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Fong-Coronado PA, Ramirez V, Quintero-Hernández V, Balleza D. A Critical Review of Short Antimicrobial Peptides from Scorpion Venoms, Their Physicochemical Attributes, and Potential for the Development of New Drugs. J Membr Biol 2024; 257:165-205. [PMID: 38990274 PMCID: PMC11289363 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-024-00315-2] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have proven to be excellent sources of antimicrobial agents. However, although many of them have been functionally characterized, they remain underutilized as pharmacological agents, despite their evident therapeutic potential. In this review, we discuss the physicochemical properties of short scorpion venom antimicrobial peptides (ssAMPs). Being generally short (13-25 aa) and amidated, their proven antimicrobial activity is generally explained by parameters such as their net charge, the hydrophobic moment, or the degree of helicity. However, for a complete understanding of their biological activities, also considering the properties of the target membranes is of great relevance. Here, with an extensive analysis of the physicochemical, structural, and thermodynamic parameters associated with these biomolecules, we propose a theoretical framework for the rational design of new antimicrobial drugs. Through a comparison of these physicochemical properties with the bioactivity of ssAMPs in pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Acinetobacter baumannii, it is evident that in addition to the net charge, the hydrophobic moment, electrostatic energy, or intrinsic flexibility are determining parameters to understand their performance. Although the correlation between these parameters is very complex, the consensus of our analysis suggests that there is a delicate balance between them and that modifying one affects the rest. Understanding the contribution of lipid composition to their bioactivities is also underestimated, which suggests that for each peptide, there is a physiological context to consider for the rational design of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Alejandro Fong-Coronado
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, México
| | - Verónica Ramirez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (FCQ-BUAP), Ciudad Universitaria, Puebla, México
| | | | - Daniel Balleza
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Alimentos, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Veracruz, México.
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2
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Xia Z, Wang H, Chen W, Wang A, Cao Z. Scorpion Venom Antimicrobial Peptide Derivative BmKn2-T5 Inhibits Enterovirus 71 in the Early Stages of the Viral Life Cycle In Vitro. Biomolecules 2024; 14:545. [PMID: 38785952 PMCID: PMC11117539 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050545] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71), a typical representative of unenveloped RNA viruses, is the main pathogenic factor responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in infants. This disease seriously threatens the health and lives of humans worldwide, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Numerous animal antimicrobial peptides have been found with protective functions against viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other pathogens, but there are few studies on the use of scorpion-derived antimicrobial peptides against unenveloped viruses. Here, we investigated the antiviral activities of scorpion venom antimicrobial peptide BmKn2 and five derivatives, finding that BmKn2 and its derivative BmKn2-T5 exhibit a significant inhibitory effect on EV71. Although both peptides exhibit characteristics typical of amphiphilic α-helices in terms of their secondary structure, BmKn2-T5 displayed lower cellular cytotoxicity than BmKn2. BmKn2-T5 was further found to inhibit EV71 in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, time-of-drug-addition experiments showed that BmKn2-T5 mainly restricts EV71, but not its virion or replication, at the early stages of the viral cycle. Interestingly, BmKn2-T5 was also found to suppress the replication of the enveloped viruses DENV, ZIKV, and HSV-1 in the early stages of the viral cycle, which suggests they may share a common early infection step with EV71. Together, the results of our study identified that the scorpion-derived antimicrobial peptide BmKn2-T5 showed valuable antiviral properties against EV71 in vitro, but also against other enveloped viruses, making it a potential new candidate therapeutic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian 463000, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
| | - Weilie Chen
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, China;
| | - Aili Wang
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
| | - Zhijian Cao
- Center for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China;
- Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Shenzhen 518057, China
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Chen Z, Wang L, He D, Liu Q, Han Q, Zhang J, Zhang AM, Song Y. Exploration of the Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1BW. Molecules 2024; 29:1534. [PMID: 38611812 PMCID: PMC11013252 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071534] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a grave threat to global public health, leading to an increasing number of treatment failures. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely regarded as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics since they are less likely to induce resistance when used. A novel AMP named Brevinin-1BW (FLPLLAGLAASFLPTIFCKISRKC) was obtained by the Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province from the skin of the Pelophylax nigromaculatus. Brevinia-1BW had effective inhibitory effects on Gram-positive bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 μg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and 6.25 μg/mL against both Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) but had weaker inhibitory effects on Gram-negative bacteria, with a MIC of ≥100 μg/mL. Studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flow cytometry have revealed that it exerts its antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial membranes. Additionally, it possesses strong biofilm inhibitory and eradication activities as well as significant lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding activity. Furthermore, Brevinin-1BW has shown a significant anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, Brevinin-1BW is anticipated to be a promising clinical agent with potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Chen
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Dongxia He
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Qi Liu
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Qinqin Han
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Jinyang Zhang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - A-Mei Zhang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Yuzhu Song
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
- School of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
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Dias NB, de Souza BM, Cid-Alda F, Dorce VAC, Cocchi FK, Palma MS. Profiling the Linear Peptides of Venom from the Brazilian Scorpion Tityus serrulatus: Structural and Functional Characterization. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024; 87:480-490. [PMID: 38408354 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c01085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides, most of which are neurotoxic, with 30 to 70 amino acid residues in their sequences. There are a scarcity of reports in the literature concerning the short linear peptides found in scorpion venoms. This type of peptide toxin may be selectively extracted from the venom using 50% (v/v) acetonitrile. The use of LC-MS and MS/MS enabled the detection of 12 bioactive short linear peptides, of which six were identified as cryptides. These peptides were shown to be multifunctional, causing hemolysis, mast cell degranulation and lysis, edema, pain, and anxiety, increasing the complexity of the envenomation mechanism. Apparently, the natural functions of these peptide toxins are to induce inflammation and discomfort in the victims of scorpion stings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia Baptista Dias
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO), Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Bibiana Monson de Souza
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cid-Alda
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera (UFRO), Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | | | - Fernando Kamimura Cocchi
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Palma
- Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, University of São Paulo State (UNESP), São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil
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Shui Y, Wang H, Chen Y, Hao Y, Li S, Zhang W, Deng B, Li W, Wu P, Li Z. Antifungal efficacy of scorpion derived peptide K1K8 against Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Toxicon 2024; 238:107593. [PMID: 38163461 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107593] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
As an alternative class of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention. In this study, K1K8, a scorpion AMP derivative, showed effective activity against Candida albicans including clinically resistant strains. K1K8 killed C. albicans cells mainly by damaging the cell membrane and inducing necrosis via an ROS-related pathway. K1K8 could also interact with DNA after damaging the nuclear envelope. Moreover, K1K8 inhibited hyphal development and biofilm formation of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. In the mouse skin infection model, K1K8 significantly decreased the counts of C. albicans cells in the infection area. Overall, K1K8 is a potential anti-infective agent against skin infections caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbin Shui
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Huayi Wang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yunqi Chen
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yixuan Hao
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Shasha Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Bo Deng
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wanwu Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
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Park J, Kim H, Kang DD, Park Y. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Scorpion-Derived Css54 Peptide Against Candida albicans. J Microbiol 2024; 62:101-112. [PMID: 38589765 PMCID: PMC11021323 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00113-4] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Candida albicans (C. albicans) is one of the most common opportunistic fungi worldwide, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Despite treatment, C. albicans remains the leading cause of life-threatening invasive infections. Consequently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives as antifungal agents with excellent antifungal activity. We previously reported that Css54, found in the venom of Centrurodies suffusus suffusus (C. s. suffusus) showed antibacterial activity against zoonotic bacteria. However, the antifungal activity of Css54 has not yet been elucidated. The objective of this study was to identify the antifungal activity of Css54 against C. albicans and analyze its mechanism. Css54 showed high antifungal activity against C. albicans. Css54 also inhibited biofilm formation in fluconazole-resistant fungi. The antifungal mechanism of action of Css54 was investigated using membrane-related assays, including the membrane depolarization assay and analysis of the membrane integrity of C. albicans after treatment with Css54. Css54 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in C. albicans, which affected its antifungal activity. Our results indicate that Css54 causes membrane damage in C. albicans, highlighting its value as a potential therapeutic agent against C. albicans infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonggwan Park
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju, 32588, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongsun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Dam Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea.
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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Nasr S, Borges A, Sahyoun C, Nasr R, Roufayel R, Legros C, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Scorpion Venom as a Source of Antimicrobial Peptides: Overview of Biomolecule Separation, Analysis and Characterization Methods. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37760677 PMCID: PMC10525675 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12091380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venoms have long captivated scientific researchers, primarily due to the potency and specificity of the mechanism of action of their derived components. Among other molecules, these venoms contain highly active compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and ion channel-specific components that selectively target biological receptors with remarkable affinity. Some of these receptors have emerged as prime therapeutic targets for addressing various human pathologies, including cancer and infectious diseases, and have served as models for designing novel drugs. Consequently, extensive biochemical and proteomic investigations have focused on characterizing scorpion venoms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key methodologies used in the extraction, purification, analysis, and characterization of AMPs and other bioactive molecules present in scorpion venoms. Noteworthy techniques such as gel electrophoresis, reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and "omics" approaches are explored, along with various combinations of methods that enable bioassay-guided venom fractionation. Furthermore, this review presents four adapted proteomic workflows that lead to the comprehensive dissection of the scorpion venom proteome, with an emphasis on AMPs. These workflows differ based on whether the venom is pre-fractionated using separation techniques or is proteolytically digested directly before further proteomic analyses. Since the composition and functionality of scorpion venoms are species-specific, the selection and sequence of the techniques for venom analyses, including these workflows, should be tailored to the specific parameters of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Nasr
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
| | - Adolfo Borges
- Laboratorio de Biología Molecular de Toxinas y Receptores, Instituto de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 50587, Venezuela;
- Centro para el Desarrollo de la Investigación Científica, Asunción 1255, Paraguay
| | - Christina Sahyoun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Riad Nasr
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Public Health 3, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Rabih Roufayel
- College of Engineering and Technology, American University of the Middle East, Egaila 54200, Kuwait;
| | - Christian Legros
- Univ Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MITOVASC, Team 2 CarMe, SFR ICAT, 49000 Angers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INP, Inst Neurophysiopathol, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and Its Applications, EDST, Lebanese University, Tripoli 1300, Lebanon; (S.N.); (C.S.)
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Department of Biology, Lebanese University, Campus Michel Slayman Ras Maska, Tripoli 1352, Lebanon
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Lu W, Lu H, Wang C, Wang G, Dong W, Tan C. Effectors of the Type VI Secretion System Have the Potential to Be Modified into Antimicrobial Peptides. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0030823. [PMID: 37470717 PMCID: PMC10434152 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00308-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, and there is an urgent need to find alternative treatments to alleviate this pressure. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a protein delivery system present in bacterial cells that secretes effectors that participate in bacterial virulence. Given the potential for the transformation of these effectors into antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), we designed T6SS effectors into AMPs that have a membrane-disrupting effect. These effectors kill bacteria by altering the membrane potential and increasing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Moreover, AMPs also have a significant therapeutic effect both in vivo and in vitro. This finding suggests that it is possible to modify bacterial components of bacteria themselves to create compounds that fight bacteria. IMPORTANCE This study first identified and modified the T6SS effector into positively charged alpha-helical peptides. These peptides have good antibacterial and bactericidal effects on G+ bacteria and G- bacteria. This study broadens the source of AMPs and makes T6SS effectors more useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gaoyan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenqi Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Tan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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