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da Silva Neto JX, Dias LP, Lopes de Souza LA, Silva da Costa HP, Vasconcelos IM, Pereira ML, de Oliveira JTA, Cardozo CJP, Gonçalves Moura LFW, de Sousa JS, Carneiro RF, Lopes TDP, Bezerra de Sousa DDO. Insights into the structure and mechanism of action of the anti-candidal lectin Mo-CBP2 and evaluation of its synergistic effect and antibiofilm activity. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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DE Moraes MDR, Passos VF, Padovani GC, Bezerra LCBDR, Vasconcelos IM, Santiago SL. Protective effect of green tea catechins on eroded human dentin: an in vitro/in situ study. Braz Oral Res 2021; 35:e108. [PMID: 34816896 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2021.vol35.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study sought to evaluate the protective effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and commercial green tea (GT) on eroded dentin using in vitro and in situ experimental models. For the in vitro experiment, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were extracted from demineralized human coronary dentin powder (citric acid, pH 2.3) and assessed via a colorimetric assay and electrophoresis in gelatin. The gels were exposed to buffers with: control (no treatment), 0.05% sodium fluoride (NaF), 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), GT infusion, and 0.1% EGCG, and their respective activity was analyzed by zymography. For the in situ experiment, 20 healthy volunteers (aged 20-32 years) participated in this single-center, blind, crossover study. The subjects wore upper removable devices containing four human dentin blocks. Erosive challenge (coke-1 min) was performed four times/day/5 days. Blocks were treated for 1 min with: control (No treatment), 0.05% NaF, 0.1% EGCG, and GT. Thereafter, the specimens were subjected to stylus profilometry and SEM. ANOVA was used to evaluate dentin roughness and wear, with a significance level of 5%. In the zymography analysis, 0.12% CHX, GT, and 0.1% EGCG were found to inhibit the action of MMPs; however, in the colorimetric assay, only green tea inhibited the activity of MMPs. There were no significant differences observed in dentin roughness or wear (p > 0.05). Herein, EGCG and GT inhibited the activity of endogenous proteases, resulting in protection against erosion-induced dentin damage; however, they could not prevent tooth tissue loss in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanara Florêncio Passos
- Universidade Federal do Ceara - UFC, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Dentistry, Department of Operative Dentistry, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Sérgio Lima Santiago
- Universidade Federal do Ceara - UFC, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nursing and Dentistry, Department of Operative Dentistry, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Arantes MR, Peijnenburg A, Hendriksen PJM, Stoopen G, Almeida TS, Souza TM, Farias DF, Carvalho AFU, Rocha TM, Leal LKAM, Vasconcelos IM, Oliveira JTA. In vitro toxicological characterisation of the antifungal compound soybean toxin (SBTX). Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 65:104824. [PMID: 32165152 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.104824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Soybean toxin (SBTX) is a protein isolated from soybean seeds and composed of two polypeptide subunits (17 and 27 kDa). SBTX has in vitro activity against phytopathogenic fungi such as Cercospora sojina, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium herguei, and yeasts like Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, Kluyveromyces marxiannus, and Pichia membranifaciens. The present study aimed to analyze in vitro whether SBTX causes any side effects on non-target bacterial and mammalian cells that could impede its potential use as a novel antifungal agent. SBTX at 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL did not hinder the growth of the bacteria Salmonella enterica (subspecies enterica serovar choleraesuis), Bacillus subtilis (subspecies spizizenii) and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, SBTX at concentrations up to 500 μg/mL did not significantly affect the viability of erythrocytes, neutrophils, and human intestinal Caco-2 cells. To study whether SBTX could induce relevant alterations in gene expression, in vitro DNA microarray experiments were conducted in which differentiated Caco-2 cells were exposed for 24 h to 100 μg/mL or 200 μg/mL SBTX. SBTX up-regulated genes involved in cell cycle and immune response pathways, but down-regulated genes that play a role in cholesterol biosynthesis and platelet degranulation pathways. Thus, although SBTX did not affect bacteria, nor induced cytotoxity in mammalian cells, it affected some biological pathways in the human Caco-2 cell line that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Reis Arantes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, 60020-181 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ad Peijnenburg
- WFSR, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Peter J M Hendriksen
- WFSR, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Geert Stoopen
- WFSR, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Thiago Silva Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, 60020-181 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Maria Souza
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6229, ER, the Netherlands.
| | - Davi Felipe Farias
- Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900 Joao Pessoa, PB, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, 60020-181 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Jose Tadeu Abreu Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, 60020-181 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Noronha Souza PF, Abreu Oliveira JT, Vasconcelos IM, Magalhães VG, Albuquerque Silva FD, Guedes Silva RG, Oliveira KS, Franco OL, Gomes Silveira JA, Leite Carvalho FE. H 2O 2Accumulation, Host Cell Death and Differential Levels of Proteins Related to Photosynthesis, Redox Homeostasis, and Required for Viral Replication Explain the Resistance of EMS-mutagenized Cowpea to Cowpea Severe Mosaic Virus. J Plant Physiol 2020; 245:153110. [PMID: 31918353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jplph.2019.153110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Infection with Cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) represents one of the main limitations for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) productivity due to the severity of the disease symptoms, frequency of incidence, and difficulties in dissemination control. This study aimed to identify the proteins and metabolic pathways associated with the susceptibility and resistance of cowpea plants to CPSMV. Therefore, we treated the seeds of a naturally susceptible cowpea genotype (CE-31) with the mutagenic agent ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and compared the secondary leaf proteomic profile of the mutagenized resistant plants inoculated with CPSMV (MCPI plant group) to those of the naturally susceptible cowpea genotype CE-31 inoculated (CPI) and noninoculated (CPU) with CPSMV. MCPI responded to CPSMV by accumulating proteins involved in the oxidative burst, increasing H2O2 generation, promoting leaf cell death (LCD), increasing the synthesis of defense proteins, and decreasing host factors important for the establishment of CPSMV infection. In contrast, CPI accumulated several host factors that favor CPSMV infection and did not accumulate H2O2 or present LCD, which allowed CPSMV replication and systemic dissemination. Based on these results, we propose that the differential abundance of defense proteins and proteins involved in the oxidative burst, LCD, and the decrease in cowpea protein factors required for CPSMV replication are associated with the resistance trait acquired by the MCPI plant group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kleber Sousa Oliveira
- Proteomics Analysis and Biochemical Center, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Octavio Luis Franco
- Proteomics Analysis and Biochemical Center, Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Catholic University Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
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Lopes TDP, Souza PFN, da Costa HPS, Pereira ML, da Silva Neto JX, de Paula PC, Brilhante RSN, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Sousa DOB. Mo-CBP 4, a purified chitin-binding protein from Moringa oleifera seeds, is a potent antidermatophytic protein: In vitro mechanisms of action, in vivo effect against infection, and clinical application as a hydrogel for skin infection. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 149:432-442. [PMID: 32004601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytes belonging to Trichophyton ssp. are important anthropophilic and zoophilic pathogens, which developed resistance to griseofulvin, the common antifungal drug used to treat dermatophytosis. In this context, Moringa oleifera seed proteins have been described as antifungal agents with potential applications. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the antidermatophytic in vitro, focusing on mechanisms, and in vivo potential of Mo-CBP4, purified from M. oleifera seeds. Mo-CBP4was purified after protein extraction with 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.0, and chromatography on chitin and CM Sepharose™ columns and antidermatophytic potential of Mo-CBP4 evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, Mo-CBP4 reduced in 50% the germination of microconidia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes at 45 μM; but did not show inhibition of mycelial growth. Mo-CBP4 (45 μM) presents the inhibitory activity even when incubated with N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG). Analysis of the mechanisms of Mo-CBP4 revealed an increase in membrane permeability, ROS overproduction and damage to cell wall leading to microconidia death. Furthermore, using in vivo models, Mo-CBP4 (5, 10 and 20 mg g-1) reduced the severity and time of dermatophytosis. Altogether, these findings indicate that Mo-CBP4 has great potential for the development of novel antifungal drugs for the clinical treatment of dermatophytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Filho Noronha Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Mirella Leite Pereira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - João Xavier da Silva Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Paulo Carvalho de Paula
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Jose Tadeu Abreu Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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da Silva Neto JX, da Costa HPS, Vasconcelos IM, Pereira ML, Oliveira JTA, Lopes TDP, Dias LP, Araújo NMS, Moura LFWG, Van Tilburg MF, Guedes MIF, Lopes LA, Morais EG, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa D. Role of membrane sterol and redox system in the anti-candida activity reported for Mo-CBP 2, a protein from Moringa oleifera seeds. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 143:814-824. [PMID: 31734363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.09.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plant proteins are emerging as an alternative to conventional treatments against candidiasis. The aim of this study was to better understand the mechanism of action of Mo-CBP2 against Candida spp, evaluating redox system activity, lipid peroxidation, DNA degradation, cytochrome c release, medium acidification, and membrane interaction. Anti-candida activity of Mo-CBP2 decreased in the presence of ergosterol, which was not observed with antioxidant agents. C. albicans treated with Mo-CBP2 also had catalase and peroxidase activities inhibited, while superoxide dismutase was increased. Mo-CBP2 increased the lipid peroxidation, but it did not alter the ergosterol profile in live cells. External medium acidification was strongly inhibited, and cytochrome c release and DNA degradation were detected. Mo-CBP2 interacts with cell membrane constituents, changes redox system enzymes in C. albicans and causes lipid peroxidation by ROS overproduction. DNA degradation and cytochrome c release suggest apoptotic or DNAse activity. Lipid peroxidation and H+-ATPases inhibition may induce the process of apoptosis. Finally, Mo-CBP2 did not have a cytotoxic effect in mammalian Vero cells. This study highlights the biotechnological potential of Mo-CBP2 as a promising molecule with low toxicity and potent activity. Further studies should be performed to better understand its mode of action and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Xavier da Silva Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Jose Tadeu Abreu Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Pinheiro Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mauricio Fraga Van Tilburg
- Northeast Biotechnology Network, Graduate Program of Biotechnology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria Izabel Florindo Guedes
- Northeast Biotechnology Network, Graduate Program of Biotechnology, State University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Larissa Alves Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Eva Gomes Morais
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Sá CA, Vieira LR, Pereira Almeida Filho LC, Real-Guerra R, Lopes FC, Souza TM, Vasconcelos IM, Staniscuaski F, Carlini CR, Urano Carvalho AF, Farias DF. Risk assessment of the antifungal and insecticidal peptide Jaburetox and its parental protein the Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 136:110977. [PMID: 31759068 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Jaburetox (JBTX) is an insecticidal and antifungal peptide derived from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) urease that has been considered a candidate for developing genetically modified crops. This study aimed to perform the risk assessment of the peptide JBTX following the general recommendations of the two-tiered, weight-of-evidence approach proposed by International Life Sciences Institute. The urease of C. ensiformis (JBU) and its isoform JBURE IIb (the JBTX parental protein) were assessed. The history of safe use revealed no hazard reports for the studied proteins. The available information shows that JBTX possesses selective activity against insects and fungi. JBTX and JBU primary amino acids sequences showed no relevant similarity to toxic, antinutritional or allergenic proteins. Additionally, JBTX and JBU were susceptible to in vitro digestibility, and JBU was also susceptible to heat treatment. The results did not identify potential risks of adverse effects and reactions associated to JBTX. However, further allergen (e.g. serum IgE binding test) and toxicity (e.g. rodent toxicity tests) experimentation can be done to gather additional safety information on JBTX, and to meet regulatory inquiries for commercial approval of transgenic cultivars expressing this peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayenne Alves Sá
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Rogério Vieira
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael Real-Guerra
- Center for Coastal, Limnological and Marine Studies (CECLIMAR), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 95625-000, Imbé, RS, Brazil; Interdisciplinary Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, 95625-000, Tramandaí, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Cortez Lopes
- Center of Biotechnology and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Maria Souza
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Staniscuaski
- Center of Biotechnology and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Célia Regina Carlini
- Center of Biotechnology and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Building 43431, 91501-970, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Brain Institute (Instituto do Cérebro-INSCER), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga 6690, Building 63, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Fontenele Urano Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Davi Felipe Farias
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Federal University of Ceará, 60440-900, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil; Laboratory for Risk Assesment of Novel Technologies - LabRisk, Department of Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraíba, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Brazil.
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Varela ALN, Oliveira JTA, Komatsu S, Silva RGG, Martins TF, Souza PFN, Lobo AKM, Vasconcelos IM, Carvalho FEL, Silveira JAG. A resistant cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) genotype became susceptible to cowpea severe mosaic virus (CPSMV) after exposure to salt stress. J Proteomics 2018; 194:200-217. [PMID: 30471437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In nature, plants are simultaneously challenged by biotic and abiotic stresses. However, little is known about the effects of these combined stresses for most crops. This work aimed to evaluate the responsed of the virus-resistant cowpea genotype BRS-Marataoã to the exposure of salt stress combined with CPSMV infection. Cowpea plants were exposed to 200 mM NaCl either simultaneously (SV plant group) or 24 h prior to the CPSMV infection [S(24 h)V plant group]. Physiological, biochemical, and proteomic analyses at 2 and 6 days post salt stress (DPS) revealed that cowpea significantly reprogrammed its cellular metabolism. Indeed, plant size, photosynthetic parameters (net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, and internal CO2 partial pressure) and chlorophyll and carotenoid contents were reduced in S(24 h)V compared to SV. Moreover, accumulation of viral particles at 6 DPS in S(24 h)V was observed indicating that the salt stress imposed prior to virus infection favors viral particle proliferation. Proteomic analysis showed differential contents of 403 and 330 proteins at 2 DPS and 6 DPS, respectively, out of 733 differentially abundant proteins between the two plant groups. The altered leaf proteins are involved in energy and metabolism, photosynthesis, stress response, and oxidative burst. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is an original study in which a virus-resistant cowpea genotype (BRS-Marataoã) was (i) exposed simultaneously to 200 mM NaCl and inoculation with CPSMV (SV plant group) or (ii) exposed to 200 mM NaCl stress 24 h prior to inoculation with CPSMV [S(24 h)V plant group]. The purpose was to shed light on how this CPSMV resistant cowpea responded to the combined stresses. Numerous key proteins and associated pathways were altered in the cowpea plants challenged with both stresses, but unexpectedly, the salt stress imposed 24 h prior to CPSMV inoculation allowed viral proliferation, turning the cowpea genotype from resistant to susceptible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lídia Nunes Varela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, CE 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Jose Tadeu Abreu Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, CE 60440-900, Brazil.
| | - Setsuko Komatsu
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8572, Japan
| | | | - Thiago Fernandes Martins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, CE 60440-900, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Karla Moreira Lobo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, CE 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, CE 60440-900, Brazil
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Silva MS, Ribeiro SF, Taveira GB, Rodrigues R, Fernandes KV, Carvalho AO, Vasconcelos IM, Mello EO, Gomes VM. Application and bioactive properties of CaTI, a trypsin inhibitor from Capsicum annuum seeds: membrane permeabilization, oxidative stress and intracellular target in phytopathogenic fungi cells. J Sci Food Agric 2017; 97:3790-3801. [PMID: 28139827 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last few years, a growing number of antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from plants and particularly from seeds. Recent results from our laboratory have shown the purification of a new trypsin inhibitor, named CaTI, from chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity and mechanism of action of CaTI on phytopathogenic fungi and detect the presence of protease inhibitors in other species of this genus. RESULTS Our results show that CaTI can inhibit the growth of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. lindemuthianum. CaTI can also permeabilize the membrane of all tested fungi. When testing the inhibitor on its ability to induce reactive oxygen species, an induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) particularly in Fusarium species was observed. Using CaTI coupled to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), it was possible to determine the presence of the inhibitor inside the hyphae of the Fusarium oxysporum fungus. The search for protease inhibitors in other Capsicum species revealed their presence in all tested species. CONCLUSION This paper shows the antifungal activity of protease inhibitors such as CaTI against phytopathogenic fungi. Antimicrobial peptides, among which the trypsin protease inhibitor family stands out, are present in different species of the genus Capsicum and are part of the chemical arsenal that plants use to defend themselves against pathogens. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele S Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suzanna Ff Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Katia Vs Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André O Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Toxinas Vegetais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Erica Oliveira Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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Lima LA, de Vries R, Biswaro LS, Vasconcelos IM, Franco OL, Dias SC. Fusion of plectasin derivative NZ2114 with hydrophilic random coil polypeptide: Recombinant production in Pichia pastoris and antimicrobial activity against clinical strain MRSA. Biopolymers 2017; 110. [PMID: 28608428 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
One of the roadblocks towards the practical use of antimicrobial peptides for medical use is their relatively high cost when synthesized chemically. Effective recombinant production has only been successful in some cases, such as the previously reported production in Pichia pastoris of the antimicrobial plectasin derivative peptide NZ2114. The same production host has also been used extensively to produce so-called protein-polymers: sequences that consist of repetitions of simple amino acid motifs found in structural proteins such as collagen and elastin, and that can be designed to self-assemble in micelles, fibers and hydrogels. With the eventual goal of producing recombinant biomaterials such as antimicrobial protein polymer, we here explore the secreted production in Pichia pastoris of a fusion of NZ2114 with a hydrophilic random coil protein polymer CP4 . The intact NZ2114-CP4 fusion copolymer was produced with a yield of purified protein on the order of 1 g.L-1 supernatant. We find that purified NZ2114-CP4 has an activity against clinical strain MRSA, but very much lower than activity of chemically synthesized NZ2114. We conclude that possibly, the activity of NZ2114 is impaired by the C-terminal attachment to the protein polymer chain, but other reasons for the low activity cannot yet be excluded either. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Lima
- Centro de Análises, Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - R de Vries
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - L S Biswaro
- Centro de Análises, Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - I M Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - O L Franco
- Centro de Análises, Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
- S-Inova, Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - S C Dias
- Centro de Análises, Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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11
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Abreu TM, Ribeiro NA, Chaves HV, Jorge RJB, Bezerra MM, Monteiro HSA, Vasconcelos IM, Mota ÉF, Benevides NMB. Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of the Lectin from Marine Red Alga Solieria filiformis. Planta Med 2016; 82:596-605. [PMID: 27093245 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-101762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins that bind to specific mono- or oligosaccharides. This study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the lectin from the red marine alga Solieria filiformis. The animals (n = 6) were pretreated with S. filiformis lectin 30 min before they were given the nociceptive or inflammatory stimulus. The antinociceptive activity was evaluated in Swiss mice using the abdominal writhing, formalin, and hot plate tests. The anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in Wistar rats using carrageenan-induced peritonitis and paw edema induced by different phlogistic agents. The S. filiformis lectin toxicity was assayed through its application in mice (7 days). S. filiformis lectin significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhings and reduced the paw licking time in the second phase of the formalin test (p < 0.05), but it did not prolong the reaction time in the hot plate test (p > 0.05). Furthermore, S. filiformis lectin reduced neutrophil migration in a peritonitis model and reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan, dextran, and serotonin (p < 0.05). Additionally, the administration of S. filiformis lectin resulted in no signs of systemic damage. Thus, S. filiformis lectin appears to have important antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and could represent a potential therapeutic agent for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ticiana Monteiro Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberta Jeane Bezerra Jorge
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Helena Serra Azul Monteiro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Érika Freitas Mota
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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12
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Rodríguez-Villamil P, Hoyos-Marulanda V, Martins JAM, Oliveira AN, Aguiar LH, Moreno FB, Velho ALMCS, Monteiro-Moreira AC, Moreira RA, Vasconcelos IM, Bertolini M, Moura AA. Purification of binder of sperm protein 1 (BSP1) and its effects on bovine in vitro embryo development after fertilization with ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Theriogenology 2015; 85:540-54. [PMID: 26553567 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated functional aspects of binder of sperm 1 (BSP1) in the bovine species. In a first experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 1274) were incubated with frozen-thawed ejaculated sperm (18 hours) in Fert-TALP medium containing: heparin, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL BSP1. Heparin followed by gelatin affinity chromatography was used for purification of BSP1 from bovine seminal vesicle fluid. With ejaculated sperm, cleavage rates were similar when Fert-TALP medium was incubated with heparin (74.1 ± 2.7%), 10 μg/mL BSP1 (77.8 ± 3.1%), or 20 μg/mL BSP1 (74 ± 2.0%). Day-7 blastocyst rates were equivalent after incubations with heparin (40.8 ± 5.0%) and 10 μg/mL BSP1 (34.1 ± 4.4%), but reduced after 20 μg/mL BSP1 (22.4 ± 2.9%) and 40 μg/mL BSP1 (19.3 ± 4.1%; P < 0.05). In the second experiment, cumulus-oocyte complexes (n = 1213) were incubated with frozen-thawed cauda epididymal sperm (18 hours) in Fert-TALP medium containing: no heparin, heparin, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL. Cleavage and blastocyst rates were similar after treatments with heparin (68.5 ± 1.3% and 24.7 ± 3.2%, respectively) or without heparin (65.5 ± 1.8% and 27.3 ± 1.6%, respectively). Cleavage was higher after treatment with any BSP1 concentrations (74.2 ± 2.7%-79.0 ± 1.1%) than without heparin (P < 0.05). Also, cleavage was better after Fert-TALP medium incubation with 40 μg/mL BSP1 (79.0 ± 1.1%) than with heparin (68.5 ± 1.3%; P < 0.05). Embryo development was higher (P < 0.05) after treatment with 20 μg/mL BSP1 (35.6 ± 2.5%) and 40 μg/mL (41.1 ± 2%) than after incubations with heparin (24.7 ± 3.2%) or without heparin (27.3 ± 1.6%). Interestingly, BSP1 did not cause reductions in blastocyst rates after fertilization with epididymal sperm, as observed with ejaculated sperm. On the basis of immunocytochemistry, there was BSP1 binding to frozen-thawed ejaculated but not to epididymal sperm. Also, anti-BSP1 reaction remained on ejaculated sperm (as expected) and appeared on epididymal sperm after incubation with purified BSP1. Acrosome reaction of ejaculated and epididymal sperm was induced after incubation with purified BSP1 as well, indicating an effect of BSP1 on capacitation. In conclusion, purified BSP1 from bull seminal vesicles was able to bind to and induce capacitation of ejaculated and epididymal sperm. Also, BSP1 added to fertilization media and allowed proper cleavage and embryo development, with the effects being modulated by previous exposure or not of spermatozoa to seminal plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Rodríguez-Villamil
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - V Hoyos-Marulanda
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - J A M Martins
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A N Oliveira
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - L H Aguiar
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - F B Moreno
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A L M C S Velho
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - R A Moreira
- School of Pharmacy, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - I M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - M Bertolini
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Laboratory, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - A A Moura
- Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil.
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13
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Dantzger M, Vasconcelos IM, Scorsato V, Aparicio R, Marangoni S, Macedo MLR. Bowman-Birk proteinase inhibitor from Clitoria fairchildiana seeds: Isolation, biochemical properties and insecticidal potential. Phytochemistry 2015; 118:224-235. [PMID: 26330217 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Herein described is the biochemical characterisation, including in vitro and in vivo assays, for a proteinase inhibitor purified from Clitoria fairchildiana seeds (CFPI). Purification was performed by hydrophobic interaction and gel filtration chromatography. Kinetic studies of the purified inhibitor showed a competitive-type inhibitory activity against bovine trypsin and chymotrypsin, with an inhibition stoichiometry of 1:1 for both enzymes. The inhibition constants against trypsin and chymotrypsin were 3.3 × 10(-10) and 1.5 × 10(-10)M, respectively, displaying a tight binding property. SDS-PAGE showed that CFPI has a single polypeptide chain with an apparent molecular mass of 15 kDa under non-reducing conditions. However, MALDI-TOF analysis demonstrated a molecular mass of 7.973 kDa, suggesting that CFPI is dimeric in solution. The N-terminal sequence of CFPI showed homology with members of the Bowman-Birk inhibitor family. CFPI remained stable to progressive heating for 30 min to each temperature range of 37 up to 100 °C and CD analysis exhibited no changes in spectra at 207 nm after heating at 90 °C and subsequent cooling. Moreover, CFPI was active over a wide pH range (2-10). In contrast, reduction with DTT resulted in a loss of inhibitory activity against trypsin and chymotrypsin. CFPI also exhibited significant inhibitory activity against larval midgut trypsin enzymes from Anagasta kuehniella (76%), Diatraea saccharalis (59%) and Heliothis virescens (49%). Its insecticidal properties were further analysed by bioassays and confirmed by negative impact on A. kuehniella development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Dantzger
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; Department of Food Technology and Public Health, Centre for Biological and Health Sciences, University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ceara, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Valéria Scorsato
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Crystallography, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Aparicio
- Laboratory of Structural Biology and Crystallography, Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Sergio Marangoni
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Lígia Rodrigues Macedo
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil; Department of Food Technology and Public Health, Centre for Biological and Health Sciences, University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil.
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14
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Vieira MEB, Vasconcelos IM, Machado OLT, Gomes VM, Carvalho ADO. Isolation, characterization and mechanism of action of an antimicrobial peptide from Lecythis pisonis seeds with inhibitory activity against Candida albicans. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2015; 47:716-29. [PMID: 26245301 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced by a range of organisms as a first line of defense against invaders or competitors. Owing to their broad antimicrobial activity, AMPs have attracted attention as a potential source of chemotherapeutic drugs. The increasing prevalence of infections caused by Candida species as opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised patients requires new drugs. Lecythis pisonis is a Lecythydaceae tree that grows in Brazil. The AMPs produced by this tree have not been described previously. We describe the isolation of 12 fractions enriched in peptides from L. pisonis seeds. Of the 12 fractions, at 10 μg/ml, the F4 fraction had the strongest growth inhibitory effect (53.7%) in Candida albicans, in addition to a loss of viability of 94.9%. The F4 fraction was separated into seven sub-fractions by reversed-phase chromatography. The F4.7' fraction had the strongest activity at 10 μg/ml, inhibiting C. albicans growth by 38.5% and a 69.3% loss of viability. The peptide in F4.7' was sequenced and was found to be similar to plant defensins. For this reason, the peptide was named L. pisonis defensin 1 (Lp-Def1). The mechanism of action that is responsible for C. albicans inhibition by Lp-Def1 includes a slight increase of reactive oxygen species induction and a significant loss of mitochondrial function. The results described here support the future development of plant defensins, specifically Lp-Def1, as new therapeutic substances against fungi, especially C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eliza Brambila Vieira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Toxinas Vegetais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Olga Lima Tavares Machado
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ 28013-602, Brazil
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15
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Soares AMS, Carvalho LP, Melo EJT, Costa HPS, Vasconcelos IM, Oliveira JTA. A protein extract and a cysteine protease inhibitor enriched fraction from Jatropha curcas seed cake have in vitro anti-Toxoplasma gondii activity. Exp Parasitol 2015; 153:111-7. [PMID: 25816973 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite of great medical and veterinary importance that has worldwide distribution and causes toxoplasmosis. There are few treatments available for toxoplasmosis and the search for plant extracts and compounds with anti-Toxoplasma activity is of utmost importance for the discovery of new active drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the action of a protein extract and a protease inhibitor enriched fraction from J. curcas seed cake on developing tachyzoites of T. gondii-infected Vero cells. The protein extract (JcCE) was obtained after solubilization of the J. curcas seed cake with 100 mM sodium borate buffer, pH 10, centrifugation and dialysis of the resulting supernatant with the extracting buffer. JcCE was used for the in vitro assays of anti-Toxoplasma activity at 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 mg/ml concentration for 24 h. The results showed that JcCE reduced the percentage of infection and the number of intracellular parasites, but had no effect on the morphology of Vero cells up to 3.0 mg/mL. The cysteine protease inhibitor enriched fraction, which was obtained after chromatography of JcCE on Sephadex G-75 and presented a unique protein band following SDS-PAGE, reduced both the number of T. gondii infected cells and intracellular parasites. These results suggest that both JcCE and the cysteine protease inhibitor enriched fraction interfere with the intracellular growth of T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M S Soares
- Laboratory of Plant Biochemistry, Centre for Agrarian and Environmental Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, BR 222, Km 74, Chapadinha, Maranhão CEP: 65500-000, Brazil
| | - L P Carvalho
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Cellular Toxicology Section, Centre for Bioscience and Biotechnology, North Fluminense State University of Darcy Ribeiro, Alberto Lamego Av. 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - E J T Melo
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Cellular Toxicology Section, Centre for Bioscience and Biotechnology, North Fluminense State University of Darcy Ribeiro, Alberto Lamego Av. 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro CEP: 28013-602, Brazil
| | - H P S Costa
- Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza CE 60451-970, Brazil
| | - I M Vasconcelos
- Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza CE 60451-970, Brazil
| | - J T A Oliveira
- Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza CE 60451-970, Brazil.
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16
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Moulin MM, Rodrigues R, Ribeiro SFF, Gonçalves LSA, Bento CS, Sudré CP, Vasconcelos IM, Gomes VM. Trypsin inhibitors from Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum leaves involved in Pepper yellow mosaic virus resistance. Genet Mol Res 2014; 13:9229-43. [PMID: 25501145 DOI: 10.4238/2014.november.7.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Several plant organs contain proteinase inhibitors, which are produced during normal plant development or are induced upon pathogen attack to suppress the enzymatic activity of phytopathogenic microorganisms. In this study, we examined the presence of proteinase inhibitors, specifically trypsin inhibitors, in the leaf extract of Capsicum baccatum var. pendulum inoculated with PepYMV (Pepper yellow mosaic virus). Leaf extract from plants with the accession number UENF 1624, which is resistant to PepYMV, was collected at 7 different times (0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, and 144 h). Seedlings inoculated with PepYMV and control seedlings were grown in a growth chamber. Protein extract from leaf samples was partially purified by reversed-phase chromatography using a C2/C18 column. Residual trypsin activity was assayed to detect inhibitors followed by Tricine-SDS-PAGE analysis to determine the N-terminal peptide sequence. Based on trypsin inhibitor assays, trypsin inhibitors are likely constitutively synthesized in C. baccatum var. pendulum leaf tissue. These inhibitors are likely a defense mechanism for the C. baccatum var. pendulum- PepYMV pathosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Moulin
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - R Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - S F F Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microorganismos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - L S A Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brasil
| | - C S Bento
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - C P Sudré
- Laboratório de Melhoramento Genético Vegetal, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
| | - I M Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Toxinas Vegetais, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil
| | - V M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microorganismos, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brasil
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Paiva AL, Vasconcelos IM, Oliveira JTA. Purification, characterization and antifungal activity of LPA a lectin from Pachira aquatica seeds: their possible role in plant defence. BMC Proc 2014. [PMCID: PMC4210681 DOI: 10.1186/1753-6561-8-s4-p134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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18
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Farias DF, Souza TM, Viana MP, Soares BM, Cunha AP, Vasconcelos IM, Ricardo NMPS, Ferreira PMP, Melo VMM, Carvalho AFU. Antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of plant seed extracts from Brazilian semiarid region. Biomed Res Int 2013; 2013:510736. [PMID: 24386637 PMCID: PMC3872380 DOI: 10.1155/2013/510736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities of ethanolic seed extracts of twenty-one plant species from Brazilian semiarid region were investigated. The extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against six bacteria strains and three yeasts. Six extracts presented activity against the Gram (-) organism Salmonella choleraesuis and the Gram (+) organisms Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. The MIC values ranged from 4.96 to 37.32 mg/mL. The Triplaris gardneriana extract presented activity against the three species, with MIC values 18.8, 13.76, and 11.15 mg/mL, respectively. Five extracts presented antioxidant activity, with EC50 values ranging from 69.73 μ g/mL (T. gardneriana) to 487.51 μ g/mL (Licania rigida). For the anticholinesterase activity, eleven extracts were capable of inhibiting the enzyme activity. From those, T. gardneriana, Parkia platycephala and Connarus detersus presented the best activities, with inhibition values of 76.7, 71.5, and 91.9%, respectively. The extracts that presented antimicrobial activity were tested for hemolytic assay against human A, B, and O blood types and rabbit blood. From those, only the Myracrodruon urundeuva extract presented activity (about 20% of hemolysis at the lowest tested concentration, 1.9 µg/mL). Infrared spectroscopy of six representative extracts attested the presence of tannins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which was confirmed by a qualitative phytochemical assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davi Felipe Farias
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 60440-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Terezinha Maria Souza
- Netherlands Toxicogenomics Centre, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martônio Ponte Viana
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 60440-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Bruno Marques Soares
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 60430-270 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Arcelina Pacheco Cunha
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 60440-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, 60440-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo Michel Pinheiro Ferreira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Senador Helvídio Nunes de Barros, Universidade Federal do Piauí, 64600-000 Picos, PI, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Avenida Universitária, s/n, 64049-550 Teresina, PI, Brazil
| | - Vânia Maria Maciel Melo
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, 60451-970 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Lobo MDP, Silva FDA, Landim PGDC, da Cruz PR, de Brito TL, de Medeiros SC, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Pereira HD, Grangeiro TB. Expression and efficient secretion of a functional chitinase from Chromobacterium violaceum in Escherichia coli. BMC Biotechnol 2013; 13:46. [PMID: 23725035 PMCID: PMC3701571 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-13-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromobacterium violaceum is a free-living β-proteobacterium found in tropical and subtropical regions. The genomic sequencing of C. violaceum ATCC 12472 has revealed many genes that underpin its adaptability to diverse ecosystems. Moreover, C. violaceum genes with potential applications in industry, medicine and agriculture have also been identified, such as those encoding chitinases. However, none of the chitinase genes of the ATCC 12472 strain have been subjected to experimental validation. Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) hydrolyze the β-(1,4) linkages in chitin, an abundant biopolymer found in arthropods, mollusks and fungi. These enzymes are of great biotechnological interest as potential biocontrol agents against pests and pathogens. This work aimed to experimentally validate one of the chitinases from C. violaceum. RESULTS The open reading frame (ORF) CV2935 of C. violaceum ATCC 12472 encodes a protein (439 residues) that is composed of a signal peptide, a chitin-binding domain, a linker region, and a C-terminal catalytic domain belonging to family 18 of the glycoside hydrolases. The ORF was amplified by PCR and cloned into the expression vector pET303/CT-His. High levels of chitinolytic activity were detected in the cell-free culture supernatant of E. coli BL21(DE3) cells harboring the recombinant plasmid and induced with IPTG. The secreted recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography on a chitin matrix and showed an apparent molecular mass of 43.8 kDa, as estimated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. N-terminal sequencing confirmed the proper removal of the native signal peptide during the secretion of the recombinant product. The enzyme was able to hydrolyze colloidal chitin and the synthetic substrates p-nitrophenyl-β-D-N,N'-diacetylchitobiose and p-nitrophenyl-β-D-N,N',N"-triacetylchitotriose. The optimum pH for its activity was 5.0, and the enzyme retained ~32% of its activity when heated to 60°C for 30 min. CONCLUSIONS A C. violaceum chitinase was expressed in E. coli and purified by affinity chromatography on a chitin matrix. The secretion of the recombinant protein into the culture medium was directed by its native signal peptide. The mature enzyme was able to hydrolyze colloidal chitin and synthetic substrates. This newly identified signal peptide is a promising secretion factor that should be further investigated in future studies, aiming to demonstrate its usefulness as an alternative tool for the extracellular production of recombinant proteins in E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Duarte Pinto Lobo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60.455-970, Brazil
| | - Fredy Davi Albuquerque Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60.455-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - Thaís Lima de Brito
- Departamento de Biologia, UFC, Laboratório de Genética Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - José Tadeu Abreu Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60.455-970, Brazil
| | - Ilka Maria Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60.455-970, Brazil
| | - Humberto D’Muniz Pereira
- Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador Sãocarlense, 400, São Carlos, SP CEP 13.566-590, Brazil
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de Lima LA, Migliolo L, Barreiro e Castro C, Pires DDO, Lopez-Abarrategui C, Gonçalves EF, Vasconcelos IM, de Oliveira JTA, Otero-Gonzalez ADJ, Franco OL, Dias SC. Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from Brazilian coast coral Phyllogorgia dilatata. Protein Pept Lett 2013; 20:1153-8. [PMID: 23578141 DOI: 10.2174/0929866511320100010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The marine ecosystem is able to provide enormous biomolecule diversity that could be used for treatment of various diseases. In this highly competitive environment, organisms need chemical barriers to reduce or avoid microorganism contamination. Among the molecules that protect these animals the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are included. In the present study, crude extracts of coral coral specimens Carijoa riisei, Muriceopsis sulphurea, Neospongodes atlantica, Palythoa caribeorum, Phyllogorgia dilatata and Plexaurella grandiflora were challenged against multiple Grampositive and -negative bacteria showing different activities. P. dilatata crude extract showed the antibacterial activity, and was ammonium-sulfate (0-40%) fractionated, being able to control the growth of K. pneumoniae, S. flexineri and S. aureus. Rich-fraction was further purified by using Amicon® Ultra Centrifugal 10 kDa associated with reversed-phase HPLC chromatography (C18), producing the peptide named Pd-AMP1. Pd-AMP1 was able to inhibit S. aureus development. Mass spectrometry analyses showed a monoisotopic mass of 5372.66 Da and N-terminal sequence showed no significant match with databank. In this view, the prospecting of protein biomolecules and biotechnological potential from marine animals is still little explored and may serve as an alternative to common antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loiane Alves de Lima
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduaçao em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília
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21
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Fernandes AV, Ramos MV, Vasconcelos IM, Moreira ACOM, Moreno FB, Pereira JO, de Carvalho Gonçalves JF. Purification and characterization of a lectin of the Swartzieae Legume Taxa. Protein Pept Lett 2013; 19:1082-8. [PMID: 22512646 DOI: 10.2174/092986612802762679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2011] [Revised: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This work aimed at describing the first biochemical and structural data of a lectin belonging to Swartzieae, a primitive Legume Taxa. A lactose-binding seed lectin (SLL) was purified by affinity chromatography of crude saline extracts of Swartzia laevicarpa on immobilized lactose. The SLL agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes but not rat or human (A, B, O) erythrocytes. Lectin activity was retained after heating at 100 �C for 15 min and was best inhibited by Nacetylgalactosamine, lactose and galactose. The lectin exhibited a single electrophoretic pattern that corresponded to a molecular mass of 29,000 Da, which was confirmed by MS analysis. In addition, the lectin reacted positively with Schiff's reagent. The unique N-terminal amino acid sequence (39 residues) and the internal peptide sequence were determined by Edman degradation and MS/MS, respectively. The sequencing revealed complete homology of the SLL with legume lectins belonging to primitive groups (Dalbergieae and Sophoreae). The SLL (at 1 mg/ml) did not exhibit antifungal activity against various phytopathogens or cytotoxicity (at 100 μg/ml) towards different cancer cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Varmes Fernandes
- National Institute for Research in the Amazon (MCTI-INPA), Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
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22
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Filho REM, Bandeira SP, Brillhante RSN, Rocha MFG, Vasconcelos IM, Pereira ML, Castelo-Branco DDSCM, Rocha FAC, Camargo ZPD, Ramos MV, Cordeiro RDA, Sidrim JJC. Biochemical characterization of an in-house Coccidioides antigen: perspectives for the immunodiagnosis of coccidioidomycosis. Molecules 2012; 17:7854-63. [PMID: 22743589 PMCID: PMC6268230 DOI: 10.3390/molecules17077854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the reactivity of an in-house antigen, extracted from a strain of C. posadasii isolated in northeastern Brazil, by radial immunodiffusion and Western blotting, as well as to establish its biochemical characterization. The protein antigen was initially extracted with the use of solid ammonium sulfate and characterized by 1-D electrophoresis. Subsequently, it was tested by means of double radial immunodiffusion and Western blotting. A positive reaction was observed against the antigen by both immunodiagnostic techniques tested on sera from patients suffering from coccidioidomycosis. Besides this, two immunoreactive protein bands were observed and were revealed to be a β-glucosidase and a glutamine synthetase after sequencing of the respective N-terminal regions. Our in-house Coccidioides antigen can be promising as a quick and low-cost diagnostic tool without the risk of direct manipulation of the microorganism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Evando Moreira Filho
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60430-270, Brazil.
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Ribeiro Soares J, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Silva dos Santos I, Lima Tavares Machado O, V. Nascimento V, Maria Vasconcelos I, Teixeira da Silva Ferreira A, Enrique de Aguilar Perales J, Moreira Gomes V. Antimicrobial Peptides from Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds: Characterization and Antifungal Activity. Protein Pept Lett 2012; 19:520-9. [DOI: 10.2174/092986612800191062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Oliveira JTA, Andrade NC, Martins-Miranda AS, Soares AA, Gondim DMF, Araújo-Filho JH, Freire-Filho FR, Vasconcelos IM. Differential expression of antioxidant enzymes and PR-proteins in compatible and incompatible interactions of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Plant Physiol Biochem 2012; 51:145-52. [PMID: 22153251 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Accepted: 10/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluated the resistance and susceptibility of 10 cowpea cultivars to Meloidogyne incognita in field studies and to analyze the kinetics of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, chitinase, β-1,3-glucanases and cystein proteinase inhibitors in the root system of two contrasting cowpea cultivars after inoculation with M. incognita. The cultivars CE-31 and Frade Preto were highly resistant; CE-28, CE-01, CE-315, CE-237, were very resistant; CE-70 and CE-216 were moderately resistant, whereas Vita-3 and CE-109 were slightly resistant. In the roots of the highly resistant cultivar CE-31 the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase increased and catalase decreased and those of the pathogenesis-related proteins chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, peroxidase and cystein proteinase inhibitor increased in comparison with the root system of the slightly resistant CE-109, during the course of M. incognita infestation. Thus the changes in the activities of these enzymes might be related to the smaller final population of M. incognita in CE-31 and may contribute to the high resistance of this cowpea cultivar against infection and colonization by this nematode species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceara, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceara 60451-970, Brazil.
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Leite Pereira M, David de Oliveira H, Tadeu Abreu de Oliveira J, Menezes Gifoni J, de Oliveira Rocha R, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa D, Maria Vasconcelos I. Purification of a Chitin-Binding Protein from Moringa oleifera Seeds with Potential to Relieve Pain and Inflammation. Protein Pept Lett 2011; 18:1078-85. [DOI: 10.2174/092986611797200959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2011] [Revised: 05/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Salles HO, Vasconcelos IM, Santos LFL, Oliveira HD, Costa PPC, Nascimento NRF, Santos CF, Sousa DF, Jorge ARC, Menezes DB, Monteiro HSA, Gondim DMF, Oliveira JTA. Towards a better understanding of Ipomoea asarifolia toxicity: evidence of the involvement of a leaf lectin. Toxicon 2011; 58:502-8. [PMID: 21878348 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural intoxication of livestock by ingestion of Ipomoea asarifolia leaves has been reported to occur widely in Brazil. Previous studies carried out by our research group provided strong evidence that a lectin could be involved with the toxic properties of I. asarifolia. To reinforce this hypothesis, a lectin-enriched fraction (LEF) was isolated from I. asarifolia leaves and its toxic effects were assessed. Leaves of I. asarifolia were excised from plants growing widely in the field, mechanically wounded and maintained in a chamber at 25 ± 3 °C for 72h in the dark, under near 100% relative humidity. The leaf proteins were extracted, ammonium sulfate precipitated, chromatographed on DEAE-cellulose and Phenyl-Sepharose to produce LEF that under SDS-PAGE showed a molecular mass of 44.0 kDa and after N-terminal amino acid analysis a primary sequence composed of AGYTPVLDIGAEVLAAGEPY. The in vivo toxicity of LEF assessed by intraorbital injection in mice showed induced severe uncoordinated movements without death. LEF reduced the muscular contraction in a dose depend way and at 29.8 μg/mL (CE(50)) it produces 50% inhibition of contraction, suggesting that LEF blunts autonomic neurotransmission. Isolated rat kidneys were perfused with LEF and no effects on the perfusion pressure or renal vascular resistance were observed, but urinary flow and glomerular filtration rate increased. Moreover, the percentage of tubular transport of Na(+), K(+) and Cl(-) decreased. Histological examination of the kidneys perfused with LEF exhibited little alterations. These toxic effects observed above were concomitant with the increase of LEF hemagglutination activity, which strongly suggest that one of the toxic principles of I. asarifolia is a lectin present in its leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- H O Salles
- Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, PO Box 145, 62010-970, Sobral, CE, Brazil
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de Freitas CDT, Nogueira FCS, Vasconcelos IM, Oliveira JTA, Domont GB, Ramos MV. Osmotin purified from the latex of Calotropis procera: biochemical characterization, biological activity and role in plant defense. Plant Physiol Biochem 2011; 49:738-43. [PMID: 21334906 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2011.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A protein, similar to osmotin- and thaumatin-like proteins, was purified from Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br latex. The isolation procedure required two cation exchange chromatography steps on 50mM Na-acetate buffer (pH 5.0) CM-Sepharose Fast Flow and 25 mM Na-phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) Resource-S, respectively. The protein purity was confirmed by an unique N-terminal sequence [ATFTIRNNCPYTIWAAAVPGGGRRLNSGGTWTINVAPGTA]. The osmotin (CpOsm) appeared as a single band (20,100 Da) in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and as two spots in two-dimensional electrophoresis (pI 8.9 and 9.1). Both polypeptides were further identified by mass spectrometry as two osmotin isoforms with molecular masses of 22,340 and 22,536 Da. The CpOsm exerted antifungal activity against Fusarium solani (IC₅₀=67.0 μg mL⁻¹), Neurospora sp. (IC₅₀=57.5 μg mL⁻¹) and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (IC₅₀=32.1 μg mL⁻¹). However, this activity was lost when the protein was previously treated with a reducing agent (DTT, Dithiothreitol) suggesting the presence of disulfide bounds stabilizing the protein. The occurrence of osmotin in latex substantiates the defensive role of these fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson Diniz Teixeira de Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx., Postal 6033, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
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28
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Lima TB, Silva ON, Oliveira JTA, Vasconcelos IM, Scalabrin FB, Rocha TL, Grossi-de-Sá MF, Silva LP, Guadagnin RV, Quirino BF, Castro CFS, Leonardecz E, Franco OL. Identification of E. dysenterica laxative peptide: a novel strategy in the treatment of chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Peptides 2010; 31:1426-33. [PMID: 20580653 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Plants have contributed over the years to the discovery of various pharmacological products. Amongst the enormous diversity of herbs with remarkable medicinal use and further pharmacological potential, here in this report we evaluated pulp extracts from Eugenia dysenterica fruits and further identified the active principle involved in such laxative activity in rats. For protein isolation, fruits were macerated with an extraction solution following precipitation with (NH(4))(2)SO(4) (100%). After dialysis, the peptide was applied onto a reversed-phase semi-preparative HPLC column, and the major fraction was eluted with 26% and 66% acetonitrile. The evaluation of molecular masses by MALDI-TOF and Tris/Tricine SDS-PAGE of HPLC fractions showed the presence of a major peptide with approximately 7 kDa. The N-terminal amino acid peptide sequence was determined and showed no similarity to other proteins deposited in the Data Bank. Peptide from E. dysenterica was able to enhance rats' intestinal motility by approximately 20.8%, probably being responsible for laxative activity. Moreover, these proteins were non-toxic to mammals, as observed in histopathology and hemolytic analyses. In conclusion, results here reported indicate that, in the near future, proteins synthesized by E. dysenterica fruits could be utilized in the development of novel biotechnological pharmaceutics with laxative properties for use in chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- T B Lima
- Center for Proteomic and Biochemical Analyses, Post-Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasilia, SGAN Quadra 916, Modulo B, Av. W5, 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil
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Andrade LBDS, Oliveira AS, Ribeiro JKC, Kiyota S, Vasconcelos IM, de Oliveira JTA, de Sales MP. Effects of a novel pathogenesis-related class 10 (PR-10) protein from Crotalaria pallida Roots with papain inhibitory activity against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. J Agric Food Chem 2010; 58:4145-52. [PMID: 20199085 DOI: 10.1021/jf9044556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A novel pathogenesis-related class 10 (PR-10) protein with papain inhibitory activity, named CpPRI, was purified from Crotalaria pallida roots by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by three reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographies (HPLCs). CpPRI is made up of a single polypeptide chain with a M(r) of 15 kDa, as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). This protein exhibited a K(i) value of 1.8 x 10(-9) M and operates via a noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. The alignment of the N-terminal amino acid sequence of CpPRI with other proteins revealed its identity with PR-10 proteins. CpPRI acts against digestive proteinase from root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita and demonstrated nematostatic and nematicide effects on this parasite in bioassays. In a localization study, fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC)-CpPRI was observed to internalize and diffuse over the entire J2 body after 6 h of incubation. This fact could explain the natural tolerance of this plant species to nematodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcia Betânia da S Andrade
- Centro de Ciencias Agrarias e Biologicas, Universidade Estadual Vale do Acarau (UVA), Sobral, Ceara (CE), Brazil
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Luciano JHS, Lima MAS, Silveira ER, Vasconcelos IM, Fernandes GS, Souza EBD. Antifungal iridoids, triterpenes and phenol compounds from Alibertia myrciifolia Sprunge Ex. Schum. QUIM NOVA 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s0100-40422010000200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Medeiros DS, Medeiros TL, Ribeiro JKC, Monteiro NKV, Migliolo L, Uchoa AF, Vasconcelos IM, Oliveira AS, de Sales MP, Santos EA. A lactose specific lectin from the sponge Cinachyrella apion: purification, characterization, N-terminal sequences alignment and agglutinating activity on Leishmania promastigotes. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 155:211-6. [PMID: 19903536 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Revised: 10/16/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Crude extract from the sponge Cinachyrella apion showed cross-reactivity with the polyclonal antibody IgG anti-CvL (Cliona varians lectin) and also a strong haemagglutinating activity towards human erythrocytes of all ABO groups. Thus, it was submitted to acetone fractionation, IgG anti-deglycosylated CvL Sepharose affinity chromatography, and Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC-AKTA Purifier) gel filtration on a Superose 6 10/300 column to purify a novel lectin. C. apion lectin (CaL) agglutinated all types of human erythrocytes with preference for papainized type A erythrocytes. The haemagglutinating activity is independent of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions, and it was strongly inhibited by the disaccharide lactose, up to a minimum concentration of 6.25 mM. CaL molecular mass, determined by FPLC-gel filtration on a Superose 12 10/300 column and SDS gel electrophoresis, was approximately 124 kDa, consisting of eight subunits of 15.5 kDa, assembled by hydrophobic interactions. The lectin was heat-stable between 0 and 60 degrees C and pH-stable. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of CaL was also determined and a blast search on amino acid sequences revealed that the protein showed similarity only with a silicatein. Leishmania chagasi promastigotes were agglutinated by CaL and this activity was abolished by lactose, indicating that lactose receptors could be presented in this parasite stage. These findings are indicative of the potential biotechnological application of CaL as diagnostic of pathogenic protozoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle S Medeiros
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
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Campello CC, Carvalho VL, Vieira KM, Farias DF, Brasil ICF, Maia AAB, Morais JKS, Carvalho AFU, Vasconcelos IM. Desempenho e parâmetros séricos de ratos alimentados com dietas contendo soja integral crua. Braz J Vet Res Anim Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2009.26766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
O trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da substituição da proteína da clara de ovo por proteína de soja crua na dieta de ratos em crescimento sobre o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, eficiência alimentar e parâmetros séricos (proteínas totais, albumina, aminotransferases, uréia, creatinina e amilase pancreática), visando estabelecer limites biologicamente seguros para inclusão de soja crua na dieta dos animais por períodos de curta duração. Foram utilizados 24 ratos divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos de quatro animais e alimentados com dietas contendo cinco percentuais de substituição de proteína da clara de ovo por proteína de soja (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%) e um grupo com dieta aprotéica. Os animais foram mantidos por 10 dias com fornecimento de água e alimento ad libitum. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que não houve diferença significativa no consumo entre os tratamentos testados. O ganho de peso e a eficiência alimentar observados no tratamento com 25% de substituição foram equivalentes aos obtidos com clara do ovo como única fonte de proteína. Albumina sérica, aminotransferases e creatinina não foram afetadas pelo aumento do percentual de soja crua, mas houve aumento da concentração de uréia no soro a partir de 50% de substituição. Proteínas totais e amilase pancreática sérica foram afetadas pela proteína da soja crua somente acima de 75% de substituição. Análises de regressão demonstraram que a substituição da proteína da clara de ovo por proteína de soja crua em até 30% foi inócua para o desempenho e parâmetros séricos de ratos em crescimento.
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Hissa DC, Vasconcelos IM, Carvalho AFU, Nogueira VLR, Cascon P, Antunes ASL, de Macedo GR, Melo VMM. Novel surfactant proteins are involved in the structure and stability of foam nests from the frog Leptodactylus vastus. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 211:2707-11. [PMID: 18689424 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.019315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Many amphibians lay their eggs in foam nests, which allow the eggs to be deposited out of the water. Analysis of some of these foam nests has revealed that they are a rich source of proteins with unusual primary structures and remarkable surfactant activity, named ranaspumins. The aim of this work was to study the foam nests of the frog Leptodactylus vastus in order to obtain information regarding their composition and function and to improve the understanding of ranaspumins, which are probably a novel class of surfactant proteins. Analyses of the foam fluid composition showed proteins and carbohydrates that presumably are responsible for providing nutrients for the developing tadpoles. Investigation of the function of foam fluid in chemical defence revealed no significant biological activity that could be associated with recognized defence compounds. However, foam fluid presented UV absorbance, suggesting a role in protection against sun damage, which is considered to be one of the possible causes of recently reported amphibian population declines. The foam nests do not prevent the colonization of microorganisms, such as the observed bacterial community of predominantly Gram-positive bacilli. L. vastus foam fluid shows a strong surfactant activity that was associated with their proteins and this activity seems to be due mainly to a protein named Lv-ranaspumin. This protein was isolated by ion-exchange chromatography and found to be a 20 kDa monomeric molecule with the following N-terminal sequence: FLEGFLVPKVVPGPTAALLKKALDD. This protein did not show any match to known proteins or structures, which suggests that it belongs to a new class of surfactant protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Cavalcante Hissa
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Av. Humberto Monte 2775 Campus Pici, Bloco 909, Fortaleza, Brazil
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Vasconcelos IM, Morais JKS, Siebra EA, Carlini CR, Sousa DOB, Beltramini LM, Melo VMM, Oliveira JTA. SBTX, a new toxic protein distinct from soyatoxin and other toxic soybean [Glycine max] proteins, and its inhibitory effect on Cercospora sojina growth. Toxicon 2008; 51:952-63. [PMID: 18328522 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2007.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2007] [Revised: 09/28/2007] [Accepted: 10/02/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
SBTX, a novel toxin from soybean, was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by chromatographic steps DEAE-Cellulose, CM-Sepharose and Superdex 200 HR fast-protein liquid chromatography (FPLC). Lethality of SBTX to mice (LD(50) 5.6 mg/kg) was used as parameter in the purification steps. SBTX is a 44-kDa basic glycoprotein composed of two polypeptide chains (27 and 17 kDa) linked by a disulfide bond. The N-terminal sequences of the 44 and 27kDa chains were identical (ADPTFGFTPLGLSEKANLQIMKAYD), differing from that of 17 kDa (PNPKVFFDMTIGGQSAGRIVMEEYA). SBTX contains high levels of Glx, Ala, Asx, Gly and Lys and showed maximum absorption at 280 nm, epsilon(1cm)(1%) of 6.3, and fluorescence emission in the 290-450 nm range upon excitation at 280nm. The secondary structure content was 35% alpha-helix, 13% beta-strand and beta-sheet, 27% beta-turn, 25% unordered, and 1% aromatic residues. Immunological assays showed that SBTX was related to other toxic proteins, such as soyatoxin and canatoxin, and cross-reacted weekly with soybean trypsin inhibitor and agglutinin, but it was devoid of protease-inhibitory and hemagglutinating activities. The inhibitory effect of SBTX on growth of Cercospora sojina, fungus causing frogeye leaf spot in soybeans, was observed at 50 microg/ml, concentration 112 times lesser than that found to be lethal to mice. This effect on phytopathogenic fungus is a potential attribute for the development of transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Toxinas Vegetais, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Pelegrini PB, Noronha EF, Muniz MAR, Vasconcelos IM, Chiarello MD, Oliveira JTA, Franco OL. An antifungal peptide from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) seeds with similarities to 2S albumin proteins. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics 2006; 1764:1141-6. [PMID: 16766236 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2006.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 04/18/2006] [Accepted: 04/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
An actual worldwide problem consists of an expressive increase of economic losses and health problems caused by fungi. In order to solve this problem, several studies have been concentrating on the screening of novel plant defence peptides with antifungal activities. These peptides are commonly characterized by having low molecular masses and cationic charges. This present work reports on the purification and characterization of a novel plant peptide of 5.0 kDa, Pe-AFP1, purified from the seeds of passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). Purification was achieved using a Red-Sepharose Cl-6B affinity column followed by reversed-phase chromatography on Vydac C18-TP column. In vitro assays indicated that Pe-AFP1 was able of inhibiting the development of the filamentous fungi Trichoderma harzianum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Aspergillus fumigatus with IC50 values of 32, 34, and 40 microg ml(-1), respectively, but not of Rhyzoctonia solani, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Candida albicans. This protein was also subjected to automated N-terminal amino acid sequence, showing high degree of similarities to storage 2S albumins, adding a new member to this protein-defence family. The discovery of Pe-AFP1 could contribute, in a near future, to the development of biotechnological products as antifungal drugs and transgenic plants with enhanced resistance to pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- P B Pelegrini
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
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Oliveira JTA, Rios FJB, Vasconcelos IM, Ferreira FVA, Nojosa GBA, Medeiros DA. Cratylia argentea seed lectin, a possible defensive protein against plant-eating organisms: effects on rat metabolism and gut histology. Food Chem Toxicol 2004; 42:1737-47. [PMID: 15350671 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2004.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2003] [Accepted: 06/15/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This present work was undertaken to answer two basic questions (a) is C. argentea lectin part of the general defensive strategy of the plant against predation by animals? (b) if so, how does it act on them? To achieve these goals the lectin from C. argentea seeds was purified to homogeneity and included at a 2% level in a diet containing 10% total protein and given to growing rats for 10 days. In vivo it was noted that the lectin from C. argentea is resistant to gut proteolysis, binds to the cells lining the small intestine and induces enlargement in the small intestine, caecum and colon, kidneys and pancreas compared to control rats exposed to the egg-white diet (EW). As the diet containing the purified C. argentea lectin has the same basic composition and protein content of EW diet, the small intestine, kidney and pancreas enlargements are clearly lectin-specific effects. Moreover the animals exposed to the lectin-containing diet presented a significant reduction in the growth rate and lower values of digestibility, NPU and biological value compared to animals fed on a control lectin-free diet. Thus the data from this present study and the report that the C. argentea lectin has insecticidal activity upon Callosobruchus maculatus larvae which attacks cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds reinforce the hypothesis that lectins take part in the mechanisms against herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T A Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, P.O. Box 6020, Campus do Pici, 60451-970 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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Melo VM, Duarte AB, Carvalho AF, Siebra EA, Vasconcelos IM. Purification of a novel antibacterial and haemagglutinating protein from the purple gland of the sea hare, Aplysia dactylomela rang, 1828. Toxicon 2000; 38:1415-27. [PMID: 10758276 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-0101(99)00234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Physicochemical characterisation and antibacterial and haemagglutinating properties of a new protein isolated from purple fluid of the Aplysia dactylomela are reported. The purification procedure consisted basically of ammonium sulphate fractionation, ion exchange, exclusion molecular and hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The highly purified protein, designated dactylomelin-P, is a single chain protein of 60,000 Da by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 56,200 Da by gel filtration on calibrated Superose column at pH 7.5 and contains less than 0.05% of its weight in neutral carbohydrates. Dactylomelin-P has two biological activities, antibacterial and haemagglutinating. The antibacterial action is bacteriostatic but not bactericidal. The haemagglutinating activity is preferentially against rabbit erythrocytes. The glycoprotein fetuin was able to abolish the haemagglutinating activity but not the antibacterial one even when used at concentrations 10 fold higher. This is the first time that a chimeroprotein is described in the purple fluid of sea hares, which may be involved in the chemical defence mechanism of these organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Melo
- Laboratório de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.
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Melo VM, Fonseca AM, Vasconcelos IM, Carvalho AF. Toxic, antimicrobial and hemagglutinating activities of the purple fluid of the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela Rang, 1828. Braz J Med Biol Res 1998; 31:785-91. [PMID: 9698824 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x1998000600010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial, hemagglutinating and toxic activities of the purple fluid of the sea hare Aplysia dactylomela are described. Intact or dialyzed purple fluid inhibited the growth of species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and the action was not bactericidal but bacteriostatic. The active factor or factors were heat labile and sensitive to extreme pH values. The fluid preferentially agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes and, to a lesser extent, human blood cells, and this activity was inhibited by the glycoprotein fetuin, a fact suggesting the presence of a lectin. The fluid was also toxic to brine shrimp nauplii (LD50 141.25 micrograms protein/ml) and to mice injected intraperitoneally (LD50 201.8 +/- 8.6 mg protein/kg), in a dose-dependent fashion. These toxic activities were abolished when the fluid was heated. Taken together, the data suggest that the activities of the purple fluid are due primarily to substance(s) of a protein nature which may be involved in the chemical defense mechanism of this sea hare.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Melo
- Departamentos de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brasil
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Vasconcelos IM, Trentim A, Guimarães JA, Carlini CR. Purification and physicochemical characterization of soyatoxin, a novel toxic protein isolated from soybeans (Glycine max). Arch Biochem Biophys 1994; 312:357-66. [PMID: 8037448 DOI: 10.1006/abbi.1994.1320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Physicochemical characterization and biological properties of a new toxic protein isolated from soybeans (Glycine max) is reported. The purification procedure consisted basically of ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange, and affinity chromatographies, the latter being used for the removal of the seed's lectin and of its trypsin inhibitor. The highly purified protein, designated soyatoxin, is a single chain acidic protein (pI 4.4-4.6) of 21 kDa, dependent on reduced thiol groups to maintain its solubility and biological activities. The toxin is a metalloprotein containing iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Soyatoxin is highly toxic to mice (LD50 7-8 mg/kg mouse body wt upon intraperitoneal injection). It produces dyspnoea, tonic-clonic convulsions, and flaccid paralysis prior to death of intraperitoneally injected mice. Furthermore, soyatoxin is immunologically related to another toxic protein (canatoxin), isolated from Canavalia ensiformis seeds, which is distinct from soyatoxin in containing 18 x 10 kDa noncovalently bound subunits. Some biological properties including acute intraperitoneal toxicity, canatoxin-like immunoreactivity, hemagglutination, trypsin inhibitory activity, induction of platelet release reaction, and aggregation displayed by soyatoxin were studied and used to differentiate soyatoxin from soybean lectin and trypsin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I M Vasconcelos
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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