structure-based design. When bound to membranes, these two short peptides with an identical amino acid composition can adopt two distinct amphipathic structures: A classic horizontal helix (horine) and a novel vertical spiral structure (verine). Their horizontal and vertical orientations on membranes were determined by solid-state 15N NMR data. While horine was potent primarily against gram-positive pathogens, verine showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Both peptides protected greater than 80% mice from infection-caused deaths. Moreover, horine and verine also displayed significant systemic efficacy in different murine models comparable to conventional antibiotics. In addition, they could eliminate resistant pathogens and preformed biofilms. Significantly, the peptides showed no nephrotoxicity to mice after intraperitoneal or intravenous administration for 1 wk. Our study underscores the significance of horine and verine in fighting drug-resistant pathogens.
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Fingerhut L, Dolz G, de Buhr N. What Is the Evolutionary Fingerprint in Neutrophil Granulocytes? Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4523. [PMID: 32630520 PMCID: PMC7350212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the years of evolution, thousands of different animal species have evolved. All these species require an immune system to defend themselves against invading pathogens. Nevertheless, the immune systems of different species are obviously counteracting against the same pathogen with different efficiency. Therefore, the question arises if the process that was leading to the clades of vertebrates in the animal kingdom-namely mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish-was also leading to different functions of immune cells. One cell type of the innate immune system that is transmigrating as first line of defense in infected tissue and counteracts against pathogens is the neutrophil granulocyte. During the host-pathogen interaction they can undergo phagocytosis, apoptosis, degranulation, and form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In this review, we summarize a wide spectrum of information about neutrophils in humans and animals, with a focus on vertebrates. Special attention is kept on the development, morphology, composition, and functions of these cells, but also on dysfunctions and options for cell culture or storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Fingerhut
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Gaby Dolz
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional, Heredia 40104, Costa Rica;
| | - Nicole de Buhr
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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Hitchhiking with Nature: Snake Venom Peptides to Fight Cancer and Superbugs. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12040255. [PMID: 32326531 PMCID: PMC7232197 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12040255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract For decades, natural products in general and snake venoms (SV) in particular have been a rich source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery, and they remain a promising substrate for therapeutic development. Currently, a handful of SV-based drugs for diagnosis and treatment of various cardiovascular disorders and blood abnormalities are on the market. Likewise, far more SV compounds and their mimetics are under investigation today for diverse therapeutic applications, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and cancer. In this review, we analyze the state of the art regarding SV-derived compounds with therapeutic potential, focusing on the development of antimicrobial and anticancer drugs. Specifically, information about SV peptides experimentally validated or predicted to act as antimicrobial and anticancer peptides (AMPs and ACPs, respectively) has been collected and analyzed. Their principal activities both in vitro and in vivo, structures, mechanisms of action, and attempts at sequence optimization are discussed in order to highlight their potential as drug leads. Key Contribution This review describes the state of the art in snake venom-derived peptides and their therapeutic applications. This work reinforces the potential of snake venom components as therapeutic agents, particularly in the quest for new antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
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Shaik Abdool F, Coetzer THT, Goldring JPD. Isolation of Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) serum immunoglobulin M and Y (IgM and IgY). J Immunol Methods 2019; 478:112724. [PMID: 31837304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2019.112724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Crocodile immunity has not been fully characterised with more studies on crocodile innate immunity than cell-mediated or humoral immunity. Crocodile immunoglobulin genes have been described but immunoglobulin proteins have not been isolated or studied biochemically. Two large proteins proposed to be crocodile IgM and IgY were isolated and purified from Crocodylus niloticus sera using two different protocols. A 50% (w/v) ammonium sulfate and a 15% (w/v) polyethylene glycol precipitation step was followed by Cibacron blue F3GA affinity- and Sephacryl-S300 gel filtration chromatography. An alternate purification protocol, with only two steps, involved thiophilic affinity- and Sephacryl-S300 gel filtration chromatography. The purified crocodile IgM resolved on reducing SDS-PAGE with an apparent mass of 180 kDa. Purified crocodile IgY resolved at 180 kDa alongside chicken IgY on a non-reducing SDS-PAGE gel, and is deduced to consist of two 66 kDa heavy and two 23 kDa light chains under reducing conditions. The thiophilic/gel filtration two-step protocol gave three-fold higher yields of isolated protein than the four-step precipitation/chromatography protocol. Antibodies against the isolated crocodile IgM and IgY were raised in chickens and affinity purified. The chicken antibodies differentiated between crocodile IgM and IgY and have the potential for use in the diagnosis of crocodile infections. The purified crocodile antibodies can be biochemically characterised and compared to mammalian and avian antibodies to give a better understanding of crocodile humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiaz Shaik Abdool
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus), Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
| | - Theresa H T Coetzer
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus), Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
| | - J P Dean Goldring
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg campus), Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa.
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de Barros E, Gonçalves RM, Cardoso MH, Santos NC, Franco OL, Cândido ES. Snake Venom Cathelicidins as Natural Antimicrobial Peptides. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31849667 PMCID: PMC6895205 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive small molecules isolated from animals, plants, fungi and bacteria, including natural antimicrobial peptides, have shown great therapeutic potential worldwide. Among these peptides, snake venom cathelicidins are being widely exploited, because the variation in the composition of the venom reflects a range of biological activities that may be of biotechnological interest. Cathelicidins are short, cationic, and amphipathic molecules. They play an important role in host defense against microbial infections. We are currently facing a strong limitation on pharmacological interventions for infection control, which has become increasingly complex due to the lack of effective therapeutic options. In this review, we will focus on natural snake venom cathelicidins as promising candidates for the development of new antibacterial agents to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We will highlight their antibacterial and antibiofilm activities, mechanism of action, and modulation of the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizângela de Barros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Regina M. Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
| | - Marlon H. Cardoso
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Nuno C. Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Octávio L. Franco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Elizabete S. Cândido
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- S-Inova Biotech, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Brazil
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Majeed AA, Abood DA. Histological assessment of the efficiency of rabbit serum in healing skin wounds. Vet World 2019; 12:1650-1656. [PMID: 31849428 PMCID: PMC6868260 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2019.1650-1656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of rabbit serum on skin wound healing with the help of histological examination. Materials and Methods: A total of ten indigenous rabbits were used in this study. The animals were divided into two groups: control and serum- treated. The histological assessment was done with a paraffin embedding technique and the histological sections were stained with H&E stain. Results: Severe infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with severe fibrin deposits were seen in serum treated group at 2 days post-injury; at 7 days post-injury the changes revealed moderate fibroplasia, fibrin deposit and severe infiltration of both mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes; at 14 days post-injury, there were marked epithelization and dermal deposition of collagen fibers; and at 21 days post-injury, the epidermis completed epithelization and the dermis showed neither fibroplasia nor infiltration of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Conclusion: The results indicated that rabbit’s serum can prevent wound infection, accelerate epithelialization and cutaneous regeneration with less granulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Ahmed Majeed
- Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Dhyaa Ab Abood
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq
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