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Reyes C, Patarroyo MA. Self-assembling peptides: Perspectives regarding biotechnological applications and vaccine development. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:128944. [PMID: 38145690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128944] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly involves a set of molecules spontaneously interacting in a highly coordinated and dynamic manner to form a specific supramolecular structure having new and clearly defined properties. Many examples of this occur in nature and many more came from research laboratories, with their number increasing every day via ongoing research concerning complex biomolecules and the possibility of harnessing it when developing new applications. As a phenomenon, self-assembly has been described on very different types of molecules (biomolecules including), so this review focuses on what is known about peptide self-assembly, its origins, the forces behind it, how the properties of the resulting material can be tuned in relation to experimental considerations, some biotechnological applications (in which the main protagonists are peptide sequences capable of self-assembly) and what is yet to be tuned regarding their research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Reyes
- PhD Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá DC 111321, Colombia; Structure Analysis Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá DC 111321, Colombia; Animal Science Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A.), Calle 222#55-37, Bogotá DC 111166, Colombia
| | - Manuel A Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá DC 111321, Colombia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá DC 111321, Colombia.
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2
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Di Napoli M, Castagliuolo G, Pio S, Di Nardo I, Russo T, Antonini D, Notomista E, Varcamonti M, Zanfardino A. Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of the Human Peptide SQQ30 against Pathogenic Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:145. [PMID: 38391531 PMCID: PMC10886087 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020145] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the continuous increase in antibiotic resistance, research has been driven towards the isolation of new antimicrobial molecules. Short, charged, and very hydrophobic antimicrobial peptides have a direct action against biological membranes, which are less prone to developing resistance. Using a bioinformatic tool, we chose the SQQ30 peptide, isolated from the human SOGA1 protein. The antimicrobial activity of this peptide against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains and against a fungal strain was studied. A mechanism of action directed against biological membranes was outlined. When administered in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin and with the TRS21 (buforin II), another antimicrobial peptide, SQQ30 can be used with a lower MIC, showing additivity and synergism, respectively. Particularly interesting is the ability of SQQ30 to bind LPS in Gram-negative strains, preventing the eukaryotic cell from releasing inflammatory mediators. Our study indicates SQQ30 as a novel and promising antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Di Napoli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Castagliuolo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Pio
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Nardo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Russo
- IPCB-Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Antonini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Notomista
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Varcamonti
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Zanfardino
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
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3
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Syahrulawal L, Torske MO, Sapkota R, Næss G, Khanal P. Improving the nutritional values of yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae as an animal feed ingredient: a review. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:146. [PMID: 38042833 PMCID: PMC10693714 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Yellow mealworm larvae (YML; Tenebrio molitor) are considered as a valuable insect species for animal feed due to their high nutritional values and ability to grow under different substrates and rearing conditions. Advances in the understanding of entomophagy and animal nutrition over the past decades have propelled research areas toward testing multiple aspects of YML to exploit them better as animal feed sources. This review aims to summarize various approaches that could be exploited to maximize the nutritional values of YML as an animal feed ingredient. In addition, YML has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial or bioactive agent to improve animal health and immune function in production animals. The dynamics of the nutritional profile of YML can be influenced by multiple factors and should be taken into account when attempting to optimize the nutrient contents of YML as an animal feed ingredient. Specifically, the use of novel land-based and aquatic feeding resources, probiotics, and the exploitation of larval gut microbiomes as novel strategies can assist to maximize the nutritional potential of YML. Selection of relevant feed supplies, optimization of ambient conditions, the introduction of novel genetic selection procedures, and implementation of effective post-harvest processing may be required in the future to commercialize mealworm production. Furthermore, the use of appropriate agricultural practices and technological improvements within the mealworm production sector should be aimed at achieving both economic and environmental sustainability. The issues highlighted in this review could pave the way for future approaches to improve the nutritional value of YML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linggawastu Syahrulawal
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway
| | - Magnhild Oust Torske
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway
| | - Rumakanta Sapkota
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Frederiksborgvej 399, Roskilde, 4000, Denmark
| | - Geir Næss
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway
| | - Prabhat Khanal
- Animal Science, Production and Welfare Division, Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, Skolegata 22, Steinkjer, 7713, Norway.
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4
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Belhadj Slimen I, Yerou H, Ben Larbi M, M’Hamdi N, Najar T. Insects as an alternative protein source for poultry nutrition: a review. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1200031. [PMID: 37662983 PMCID: PMC10470001 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1200031] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the most relevant scientific literature related to the use of insects as alternative protein sources in poultry diets. The black soldier fly, the housefly, the beetle, mealworms, silkworms, earthworms, crickets, and grasshoppers are in the spotlight because they have been identified as an important future source of sustainable animal proteins for poultry feeding. Insect meals meet poultry requirements in terms of nutritional value, essential amino acid composition, nutrient digestibility, and feed acceptance. Furthermore, they are enriched with antimicrobial peptides and bioactive molecules that can improve global health. Results from poultry studies suggest equivalent or enhanced growth performances and quality of end-products as compared to fish meal and soybean meal. To outline this body of knowledge, this article states established threads of research about the nutrient profiles and the digestibility of insect meals, their subsequent effects on the growth and laying performances of poultry as well as the quality of meat, carcass, and eggs. To fully exploit insect-derived products, the effects of insect bioactive molecules (antimicrobial peptides, fatty acids, and polysaccharides) were addressed. Furthermore, as edible insects are likely to take a meaningful position in the feed and food chain, the safety of their derived products needs to be ensured. Some insights into the current knowledge on the prevalence of pathogens and contaminants in edible insects were highlighted. Finally, the effect of insect farming and processing treatment on the nutritive value of insect larvae was discussed. Our overview reveals that using insects can potentially solve problems related to reliance on other food sources, without altering the growth performances and the quality of meat and eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imen Belhadj Slimen
- Laboratory of Materials Molecules and Applications, Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Animal Sciences, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Houari Yerou
- Department of Agronomic Sciences, SNV Institute, Mustapha Stambouli University, Mascara, Algeria
- Laboratory of Geo Environment and Development of Spaces, Mascara University, Mascara, Algeria
| | - Manel Ben Larbi
- Higher School of Agriculture, University of Carthage, Mateur, Tunisia
| | - Naceur M’Hamdi
- Research Laboratory of Ecosystems and Aquatic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Taha Najar
- Laboratory of Materials Molecules and Applications, Preparatory Institute for Scientific and Technical Studies, Tunis, Tunisia
- Department of Animal Sciences, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, Carthage University, Tunis, Tunisia
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5
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Barragán-Cárdenas A, Insuasty-Cepeda DS, Vargas-Casanova Y, López-Meza JE, Parra-Giraldo CM, Fierro-Medina R, Rivera-Monroy ZJ, García-Castañeda JE. Changes in Length and Positive Charge of Palindromic Sequence RWQWRWQWR Enhance Cytotoxic Activity against Breast Cancer Cell Lines. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:2712-2722. [PMID: 36687035 PMCID: PMC9850729 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the main causes of premature death in women; current treatments have low selectivity, generating strong physical and psychological sequelae. The palindromic peptide R-1-R (RWQWRWQWR) has cytotoxic activity against different cell lines derived from cancer and selectivity against noncancerous cells. To determine if changes in the charge/length of this peptide increase its activity, six peptides were obtained by SPPS, three of them with addition of Arg at the N, C-terminal or both and three with deletion of Arg at the N, C-terminal or both. The cytotoxic and selective activities were evaluated against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-12 cell lines and fibroblast primary cell culture, evidencing that the RR-1-R peptide with the inclusion of Arg in the N-terminal end maintained selectivity and increased cytotoxicity against lines derived from breast cancer. The effect of this addition regarding the type of induced cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry, showing very low rates of necrosis and a significant majority of apoptotic events with activation of both Caspase 8 and Caspase 9. This work allowed us to find a modification that generates a peptide with greater cytotoxic effects and can be considered a promising molecule for other approaches to improve anticancer peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yerly Vargas-Casanova
- Microbiology
Department, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Ak. 7 #40-62, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Joel Edmundo López-Meza
- Multidisciplinary
Centre for Studies in Biotechnology, Universidad
Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Km 9.5 Carretera Morelia, Zinapécuaro, Morelia 58030, Mexico
| | | | - Ricardo Fierro-Medina
- Chemistry
Department, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 No. 26-85, Building 451, Bogota 111321, Colombia
| | - Zuly Jenny Rivera-Monroy
- Chemistry
Department, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45 No. 26-85, Building 451, Bogota 111321, Colombia
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Identification and Functional Analysis of a Defensin CcDef2 from Coridius chinensis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052789. [PMID: 35269935 PMCID: PMC8911331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Coridius chinensis belongs to Dinidoridae, Hemiptera. Previous studies have indicated that C. chinensis contains abundant polypeptides with antibacterial and anticancer activities. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as endogenous peptides with immune function, play an indispensable role in the process of biological development and immunity. AMPs have become one of the most potential substitutes for antibiotics due to their small molecular weight and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, a defensin CcDef2 from C. chinensis was characterized based on bioinformatics and functional analyses. The mature peptide of CcDef2 is a typical cationic peptide composed of 43 amino acid residues with five cations, and contains three intramolecular disulfide bonds and a typical cysteine-stabilized αβ motif in defensins. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CcDef2 belongs to the insect defensin family. Analysis of gene expression patterns showed that CcDef2 was expressed throughout developmental stages of C. chinensis with high levels at the nymphal stage and in adult tissues tested with the highest level in the fat body. In addition, the CcDef2 expression was significantly upregulated in adults infected by bacteria. After expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and renatured, the recombinant CcDef2 showed a significant antibacterial effect on three kinds of Gram-positive bacteria. These results indicate that CcDef2 is an excellent antibacterial peptide and a highly effective immune effector in the innate immunity of C. chinensis. This study provides a foundation for further understanding the function of CcDef2 and developing new antimicrobial drugs.
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7
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Reid DJ, Rohrbough JG, Kostelic MM, Marty MT. Investigating Antimicrobial Peptide-Membrane Interactions Using Fast Photochemical Oxidation of Peptides in Nanodiscs. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2022; 33:62-67. [PMID: 34866389 PMCID: PMC8732327 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.1c00252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an important part of the innate immune system and demonstrate promising applications in the fight against antibiotic-resistant infections due to their unique mechanism of targeting bacterial membranes. However, it is challenging to study the interactions of these peptides within lipid bilayers, making it difficult to understand their mechanisms of toxicity and selectivity. Here, we used fast photochemical oxidation of peptides, an irreversible footprinting technique that labels solvent accessible residues, and native charge detection-mass spectrometry to study AMP-lipid interactions with different lipid bilayer nanodiscs. We observed differences in the oxidation of two peptides, indolicidin and LL-37, in three distinct lipid environments, which reveal their affinity for lipid bilayers. Our findings suggest that indolicidin interacts with lipid head groups via a simple charge-driven mechanism, but LL-37 is more specific for Escherichia coli nanodiscs. These results provide complementary information on the potential modes of action and lipid selectivity of AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deseree J. Reid
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - James G. Rohrbough
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Marius M. Kostelic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Michael T. Marty
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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8
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Using an Ensemble to Identify and Classify Macroalgae Antimicrobial Peptides. Interdiscip Sci 2021; 13:321-333. [PMID: 33978916 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-021-00435-6] [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: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The rapid spread of multi-drug resistant microbes has lead researchers to discover natural alternative remedies such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). In the first line of defense, AMPs display a broad spectrum of potent activity against multi-resistant pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even cancer. AMPs can be further characterised into families according to amino acid composition, secondary structure, and function. However, despite recent advancements in rapid computational methods for AMP prediction from various mammalian, aquatic, and terrestrial species, there is limited information regarding their presence, functional roles, and family type from marine macroalgae. In this paper, we present a promising two-tier ensemble of heterogeneous machine learning models that integrates seven well-known machine learning classifiers to predict AMPs from macroalgae. The first tier of the ensemble consists of a suite of binary classifiers that identify AMPs from protein sequence data which are then forwarded to a second-tier multi-class ensemble to characterise their functional family type. The two-tier ensemble was successfully used to identify 39 putative AMP sequences in 12 macroalgae species from three different phyla groups. The approach we describe is not limited to AMPs and can also be applied to search sequence data for other types of proteins.
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9
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Long K, Liu Y, Li Y, Wang W. Self-assembly of trigonal building blocks into nanostructures: molecular design and biomedical applications. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:6739-6752. [PMID: 32686806 DOI: 10.1039/d0tb01128b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Trigonal molecules have a special triskelion structure similar to clathrin protein, providing great inspiration for constructing artificial nanoassemblies. To date, various synthetic trigonal conjugates have been designed for supramolecular self-assembly, which have demonstrated versatile and controllable self-assembly ability in materials science. Here we will review the design of trigonal (sometimes called three-legged, tripodal, C3-symmetric, or triskelion) building blocks that can self-assemble into various nanostructures and discuss the biomedical applications of the self-assembled nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiqi Long
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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10
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Antifungal peptides produced by actinomycetes and their biological activities against plant diseases. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2020; 73:265-282. [PMID: 32123311 DOI: 10.1038/s41429-020-0287-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Antibacterial peptides are a class of naturally occurring peptides produced by eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Some of them exhibit broad-spectrum antifungal activity. Antifungal peptides (AFPs) can be developed as antibiotic to control fungal infections in agriculture due to their different antifungal mechanisms. As actinomycetes are still one of the most important sources of novel antibiotics, in this review, the mechanisms of action of AFPs are explained. Characterization of several AFPs produced by actinomycetes and their biological activities against plant diseases are summarized. Furthermore, the pathway for total synthesis of naturally occurring cyclodepsipeptide, valinomycin, is proposed. Finally, the pathway for biosynthesis of kutzneride 2 is proposed and the structure-activity relationship of kutznerides is discussed.
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11
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Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Camphorimine Complexes against Candida Strains. Antibiotics (Basel) 2019; 8:antibiotics8030144. [PMID: 31509986 PMCID: PMC6783962 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics8030144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydroxide [Ag(OH)L] (L = IVL, VL, VIL, VIIL), oxide [{AgL}2}(μ-O)] (L = IL, IIL, IIIL, VL, VIL) or chloride [AgIIL]Cl, [Ag(VIL)2]Cl complexes were obtained from reactions of mono- or bicamphorimine derivatives with Ag(OAc) or AgCl. The new complexes were characterized by spectroscopic (NMR, FTIR) and elemental analysis. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ESI mass spectra and conductivity measurements were undertaken to corroborate formulations. The antimicrobial activity of complexes and some ligands were evaluated towards Candida albicans and Candida glabrata, and strains of the bacterial species Escherichia coli, Burkholderia contaminans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus based on the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC). Complexes displayed very high activity against the Candida species studied with the lowest MIC values (3.9 µg/mL) being observed for complexes 9 and 10A against C. albicans. A significant feature of these redesigned complexes is their ability to sensitize C. albicans, a trait that was not found for the previously investigated [Ag(NO3)L] complexes. The MIC values of the complexes towards bacteria were in the range of those of [Ag(NO3)L] and well above those of the precursors Ag(OAc) or AgCl. The activity of the complexes towards normal fibroblasts V79 was evaluated by the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. Results showed that the complexes have a significant cytotoxicity.
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12
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LFB: A Novel Antimicrobial Brevinin-Like Peptide from the Skin Secretion of the Fujian Large Headed Frog, Limnonectes fujianensi. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060242. [PMID: 31234333 PMCID: PMC6627297 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphibians are a natural source of abundant antimicrobial peptides and thus have been widely investigated for isolation of such biomolecules. Many new antimicrobial peptide families have been discovered from amphibians. In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide named Limnonectes fujianensis Brevinvin (LFB) has been identified in the skin secretion from the Fujian large headed frog, Limnonectes fujianensis. The cDNA sequence was cloned from a skin secretion library and the predicted mature peptide was identified through MS/MS fragmentation sequencing of reverse phase HPLC fractions on the same sample. LFB was predicted to be an amphipathic, hydrophobic, alpha helical, and beta turn peptide that inserts into a lipid bilayer in order to kill the cells. In antimicrobial assays, a synthetic replicate of this novel antimicrobial peptide demonstrated significant activity against the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the yeast, Candida albicans. This novel peptide was highly potent (MIC 4.88 uM) against Gram-negative bacterium, and also has the ability to inhibit the growth of human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 18.9 μM down to 2.0 μM. These findings help to enrich our understanding of Brevinin-like peptides. Moreover, the data presented here validate frog secretion as a source of potential novel antimicrobial peptides, that also exhibit anti-tumor properties, that could be useful for the treatment of cancer.
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13
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Hickey SM, Ashton TD, Boer G, Bader CA, Thomas M, Elliott AG, Schmuck C, Yu HY, Li J, Nation RL, Cooper MA, Plush SE, Brooks DA, Pfeffer FM. Norbornane-based cationic antimicrobial peptidomimetics targeting the bacterial membrane. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 160:9-22. [PMID: 30316060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The design, synthesis and evaluation of a small series of potent amphiphilic norbornane antibacterial agents has been performed (compound 10 MIC = 0.25 μg/mL against MRSA). Molecular modelling indicates rapid aggregation of this class of antibacterial agent prior to membrane association and insertion. Two fluorescent analogues (compound 29 with 4-amino-naphthalimide and 34 with 4-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole fluorophores) with good activity (MIC = 0.5 μg/mL against MRSA) were also constructed and confocal microscopy studies indicate that the primary site of interaction for this family of compounds is the bacterial membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M Hickey
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Trent D Ashton
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Gareth Boer
- Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Christie A Bader
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Michael Thomas
- Research School of Chemistry, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Alysha G Elliott
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Carsten Schmuck
- Institute for Organic Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45117, Essen, Germany
| | - Heidi Y Yu
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jian Li
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Roger L Nation
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Sally E Plush
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Douglas A Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Frederick M Pfeffer
- Centre for Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia.
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14
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Shi Y, Yu L, Han X, Zhao S, Niu T, Xu C. Development of 12 microsatellite markers for Bombina orientails based on RNA-Seq and their usefulness in population genetic diversity. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:2811-2814. [PMID: 30203239 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Bombina orientalis is widely used due to bombesin which isolated from its skin. But in recent years, the population of B. orientalis has become declining distinctly because of human activities, environmental pollution, drought climatic conditions and other factors. In order to provide the molecular basis for the proposal of biodiversity conservation, we report the development of 12 microsatellite markers for B. orientalis based on RNA-Seq. We test polymorphism against in 48 B. orientalis individuals which randomly selected from 182 individuals take advantage of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). These markers will be useful in the research on the genetic diversity, population genetic structure and other studies. For B. orientalis, all of these loci showed polymorphism, and in line with the H-W equilibrium law. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 21. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.0118 to 0.7795 and from 0.1612 to 0.8703, respectively. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.153 to 0.857. And the genetic diversity of B. orientalis in Lushui Rivers is significantly higher than that in the Maoer Mountains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshuang Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Liqun Yu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Xiaomin Han
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Tianfu Niu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Chunzhu Xu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, 150030, China.
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Zheng Y, Joo HS, Nair V, Le KY, Otto M. Do amyloid structures formed by Staphylococcus aureus phenol-soluble modulins have a biological function? Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:675-682. [PMID: 28867522 PMCID: PMC5832552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenol-soluble modulins (PSMs) are alpha-helical, amphipathic peptides that have multiple functions in staphylococcal physiology and virulence. Recent research has suggested that PSMs form amyloid fibrils and amyloids are involved in PSM-mediated phenotypes such as cytolysis and biofilm stability. While we observed PSM amyloid formation using electron microscopy and dye assays, there were no apparent differences in the production of extracellular fibrous material between a PSM-deficient strain and the isogenic wild-type strain. Furthermore, we detected no correlation between cytolytic or pro-inflammatory activities with the propensity of PSM derivatives to form amyloids. In addition, we propose a model based on our finding of non-specific attachment of PSMs to DNA, which we here report results in resistance to DNase digestion, explaining previous findings on PSM-mediated biofilm stability without the necessity to assume amyloid involvement. Collectively, our results indicate that PSM amyloid formation may not be of major relevance for known key biological functions of PSMs. Intriguingly, however, we found that amyloid-forming capacity of PSMalpha3 allows almost no amino acid exchanges, suggesting importance of amyloid formation in possibly yet unknown functions of PSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zheng
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Hwang-Soo Joo
- Department of Prepharm-Med, College of Natural Sciences, Duksung Women's University, 33 Samyang-ro 144-gil, Seoul 01369, South Korea
| | - Vinod Nair
- Research Technologies Section, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 903 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Katherine Y Le
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, U.S. National Institutes of Health, 50 South Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Genomewide Analysis of the Antimicrobial Peptides in Python bivittatus and Characterization of Cathelicidins with Potent Antimicrobial Activity and Low Cytotoxicity. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017. [PMID: 28630199 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00530-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we sought to identify novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in Python bivittatus through bioinformatic analyses of publicly available genome information and experimental validation. In our analysis of the python genome, we identified 29 AMP-related candidate sequences. Of these, we selected five cathelicidin-like sequences and subjected them to further in silico analyses. The results showed that these sequences likely have antimicrobial activity. The sequences were named Pb-CATH1 to Pb-CATH5 according to their sequence similarity to previously reported snake cathelicidins. We predicted their molecular structure and then chemically synthesized the mature peptide for three putative cathelicidins and subjected them to biological activity tests. Interestingly, all three peptides showed potent antimicrobial effects against Gram-negative bacteria but very weak activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Remarkably, ΔPb-CATH4 showed potent activity against antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates and also was observed to possess very low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity. ΔPb-CATH4 also showed considerable serum stability. Electron microscopic analysis indicated that ΔPb-CATH4 exerts its effects via toroidal pore preformation. Structural comparison of the cathelicidins identified in this study to previously reported ones revealed that these Pb-CATHs are representatives of a new group of reptilian cathelicidins lacking the acidic connecting domain. Furthermore, Pb-CATH4 possesses a completely different mature peptide sequence from those of previously described reptilian cathelicidins. These new AMPs may be candidates for the development of alternatives to or complements of antibiotics to control multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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Józefiak A, Engberg R. Insect proteins as a potential source of antimicrobial peptides in livestock production. A review. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL AND FEED SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.22358/jafs/69998/2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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18
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Lai L, Li SJ, Feng J, Mei P, Ren ZH, Chang YL, Liu Y. Effects of Surface Charges on the Bactericide Activity of CdTe/ZnS Quantum Dots: A Cell Membrane Disruption Perspective. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2017; 33:2378-2386. [PMID: 28178781 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.7b00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The inhibitory effects of CdTe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) modified with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (negatively charged) or cysteamine (positively charged) on the metabolic activity of Escherichia coli were investigated using biological microcalorimetry. Results show that the inhibitory ratio of positive QDs is higher than that of negative QDs. Transmission electron microscopy images indicate that QDs are prone to be adsorbed on the surface of E. coli. This condition disturbs the membrane structure and function of E. coli. Fluorescence anisotropy results demonstrate that positive QDs show a significant increase in the membrane fluidity of E. coli and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) model membrane. Furthermore, fluorescence anisotropy values of DPPC membrane in the gel phase decreased upon the addition of positive QDs. By contrast, anisotropy values in the liquid-crystalline phase are almost constant. The change in membrane fluidity is associated with the increased permeability of the membrane. Finally, the kinetics of dye leakage from liposomes demonstrate that the surface charge of QDs is crucial to the interaction between QDs and membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lai
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P. R. China
| | - Sheng-Jin Li
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P. R. China
| | - Jing Feng
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P. R. China
| | - Ping Mei
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Hua Ren
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Ling Chang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, Hubei 434023, P. R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology & Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Biology and Medicine (Ministry of Education), College of Chemistry and Molecule Sciences, Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072, P. R. China
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Zhang HY, Xu Q, Li F, Tian PC, Wang YH, Xiong Y, Zhang YH, Wei DQ. Recent progresses of simulations on passive membrane permeations in China. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/08927022.2015.1135333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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20
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Liu H, Lei M, Du X, Cui P, Zhang S. Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum by in silico and functional analyses. Sci Rep 2015; 5:18355. [PMID: 26680226 PMCID: PMC4683396 DOI: 10.1038/srep18355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) microbes leads to urgent demands for novel antibiotics exploration. We demonstrated a cDNA from amphioxus Branchiostoma japonicum, designated Bjamp1, encoded a protein with features typical of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which is not homologous to any AMPs currently discovered. It was found that Bjamp1 was expressed in distinct tissues, and its expression was remarkably up-regulated following challenge with LPS and LTA. Moreover, the synthesized putative mature AMP, mBjAMP1, underwent a coil-to-helix transition in the presence of TFE or SDS, agreeing well with the expectation that BjAMP1 was a potential AMP. Functional assays showed that mBjAMP1 inhibited the growth of all the bacteria tested, and induced membrane/cytoplasmic damage. ELISA indicated that mBjAMP1 was a pattern recognition molecule capable of identifying LPS and LTA. Importantly, mBjAMP1 disrupted the bacterial membranes by a membranolytic mechanism. Additionally, mBjAMP1 was non-cytotoxic to mammalian cells. Collectively, these data indicate that mBjAMP1 is a new AMP with a high bacterial membrane selectivity, rendering it a promising template for the design of novel peptide antibiotics against MDR microbes. It also shows for the first time that use of signal conserved sequence of AMPs is effective identifying potential AMPs across different animal classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haohan Liu
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Miaomiao Lei
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Du
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pengfei Cui
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Shicui Zhang
- Laboratory for Evolution &Development, Institute of Evolution &Marine Biodiversity and Department of Marine Biology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
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Phylloseptin-PBa--A Novel Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Peptide from the Skin Secretion of the Peruvian Purple-Sided Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa Baltea) Which Exhibits Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:5182-93. [PMID: 26633506 PMCID: PMC4690128 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7124878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides from amphibian skin secretion display remarkable broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and are thus promising for the discovery of new antibiotics. In this study, we report a novel peptide belonging to the phylloseptin family of antimicrobial peptides, from the skin secretion of the purple-sided leaf frog, Phyllomedusa baltea, which was named Phylloseptin-PBa. Degenerate primers complementary to putative signal peptide sites of frog skin peptide precursor-encoding cDNAs were designed to interrogate a skin secretion-derived cDNA library from this frog. Subsequently, the peptide was isolated and identified using reverse phase HPLC and MS/MS fragmentation. The synthetic replicate was demonstrated to have activity against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans at concentrations of 8, 128 and 8 mg/L, respectively. In addition, it exhibited anti-proliferative activity against the human cancer cell lines, H460, PC3 and U251MG, but was less active against a normal human cell line (HMEC). Furthermore, a haemolysis assay was performed to assess mammalian cell cytotoxicity of Phylloseptin-PBa. This peptide contained a large proportion of α-helical domain, which may explain its antimicrobial and anticancer activities.
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Cathelicidin impact on inflammatory cells. Cent Eur J Immunol 2015; 40:225-35. [PMID: 26557038 PMCID: PMC4637384 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2015.51359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cathelicidins, like other antimicrobial peptides, exhibit direct antimicrobial activities against a broad spectrum of microbes, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, enveloped viruses, and fungi. These host-derived peptides kill the invaded pathogens by perturbing their cell membranes and can neutralize biological activities of endotoxin. Nowadays, more and more data indicate that these peptides, in addition to their antimicrobial properties, possess various immunomodulatory activities. Cathelicidins have the potential to influence and modulate, both directly and indirectly, the activity of various cell populations involved in inflammatory processes and in host defense against invading pathogens. They induce migration of neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, eosinophils, and mast cells and prolong the lifespan of neutrophils. These peptides directly activate inflammatory cells to production and release of different pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory mediators, cytokines, and chemokines, however cathelicidins might mediate the generation of anti-inflammatory cytokines as well. Cathelicidins also modulate epithelial cell/keratinocyte responses to infecting pathogens. What is more, they affect activity of monocytes, dendritic cells, keratinocytes, or epithelial cells acting in synergy with cytokines or β-defensins. In addition, these peptides indirectly balance TLR-mediated responses of monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, epithelial cells, and keratinocytes. This review discusses the role and significance of cathelicidins in inflammation and innate immunity against pathogens.
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Upadhyay SK, Wang Y, Zhao T, Ulmschneider JP. Insights from Micro-second Atomistic Simulations of Melittin in Thin Lipid Bilayers. J Membr Biol 2015; 248:497-503. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-015-9807-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Hou X, Du Q, Li R, Zhou M, Wang H, Wang L, Guo C, Chen T, Shaw C. Feleucin-BO1: a novel antimicrobial non-apeptide amide from the skin secretion of the toad, Bombina orientalis, and design of a potent broad-spectrum synthetic analogue, feleucin-K3. Chem Biol Drug Des 2014; 85:259-67. [PMID: 25056849 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.12396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Feleucins-BV1 and -BV2 are recently described prototypes of a novel antimicrobial non-apeptide (AMP) family identified in the skin secretion of the bombinid toad, Bombina variegata. They are encoded on different precursors that also encode a novel bombinin. Here we describe the identification of feleucin-BO1 (FLGLLGSLLamide) which is co-encoded with a different novel bombinin, named feleucin precursor-associated bombinin (FPA-bombinin-BO), from the skin secretion of Bombina orientalis. Synthetic feleucin-BO1 displayed activity against a reference Gram-positive bacterium. Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 34 μm) but was inactive (> 250 μm) against the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli, and the yeast, Candida albicans. This pattern of activity was similar to that of the prototypes. Design and synthesis of a cationicity-enhanced analogue, feleucin-K3 (F-K3), in which the amino acid residues at positions 3 (G), 6 (G) and 7 (S) of feleucin-BO1 were substituted with Lys (K) residues, resulted in a peptide with significantly enhanced potency and spectrum of activity. The MICs of F-K3 against the reference micro-organisms were 7 μm (S. aureus), 14 μm (E. coli) and 7 μm (C. albicans). These data indicate that the skin secretions of amphibians can continue to provide novel peptide templates for the rational design of analogues with possible therapeutic utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110001, China; Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
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25
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Balteatide: a novel antimicrobial decapeptide from the skin secretion of the purple-sided leaf frog, Phyllomedusa baltea. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:176214. [PMID: 25054164 PMCID: PMC4098985 DOI: 10.1155/2014/176214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin secretions of Neotropical phyllomedusine leaf frogs have proven to be a rich source of biologically active peptides, including antimicrobials. The major families of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) reported are the dermaseptins and phylloseptins and the minor families are the dermatoxins, phylloxins, plasticins, distinctins, and medusins. Here, we report a novel AMP of 10 amino acid residues (LRPAILVRIKamide), named balteatide, from the skin secretion of wild Peruvian purple-sided leaf frogs, Phyllomedusa baltea. Balteatide was found to exhibit a 90% sequence identity with sauvatide, a potent myotropic peptide from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa sauvagei. However, despite both peptides exhibiting only a single amino acid difference (I/T at position 9), sauvatide is devoid of antimicrobial activity and balteatide is devoid of myotropic activity. Balteatide was found to have differential activity against the Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus; the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli; and the yeast, Candida albicans, and unusual for phyllomedusine frog skin AMPs, was most potent (MIC 32 mg/L) against the yeast. Balteatide was also devoid of haemolytic activity up to concentrations of 512 mg/L. Phyllomedusine frog skin secretions thus continue to provide novel AMPs, some of which may provide templates for the rational design of new classes of anti-infective therapeutics.
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Feleucins: novel bombinin precursor-encoded nonapeptide amides from the skin secretion of Bombina variegata. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:671362. [PMID: 25003126 PMCID: PMC4070539 DOI: 10.1155/2014/671362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The first amphibian skin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) to be identified was named bombinin, reflecting its origin from the skin of the European yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata). Bombinins and their related peptides, the bombinin Hs, were subsequently reported from other bombinid toads. Molecular cloning of bombinin-encoding cDNAs from skin found that bombinins and bombinin Hs were coencoded on the same precursor proteins. Here, we report the molecular cloning of two novel cDNAs from a skin secretion-derived cDNA library of B. variegata whose open-reading frames each encode a novel bombinin (GIGGALLNVGKVALKGLAKGLAEHFANamide) and a C-terminally located single copy of a novel nonapeptide (FLGLLGGLLamide or FLGLIGSLLamide). These novel nonapeptides were named feleucin-BV1 and feleucin-BV2, respectively. The novel bombinin exhibited 89% identity to homologues from the toads, B. microdeladigitora and B. maxima. The feleucins exhibited no identity with any amphibian AMP archived in databases. Synthetic feleucins exhibited a weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus (128–256 mg/L) but feleucin-BV1 exhibited a synergistic action with the novel bombinin. The present report clearly demonstrates that the skin secretions of bombinid toads continue to represent a source of peptides of novel structure that could provide templates for the design of therapeutics.
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Di Luca M, Maccari G, Nifosì R. Treatment of microbial biofilms in the post-antibiotic era: prophylactic and therapeutic use of antimicrobial peptides and their design by bioinformatics tools. Pathog Dis 2014; 70:257-70. [PMID: 24515391 DOI: 10.1111/2049-632x.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment for biofilm infections is particularly challenging because bacteria in these conditions become refractory to antibiotic drugs. The reduced effectiveness of current therapies spurs research for the identification of novel molecules endowed with antimicrobial activities and new mechanisms of antibiofilm action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been receiving increasing attention as potential therapeutic agents, because they represent a novel class of antibiotics with a wide spectrum of activity and a low rate in inducing bacterial resistance. Over the past decades, a large number of naturally occurring AMPs have been identified or predicted from various organisms as effector molecules of the innate immune system playing a crucial role in the first line of defense. Recent studies have shown the ability of some AMPs to act against microbial biofilms, in particular during early phases of biofilm development. Here, we provide a review of the antimicrobial peptides tested on biofilms, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages for prophylactic and therapeutic applications. In addition, we describe the strategies and methods for de novo design of potentially active AMPs and discuss how informatics and computational tools may be exploited to improve antibiofilm effectiveness.
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Lin Y, Hu N, Lyu P, Ma J, Wang L, Zhou M, Guo S, Chen T, Shaw C. Hylaranins: prototypes of a new class of amphibian antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of the oriental broad-folded frog, Hylarana latouchii. Amino Acids 2013; 46:901-9. [PMID: 24378871 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1655-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian skin secretions contain a broad spectrum of biologically active compounds, particularly antimicrobial peptides, which are considered to constitute a first line of defence against bacterial infection. Here we describe the identification of two prototype peptides representing a novel structural class of antimicrobial peptide from the skin secretion of the oriental broad-folded frog, Hylarana latouchii. Named hylaranin-L1 (GVLSAFKNALPGIMKIIVamide) and hylaranin-L2 (GVLSVIKNALPGIMRFIAamide), both peptides consist of 18 amino acid residues, are C-terminally amidated and are of unique primary structures. Their primary structures were initially deduced by MS/MS fragmentation sequencing from reverse-phase HPLC fractions of skin secretion that demonstrated antimicrobial activity. Subsequently, their precursor-encoding cDNAs were cloned from a skin secretion-derived cDNA library and their primary structures were confirmed unequivocally. Synthetic replicates of both peptides exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with mean inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 34 μM against Gram-negative Escherichia coli, 4.3 μM against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and 4-9 μM against the yeast, Candida albicans. Both peptides exhibited little haemolytic activity (<6%) at the MICs for S. aureus and C. albicans. Amphibian skin secretions thus continue to provide novel antimicrobial peptide structures that may prove to be lead compounds in the design of new classes of anti-infection therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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Abstract
Synthesis and large-scale manufacturing technologies are now available for the commercial production of even the most complex peptide anti-infectives. Married with the potential of this class of molecule as the next generation of effective, resistance-free and safe antimicrobials, and a much better understanding of their biology, pharmacology and pharmacodynamics, the first regulatory approvals and introduction into clinical practice of these promising drug candidates will likely be soon. This is a key juncture in the history/life cycle of peptide anti-infectives and, perhaps, their commercial and therapeutic potential is about to be realized. This review highlights the promise of these agents as the next generation of therapeutics and summarizes the challenges faced in, and lessons learned from, the past.
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Peng KC, Lee SH, Hour AL, Pan CY, Lee LH, Chen JY. Five different piscidins from Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: analysis of their expressions and biological functions. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50263. [PMID: 23226256 PMCID: PMC3511469 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Piscidins are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that play important roles in helping fish resist pathogenic infections. Through comparisons of tilapia EST clones, the coding sequences of five piscidin-like AMPs (named TP1∼5) of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, were determined. The complete piscidin coding sequences of TP1, -2, -3, -4, and -5 were respectively composed of 207, 234, 231, 270, and 195 bases, and each contained a translated region of 68, 77, 76, 89, and 64 amino acids. The tissue-specific, Vibrio vulnificus stimulation-specific, and Streptococcus agalactiae stimulation-specific expressions of TP2, -3, and -4 mRNA were determined by a comparative RT-PCR. Results of the tissue distribution analysis revealed high expression levels of TP2 mRNA in the skin, head kidneys, liver, and spleen. To study bacterial stimulation, S. agalactiae (SA47) was injected, and the TP4 transcript was upregulated by >13-fold (compared to the wild-type (WT) control, without injection) and was 60-fold upregulated (compared to the WT control, without injection) 24 h after the S. agalactiae (SA47) injection in the spleen and gills. Synthesized TP3 and TP4 peptides showed antimicrobial activities against several bacteria in this study, while the synthesized TP1, -2, and -5 peptides did not. The synthesized TP2, -3, and -4 peptides showed hemolytic activities and synthesized TP3 and TP4 peptides inhibited tilapia ovary cell proliferation with a dose-dependent effect. In summary, the amphiphilic α-helical cationic peptides of TP3 and TP4 may represent novel and potential antimicrobial agents for further peptide drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chieh Peng
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hua Lee
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Ai-Ling Hour
- Department of Life Science, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Yu Pan
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Lin-Han Lee
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Pore-forming bacterial toxins and antimicrobial peptides as modulators of ADAM function. Med Microbiol Immunol 2012; 201:419-26. [PMID: 22972233 DOI: 10.1007/s00430-012-0260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-perturbating proteins and peptides are widespread agents in biology. Pore-forming bacterial toxins represent major virulence factors of pathogenic microorganisms. Membrane-damaging peptides constitute important antimicrobial effectors of innate immunity. Membrane perturbation can incur multiple responses in mammalian cells. The present discussion will focus on the interplay between membrane-damaging agents and the function of cell-bound metalloproteinases of the ADAM family. These transmembrane enzymes have emerged as the major proteinase family that mediate the proteolytic release of membrane-associated proteins, a process designated as "shedding". They liberate a large spectrum of functionally active molecules including inflammatory cytokines, growth factor receptors and cell adhesion molecules, thereby regulating such vital cellular functions as cell-cell adhesion, cell proliferation and cell migration. ADAM activation may constitute part of the cellular recovery machinery on the one hand, but likely also promotes inflammatory processes on the other. The mechanisms underlying ADAM activation and the functional consequences thereof are currently the subject of intensive research. Attention here is drawn to the possible involvement of purinergic receptors and ceramide generation in the context of ADAM activation following membrane perturbation by membrane-active agents.
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Tessera V, Guida F, Juretić D, Tossi A. Identification of antimicrobial peptides from teleosts and anurans in expressed sequence tag databases using conserved signal sequences. FEBS J 2012; 279:724-36. [PMID: 22188679 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2011.08463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The problem of multidrug resistance requires the efficient and accurate identification of new classes of antimicrobial agents. Endogenous antimicrobial peptides produced by most organisms are a promising source of such molecules. We have exploited the high conservation of signal sequences in teleost and anuran antimicrobial peptides to search cDNA (expressed sequence tag) databases for likely candidates. Subject sequences were then analysed for the presence of potential antimicrobial peptides based on physicochemical properties (amphipathic helical structure, cationicity) and use of the D-descriptor model to predict the therapeutic index (relation between the minimum inhibitory concentration and the concentration giving 50% haemolysis). This analysis also suggested mutations to probe the role of the primary structure in determining potency and selectivity. Selected sequences were chemically synthesized and the antimicrobial activity of the peptides was confirmed. In particular, a short (21-residue) sequence, likely of sticklefish origin, showed potent activity and it was possible to tune the spectrum of action and/or selectivity by combining three directed mutations. Membrane permeabilization studies on both bacterial and host cells indicate that the mode of action was prevalently membranolytic. This method opens up the possibility for more effective searching of the vast and continuously growing expressed sequence tag databases for novel antimicrobial peptides, which are likely abundant, and the efficient identification of the most promising candidates among them.
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Ultrashort peptide bioconjugates are exclusively antifungal agents and synergize with cyclodextrin and amphotericin B. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2011; 56:1-9. [PMID: 22006001 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00468-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many natural broad-spectrum cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) possess a general mode of action that is dependent on lipophilicity and charge. Modulating the lipophilicity of AMPs by the addition of a fatty acid has been an effective strategy to increase the lytic activity and can further broaden the spectrum of AMPs. However, lipophilic modifications that narrow the spectrum of activity and exclusively direct peptides to fungi are less common. Here, we show that short peptide sequences can be targeted to fungi with structured lipophilic biomolecules, such as vitamin E and cholesterol. The conjugates were active against Aspergillus fumigatus, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Candida albicans but not against bacteria and were observed to cause membrane perturbation by transmission electron microscopy and in membrane permeability studies. However, for C. albicans, selected compounds were effective without the perturbation of the cell membrane, and synergism was seen with a vitamin E conjugate and amphotericin B. Moreover, in combination with β-cyclodextrin, antibacterial activity emerged in selected compounds. Biocompatibility for selected active compounds was tested in vitro and in vivo using toxicity assays on erythrocytes, macrophages, and mice. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments led to selective toxicity ratios (50% lethal concentration/MIC) of up to 64 for highly active antifungal compounds, and no in vivo murine toxicity was seen. Taken together, these results highlight the importance of the conjugated lipophilic structure and suggest that the modulation of other biologically relevant peptides with hydrophobic moieties, such as cholesterol and vitamin E, generate compounds with unique bioactivity.
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Stein K, Borowicki A, Scharlau D, Schettler A, Scheu K, Obst U, Glei M. Effects of synbiotic fermentation products on primary chemoprevention in human colon cells. J Nutr Biochem 2011; 23:777-84. [PMID: 21840698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2011.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of synbiotics, a mixture of probiotics and indigestible food constituents such as dietary fiber, has been reported to reduce colon cancer risk. We investigated the effects of fermented wheat aleurone enriched with the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG/Bifidobacterium animalis supsp. lactis on the gene expression and functional end points related to cellular defence in HT29 and primary human colon cells. Aleurone was digested and fermented in vitro with/without probiotics. The resulting fermentation supernatants (fs) were analyzed for concentrations of deoxycholic acid and ammonia. The cells were treated with the fs, and effects on gene expression of catalase, GSTP1 and SULT2B1, enzyme activity of catalase and glutathione S-transferase as well as H₂O₂-induced DNA damage were examined. Fermentation of aleurone reduced deoxycholic acid concentration by 84%, while the probiotics enhanced this effect. Ammonia was increased by fs aleurone, whereas a reduction occurred by the addition of L. rhamnosus GG/B. animalis supsp. lactis 12. GSTP1 expression tended to result in an increase by the fs aleurone in both cell types, whereas the probiotics could not additionally increase the effect. Catalase was not modulated by fs aleurone enriched with probiotics. Only in HT29 cells, expression of SULT2B1 was enhanced by fs aleurone. Enzyme activity of catalase and glutathione S-transferase was induced (2-3.6 fold, 72 h) in HT29 cells only. Addition of probiotics had no influence on this effect. In HT29 cells, a reduced H₂O₂-induced DNA damage by the fs aleurone after 48 h, enhanced by the addition of probiotics, was detected. The observed effects could improve detoxification of xenobiotics and therefore may lower colon cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Stein
- Department of Nutritional Toxicology, Institute for Nutrition, Biological-Pharmaceutical Faculty, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.
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Ren R, Jiang Z, Liu M, Tao X, Ma Y, Wei D. Display of adenoregulin with a novel Pichia pastoris cell surface display system. Mol Biotechnol 2010; 35:103-8. [PMID: 17435275 DOI: 10.1007/bf02686102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/1999] [Revised: 11/30/1999] [Accepted: 11/30/1999] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Two Pichia pastoris cell surface display vectors were constructed. The vectors consisted of the flocculation functional domain of Flo1p with its own secretion signal sequence or the alpha-factor secretion signal sequence, a polyhistidine (6xHis) tag for detection, an enterokinase recognition site, and the insertion sites for target proteins. Adenoregulin (ADR) is a 33-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide isolated from Phyllomedusa bicolor skin. The ADR was expressed and displayed on the Pichia pastoris KM71 cell surface with the system reported. The displayed recombinant ADR fusion protein was detected by fluorescence microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The antimicrobial activity of the recombinant adenoregulin was detected after proteolytic cleavage of the fusion protein on cell surface. The validity of the Pichia pastoris cell surface display vectors was proved by the displayed ADR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ren Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, New World Institute of Biotechnology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, PR China
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Nguyen LT, Chau JK, Perry NA, de Boer L, Zaat SAJ, Vogel HJ. Serum stabilities of short tryptophan- and arginine-rich antimicrobial peptide analogs. PLoS One 2010; 5. [PMID: 20844765 PMCID: PMC2937036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0012684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Accepted: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several short antimicrobial peptides that are rich in tryptophan and arginine residues were designed with a series of simple modifications such as end capping and cyclization. The two sets of hexapeptides are based on the Trp- and Arg-rich primary sequences from the “antimicrobial centre” of bovine lactoferricin as well as an antimicrobial sequence obtained through the screening of a hexapeptide combinatorial library. Methodology/Principal Findings HPLC, mass spectrometry and antimicrobial assays were carried out to explore the consequences of the modifications on the serum stability and microbicidal activity of the peptides. The results show that C-terminal amidation increases the antimicrobial activity but that it makes little difference to its proteolytic degradation in human serum. On the other hand, N-terminal acetylation decreases the peptide activities but significantly increases their protease resistance. Peptide cyclization of the hexameric peptides was found to be highly effective for both serum stability and antimicrobial activity. However the two cyclization strategies employed have different effects, with disulfide cyclization resulting in more active peptides while backbone cyclization results in more proteolytically stable peptides. However, the benefit of backbone cyclization did not extend to longer 11-mer peptides derived from the same region of lactoferricin. Mass spectrometry data support the serum stability assay results and allowed us to determine preferred proteolysis sites in the peptides. Furthermore, isothermal titration calorimetry experiments showed that the peptides all had weak interactions with albumin, the most abundant protein in human serum. Conclusions/Significance Taken together, the results provide insight into the behavior of the peptides in human serum and will therefore aid in advancing antimicrobial peptide design towards systemic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard T. Nguyen
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Johnny K. Chau
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nicole A. Perry
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Leonie de Boer
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sebastian A. J. Zaat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Center of Infection and Immunity Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J. Vogel
- Biochemistry Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Signarvic RS, Degrado WF. Metal-binding dependent disruption of membranes by designed helices. J Am Chem Soc 2010; 131:3377-84. [PMID: 19209932 DOI: 10.1021/ja809580b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The de novo design of molecular switching peptides is of increasing interest because it tests and extends our fundamental understanding of this process while laying the groundwork for the creation of new chemical and biological sensors. Here, an alpha-helical amphiphilic cell-lytic peptide, mastoparan X, was engineered to bind divalent cations. Binding of Zn(II) or Ni(II) to the designed peptide Mst-HH stabilizes the lytic amphiphilic structure and increases the activity of the peptide. Although both Zn(II) and Ni(II) activate Mst-HH for membrane lysis, they appear to do so via different mechanisms. Additionally, a series of metal binding-site mutants were synthesized to assess the relationship of charge and helical propensity to the toxicity and switchability. Additionally, by changing the characteristics of the metal-binding ligands, we can vary the selectivity of the site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S Signarvic
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, and the Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Stellar-Chance Building Room 1010, 421 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6059, USA
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Zhang R, Zhou M, Wang L, McGrath S, Chen T, Chen X, Shaw C. Phylloseptin-1 (PSN-1) from Phyllomedusa sauvagei skin secretion: A novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide with antibiofilm activity. Mol Immunol 2010; 47:2030-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2010.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 04/12/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Fernandes JMO, Ruangsri J, Kiron V. Atlantic cod piscidin and its diversification through positive selection. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9501. [PMID: 20209162 PMCID: PMC2830478 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Piscidins constitute a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that are thought to play an important role in the innate immune response of teleosts. On the one hand they show a remarkable diversity, which indicates that they are shaped by positive selection, but on the other hand they are ancient and have specific targets, suggesting that they are constrained by purifying selection. Until now piscidins had only been found in fish species from the superorder Acanthopterygii but we have recently identified a piscidin gene in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), thus showing that these antimicrobial peptides are not restricted to evolutionarily modern teleosts. Nucleotide diversity was much higher in the regions of the piscidin gene that code for the mature peptide and its pro domain than in the signal peptide. Maximum likelihood analyses with different evolution models revealed that the piscidin gene is under positive selection. Charge or hydrophobicity-changing amino acid substitutions observed in positively selected sites within the mature peptide influence its amphipathic structure and can have a marked effect on its function. This diversification might be associated with adaptation to new habitats or rapidly evolving pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge M O Fernandes
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Bodø University College, Bodø, Nordland, Norway.
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Use of refined potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Gogu valley) protein as an alternative to antibiotics in weanling pigs. Livest Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2008.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Pini A, Giuliani A, Falciani C, Fabbrini M, Pileri S, Lelli B, Bracci L. Characterization of the branched antimicrobial peptide M6 by analyzing its mechanism of action and in vivo toxicity. J Pept Sci 2007; 13:393-9. [PMID: 17486663 DOI: 10.1002/psc.858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed functional activity of the antimicrobial peptide M6 in vitro and in vivo. The peptide was identified by our group by phage library selection, rational modification and synthesis in a tetrabranched form (Pini et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 2005; 49: 2665-72). We found that it binds lipopolysaccharide, causes perforation of cell membranes without destroying external cell morphology and strongly binds DNA. The latter feature suggests that it could inhibit metabolic pathways, blocking DNA replication and/or transcription. We also observed that M6 does not stimulate humoral immune response when repeatedly administered to animals. We also analyzed M6 toxicity when administered to animals by intraperitoneal or by intravenous injection, determining a preliminary LD50 (125 and 37.5 mg/kg, respectively), which suggested that M6 could be used in vivo. These features make the antimicrobial branched peptide M6 a promising candidate for the development of a new antibacterial drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Pini
- Dipartimento di Biologia molecolare, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Dennison SR, Morton LHG, Harris F, Phoenix DA. Antimicrobial properties of a lipid interactive alpha-helical peptide VP1 against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Biophys Chem 2007; 129:279-83. [PMID: 17640795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2007.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Revised: 06/18/2007] [Accepted: 06/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical analysis indicates that peptide VP1 forms a membrane interactive amphiphilic alpha-helix with antibacterial properties. Fourier transform infra-red based analyses showed VP1 to be alpha-helical (45%) in the presence of vesicle mimics of membranes from Staphylococcus aureus and to induce increases in the fluidity of these vesicles, as indicated by a rise in wavenumber of circa 0.5 to 1.0 cm(-1). The peptide induced surface pressure increases of 5 mN m(-1) in monolayer mimics of S. aureus membranes confirm the formation of a membrane interactive alpha-helix. These interactions appeared to involve significant hydrophobic and electrostatic contributions as VP1 induced comparable surface pressure changes in anionic (5.5 mN m(-1)) and zwitterionic (4 mN m(-1)) lipid monolayers. It is suggested that whilst efficacy requires further sequence specific information, the peptides generic structure provides the basis for its broad antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Dennison
- Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
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Sarda-Mantel L, Saleh-Mghir A, Welling MM, Meulemans A, Vrigneaud JM, Raguin O, Hervatin F, Martet G, Chau F, Lebtahi R, Le Guludec D. Evaluation of 99mTc-UBI 29-41 scintigraphy for specific detection of experimental Staphylococcus aureus prosthetic joint infections. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2007; 34:1302-9. [PMID: 17334764 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-007-0368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2006] [Accepted: 12/26/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41 (UBI), an antimicrobial peptide, specifically targets bacteria. We tested the ability of UBI to discriminate between infected and uninfected prosthetic joints using a rabbit model previously validated. METHODS Left knee arthroplasty was performed on 20 New Zealand rabbits, then 10(7) cfu of S. aureus (n = 12) or sterile saline (n = 8) was injected into the joint. On days 9 and 20 after surgery, planar UBI scintigraphy was performed in six infected and four uninfected rabbits, 1 h and 4 h p.i. (150 MBq), on a gamma camera. Operated-to-normal knee activity ratio (ONKR) was calculated on each scintigram. Then, after sacrifice, tissue samples of both knees were counted in a gamma counter. RESULTS One rabbit injected with sterile saline had cutaneous infection at sacrifice and was excluded from analysis. ONKR was higher in infected than in uninfected animals 4 h p.i. 20 days after surgery: 1.75 +/- 0.48 vs 1.13 +/- 0.11, p = 0.04. From 1 h to 4 h p.i., ONKR increased in 9/12 infected and 0/7 uninfected animals. According to UBI uptake intensity and kinetics, scintigraphy was truly positive in all infected cases on day 9 and in four of six infected cases on day 20. It was truly negative in two of three sterile inflamed prosthetic knees on day 9, and in all cases on day 20. Biodistribution studies revealed increased UBI uptake in periprosthetic tissues in all animals 9 days after surgery, and only in infected animals on day 20. CONCLUSION In this experimental study, (99m)Tc-UBI 29-41 scintigraphy permitted the early detection of acute prosthetic joint infection, and exclusion of infection in chronic sterile prosthetic joint inflammation.
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Loving CL, Brockmeier SL, Sacco RE. Differential type I interferon activation and susceptibility of dendritic cell populations to porcine arterivirus. Immunology 2006; 120:217-29. [PMID: 17116172 PMCID: PMC2265861 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2567.2006.02493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play a role in anti-viral immunity by providing early innate protection against viral replication and by presenting antigen to T cells for initiation of the adaptive immune response. Studies show the adaptive response to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is ineffective for complete viral elimination. Other studies describe the kinetics of the adaptive response to PRRSV, but have not investigated the early response by DCs. We hypothesize that there is an aberrant activation of DCs early in PRRSV infection; consequently, the adaptive response is triggered inadequately. The current study characterized a subtype of porcine lung DCs (L-DCs) and investigated the ability of PRRSV to infect and replicate in L-DCs and monocyte-derived DCs (MDDCs). Furthermore, the type I interferon anti-viral response to PRRSV with and without the addition of recombinant porcine IFN-alpha (rpIFN-alpha), an important cytokine that signals for anti-viral mediator activation, was analysed. Results show that PRRSV replicated in MDDCs but not L-DCs, providing evidence that these cells have followed distinct differentiation pathways. Although both cell types responded to PRRSV with an induction of IFN-beta mRNA, the magnitude and duration of the response differed between cell types. The addition of rpIFN-alpha was protective in MDDCs, and mRNA synthesis of Mx (myxovirus resistant) and PKR (double-stranded RNA dependent protein kinase) was observed in both cell types after rpIFN-alpha addition. Overall, PRRSV replicated in MDDCs but not L-DCs, and rpIFN-alpha was required for the transcription of protective anti-viral mediators. DC response to PRRSV was limited to IFN-beta transcription, which may be inadequate in triggering the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal L Loving
- Immunobiology Graduate Program, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Liévin-Le Moal V, Servin AL. The front line of enteric host defense against unwelcome intrusion of harmful microorganisms: mucins, antimicrobial peptides, and microbiota. Clin Microbiol Rev 2006; 19:315-37. [PMID: 16614252 PMCID: PMC1471992 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.19.2.315-337.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 352] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal tract is a complex ecosystem that combines resident microbiota and the cells of various phenotypes with complex metabolic activities that line the epithelial wall. The intestinal cells that make up the epithelium provide physical and chemical barriers that protect the host against the unwanted intrusion of microorganisms that hijack the cellular molecules and signaling pathways of the host and become pathogenic. Some of the organisms making up the intestinal microbiota also have microbicidal effects that contribute to the barrier against enteric pathogens. This review describes the two cell lineages present in the intestinal epithelium: the goblet cells and the Paneth cells, both of which play a pivotal role in the first line of enteric defense by producing mucus and antimicrobial peptides, respectively. We also analyze recent insights into the intestinal microbiota and the mechanisms by which some resident species act as a barrier to enteric pathogens. Moreover, this review examines whether the cells producing mucins or antimicrobial peptides and the resident microbiota act in partnership and whether they function individually and/or synergistically to provide the host with an effective front line of defense against harmful enteric pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Liévin-Le Moal
- Unité 756 INSERM, Faculté de Pharmacie Paris XI, Signalisation et Physiopathologie des Cellules Epithéliales, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, F-92296 Chātenay-Malabry, France
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Frecer V. QSAR analysis of antimicrobial and haemolytic effects of cyclic cationic antimicrobial peptides derived from protegrin-1. Bioorg Med Chem 2006; 14:6065-74. [PMID: 16714114 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2006.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Revised: 04/12/2006] [Accepted: 05/03/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we quantitatively analyse antimicrobial and haemolytic activities of porcine protegrin-1 (PG-1) mimetics-cyclic cationic peptides with beta-hairpin fold synthesised by Robinson et al. [Bioorg. Med. Chem.2005, 13, 2055]. The presented QSAR models, which use molecular properties related to possible mechanisms of cell membrane disruption that can be easily calculated from available data on amino acids, rationalize the relationships between sequences and antimicrobial and haemolytic potencies of the cyclic peptides. The best models obtained by application of genetic function approximation algorithm correlate antimicrobial potencies to the peptide's charge and amphipathicity index, while the haemolytic effect correlates well with the lipophilicity of residues forming the nonpolar face of the beta-hairpin. The models permit selection of site-directed residue substitutions leading to simultaneous optimization of antimicrobial and haemolytic potencies. Examples of such residue substitutions in the nonpolar face of a symmetric cyclic beta-hairpin PG-1 analogue with an ideal amphipathic structure are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Frecer
- Cancer Research Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava SK-83391, Slovakia.
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