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Nogueira FC, de Souza AÁ, Araújo NMS, de Souza LAL, Guimarães Gomes Silva R, de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa D, Coêlho Cavalcanti B, de Moraes Filho MO, Gurgel do Amaral Valente Sá L, Vitoriano Nobre Júnior H, de Oliveira HD. Antifungal activity of a trypsin inhibitor from Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds against fluconazole-resistant strains of Candida spp. and evaluation of its toxicity in vitro. Braz J Microbiol 2024; 55:1205-1217. [PMID: 38594492 PMCID: PMC11153404 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-024-01337-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Candida species resistant to traditional antifungal drugs is increasing globally. This issue significantly impacts patients' lives and increases healthcare expenses, confirming the need to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Recently, a thermostable trypsin inhibitor named ShTI (11.558 kDa), which has antibacterial effects on Staphylococcus aureus, was isolated from Salvia hispanica L. (chia) seeds. This study aimed to assess the antifungal effect of ShTI against Candida species and its synergism with fluconazole and to evaluate its mode of action. Preliminary toxicological studies on mouse fibroblasts were also performed. ShTI exhibited antifungal effects against C. parapsilosis (ATCC® 22,019), C. krusei (ATCC® 6258), and six clinical fluconazole-resistant strains of C. albicans (2), C. parapsilosis (2), and C. tropicalis (2). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 4.1 µM (inhibiting 50% of the isolates) and 8.2 µM (inhibiting 100% of the isolates). Additionally, when combined with fluconazole, ShTI had a synergistic effect on C. albicans, altering the morphological structure of the yeast. The mode of action of ShTI against C. krusei (ATCC® 6258) and C. albicans involves cell membrane permeabilization, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, the formation of pseudohyphae, pore formation, and consequently, cell death. In addition, ShTI (8.65 and 17.3 µM) had noncytotoxic and nongenotoxic effects on L929 mouse fibroblasts. These findings suggest that ShTI could be a promising antimicrobial candidate, but further research is necessary to advance its application as a novel antifungal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Cristiane Nogueira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Adson Ávila de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Nadine Monteiro Salgueiro Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Larissa Alves Lopes de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Rafael Guimarães Gomes Silva
- Department of Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Daniele de Oliveira Bezerra de Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Coêlho Cavalcanti
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | | | - Hélio Vitoriano Nobre Júnior
- Drug Research and Development Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Porangabussu, Fortaleza, CE, 60430-270, Brazil
| | - Hermógenes David de Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceará, Campus Do Pici Prof. Prisco Bezerra, Fortaleza, CE, 60440-900, Brazil.
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Silva MSD, Taveira GB, Silva Gebara RD, Azevedo Dos Santos LD, Cherene MB, Souza TAM, Moreira FF, Rodrigues PS, Motta OV, Seabra SH, Oliveira Carvalho AD, Rodrigues R, Gomes VM. Understanding the mechanism of action of protease inhibitors in controlling the growth of the Candida Genus: potential candidates for development of new antifungal molecules. Arch Microbiol 2024; 206:257. [PMID: 38734773 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-024-03993-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing imperative for research into alternative compounds for the treatment of the fungal infections. Thus, many studies have focused on the analysis of antifungal proteins and peptides from different plant sources. Among these molecules are protease inhibitors (PIs). Previously, PIs present in the peptide-rich fractions called PEF1, PEF2 and PEF3 were identified from Capsicum chinense seeds, which have strong activity against phytopathogenic fungi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of action and antimicrobial activity of PIs from PEF2 and PEF3 on the growth of yeasts of the genus Candida. In this work, analyses of their antimicrobial activity and cell viability were carried out. Subsequently, the mechanism of action by which the PIs cause the death of the yeasts was evaluated. Cytotoxicity was assessed in vitro by erythrocytes lysis and in vivo in Galleria mellonella larvae. PEF2 and PEF3 caused 100% of the growth inhibition of C. tropicalis and C. buinensis. For C. albicans inhibition was approximately 60% for both fractions. The PEF2 and PEF3 caused a reduction in mitochondrial functionality of 54% and 46% for C. albicans, 26% and 30% for C. tropicalis, and 71% and 68% for C. buinensis, respectively. These fractions induced morphological alterations, led to membrane permeabilization, elevated ROS levels, and resulted in necrotic cell death in C. tropicalis, whilst demonstrating low toxicity toward host cells. From the results obtained here, we intend to contribute to the understanding of the action of PIs in the control of fungal diseases of medical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo da Silva Gebara
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana de Azevedo Dos Santos
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Milena Bellei Cherene
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thaynã Amanda Melo Souza
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Figueirôa Moreira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro Souto Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira Motta
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sergio Henrique Seabra
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 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 Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil.
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3
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Parisi MG, Ozón B, Vera González SM, García-Pardo J, Obregón WD. Plant Protease Inhibitors as Emerging Antimicrobial Peptide Agents: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:582. [PMID: 38794245 PMCID: PMC11125377 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important mediator molecules of the innate defense mechanisms in a wide range of living organisms, including bacteria, mammals, and plants. Among them, peptide protease inhibitors (PPIs) from plants play a central role in their defense mechanisms by directly attacking pathogens or by modulating the plant's defense response. The growing prevalence of microbial resistance to currently available antibiotics has intensified the interest concerning these molecules as novel antimicrobial agents. In this scenario, PPIs isolated from a variety of plants have shown potential in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, protozoans, and fungal strains, either by interfering with essential biochemical or physiological processes or by altering the permeability of biological membranes of invading organisms. Moreover, these molecules are active inhibitors of a range of proteases, including aspartic, serine, and cysteine types, with some showing particular efficacy as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential of plant-derived PPIs as novel antimicrobial molecules, highlighting their broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, specificity, and minimal toxicity. These natural compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms of action and often multifunctionality, positioning them as promising molecular scaffolds for developing new therapeutic antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G. Parisi
- Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES, CONICET-UNLu) and Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y Avenida Constitución, Luján B6700, Buenos Aires, Argentina;
| | - Brenda Ozón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
| | - Sofía M. Vera González
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Walter David Obregón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
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4
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Wójcik-Mieszawska S, Lewtak K, Skwarek E, Dębowski D, Gitlin-Domagalska A, Nowak J, Wydrych J, Pawelec J, Fiołka MJ. Autophagy of Candida albicans cells after the action of earthworm Venetin-1 nanoparticle with protease inhibitor activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14228. [PMID: 37648723 PMCID: PMC10468520 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41281-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present studies show the effect of the Venetin-1 protein-polysaccharide complex obtained from the coelomic fluid of the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta on Candida albicans cells. They are a continuation of research on the mechanisms of action, cellular targets, and modes of cell death. After the action of Venetin-1, a reduced survival rate of the yeast cells was noted. The cells were observed to be enlarged compared to the controls and deformed. In addition, an increase in the number of cells with clearly enlarged vacuoles was noted. The detected autophagy process was confirmed using differential interference contrast, fluorescence microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Autophagic vesicles were best visible after incubation of fungus cells with the Venetin-1 complex at a concentration of 50 and 100 µg mL-1. The changes in the vacuoles were accompanied by changes in the size of mitochondria, which is probably related to the previously documented oxidative stress. The aggregation properties of Venetin-1 were characterized. Based on the results of the zeta potential at the Venetin-1/KCl interface, the pHiep = 4 point was determined, i.e. the zeta potential becomes positive above pH = 4 and is negative below this value, which may affect the electrostatic interactions with other particles surrounding Venetin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Wójcik-Mieszawska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Lewtak
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Ewa Skwarek
- Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dawid Dębowski
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Agata Gitlin-Domagalska
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Nowak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wydrych
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Pawelec
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta J Fiołka
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
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5
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Cherene MB, Taveira GB, Almeida-Silva F, da Silva MS, Cavaco MC, da Silva-Ferreira AT, Perales JEA, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Venâncio TM, da Motta OV, Rodrigues R, Castanho MARB, Gomes VM. Structural and Biochemical Characterization of Three Antimicrobial Peptides from Capsicum annuum L. var. annuum Leaves for Anti-Candida Use. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023:10.1007/s12602-023-10112-3. [PMID: 37365421 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of resistant microorganisms has reduced the effectiveness of currently available antimicrobials, necessitating the development of new strategies. Plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates for novel drug development. In this study, we aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the antimicrobial activities of AMPs isolated from Capsicum annuum. The antifungal potential was tested against Candida species. Three AMPs from C. annuum leaves were isolated and characterized: a protease inhibitor, a defensin-like protein, and a lipid transporter protein, respectively named CaCPin-II, CaCDef-like, and CaCLTP2. All three peptides had a molecular mass between 3.5 and 6.5 kDa and caused morphological and physiological changes in four different species of the genus Candida, such as pseudohyphae formation, cell swelling and agglutination, growth inhibition, reduced cell viability, oxidative stress, membrane permeabilization, and metacaspase activation. Except for CaCPin-II, the peptides showed low or no hemolytic activity at the concentrations used in the yeast assays. CaCPin-II inhibited α-amylase activity. Together, these results suggest that these peptides have the potential as antimicrobial agents against species of the genus Candida and can serve as scaffolds for the development of synthetic peptides for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Bellei Cherene
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Almeida-Silva
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Marco Calvinho Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Thiago Motta Venâncio
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Olney Vieira da Motta
- Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratório de Melhoramento e Genética Vegetal, Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Agropecuárias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 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 Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, 28013-602, Brazil.
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6
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Gutierrez-Gongora D, Raouf-Alkadhimi F, Prosser RS, Geddes-McAlister J. Differentiated extracts from freshwater and terrestrial mollusks inhibit virulence factor production in Cryptococcus neoformans. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4928. [PMID: 36967422 PMCID: PMC10040410 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32140-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The human fungal pathogen, Cryptococcus neoformans, is responsible for deadly infections among immunocompromised individuals with the evolution of antifungal resistance driving the solution to discover new compounds that inhibit fungal virulence factors rather than kill the pathogen. Recently, exploration into natural sources (e.g., plants, invertebrates, microbes) of antifungal agents has garnered attention by integrating a One Health approach for new compound discovery. Here, we explore extracts from three mollusk species (freshwater and terrestrial) and evaluate effects against the growth and virulence factor production (i.e., thermotolerance, melanin, capsule, and biofilm) in C. neoformans. We demonstrate that clarified extracts of Planorbella pilsbryi have a fungicidal effect on cryptococcal cells comparable to fluconazole. Similarly, all extracts of Cipangopaludina chinensis affect cryptococcal thermotolerance and impair biofilm and capsule production, with clarified extracts of Cepaea nemoralis also conveying the latter effect. Next, inhibitory activity of extracts against peptidases related to specific virulence factors, combined with stress assays and quantitative proteomics, defined distinct proteome signatures and proposed proteins driving the observed anti-virulence properties. Overall, this work highlights the potential of compounds derived from natural sources to inhibit virulence factor production in a clinically important fungal pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ryan S Prosser
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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Plant Kunitz Inhibitors and Their Interaction with Proteases: Current and Potential Pharmacological Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094742. [PMID: 35563133 PMCID: PMC9100506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The action of proteases can be controlled by several mechanisms, including regulation through gene expression; post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation; zymogen activation; targeting specific compartments, such as lysosomes and mitochondria; and blocking proteolysis using endogenous inhibitors. Protease inhibitors are important molecules to be explored for the control of proteolytic processes in organisms because of their ability to act on several proteases. In this context, plants synthesize numerous proteins that contribute to protection against attacks by microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) and/or invertebrates (insects and nematodes) through the inhibition of proteases in these organisms. These proteins are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, and are present in higher concentrations in legume seeds (compared to other organs and other botanical families), motivating studies on their inhibitory effects in various organisms, including humans. In most cases, the biological roles of these proteins have been assigned based mostly on their in vitro action, as is the case with enzyme inhibitors. This review highlights the structural evolution, function, and wide variety of effects of plant Kunitz protease inhibitors, and their potential for pharmaceutical application based on their interactions with different proteases.
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Gallegos-García AJ, Lobato-García CE, González-Cortazar M, Herrera-Ruiz M, Zamilpa A, Álvarez-Fitz P, Pérez-García MD, López-Rodríguez R, Ble-González EA, Medrano-Sánchez EJ, Feldman MR, Bugarin A, Gómez-Rivera A. Preliminary Phytochemical Profile and Bioactivity of Inga jinicuil Schltdl & Cham. ex G. Don. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11060794. [PMID: 35336676 PMCID: PMC8953309 DOI: 10.3390/plants11060794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several Mesoamerican cultures have used Inga jinicuil as traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal, inflammatory, and infectious issues. The aims of this contribution were to elucidate the phytochemical profile of the organic extracts from the bark and leaves of I. jinicuil and to assess the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of these extracts. The preliminary chemical profile was determined by HPLC-PDA and GC-MS; the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with a mouse ear edema model, whereas the antibacterial activity was screened against several bacteria. The phytochemical profile of both organs (bark and leaves) of I. jinicuil led to the identification of 42 compounds, such as polyphenolic, flavonoids, triterpenes, prenol-type lipids, and aliphatic and non-aliphatic esters. This molecular diversity gave moderate anti-inflammatory activity (67.3 ± 2.0%, dichloromethane bark extract) and excellent antibacterial activity against Pseudomona aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Sthaphylococcus aureus (MIC values of ˂3.12 and 50 µg/mL, respectively). These results contribute to the chemotaxonomic characterization and the rational use in traditional medicine of Inga jinicuil Schltdl & Cham. ex G. Don.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammy Joana Gallegos-García
- División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa Km. 0.5, Cunduacán 86690, Tabasco, Mexico; (A.J.G.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (E.A.B.-G.); (E.J.M.-S.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1, Col. Centro, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.); (M.D.P.-G.)
| | - Carlos Ernesto Lobato-García
- División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa Km. 0.5, Cunduacán 86690, Tabasco, Mexico; (A.J.G.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (E.A.B.-G.); (E.J.M.-S.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.L.-G.); (M.G.-C.); (A.G.-R.); Tel.: +52-(777)-361-2155 (M.G.-C.); +52-(993)-358-1500 (ext. 4711) (A.G.-R.)
| | - Manasés González-Cortazar
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1, Col. Centro, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.); (M.D.P.-G.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.L.-G.); (M.G.-C.); (A.G.-R.); Tel.: +52-(777)-361-2155 (M.G.-C.); +52-(993)-358-1500 (ext. 4711) (A.G.-R.)
| | - Maribel Herrera-Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1, Col. Centro, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.); (M.D.P.-G.)
| | - Alejandro Zamilpa
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1, Col. Centro, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.); (M.D.P.-G.)
| | - Patricia Álvarez-Fitz
- Laboratorio de Toxicología, Cátedra CONACyT-Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n. Col. La Haciendita, Chilpancingo 39070, Guerrero, Mexico;
| | - Ma Dolores Pérez-García
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Sur, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Argentina No. 1, Col. Centro, Xochitepec 62790, Morelos, Mexico; (M.H.-R.); (A.Z.); (M.D.P.-G.)
| | - Ricardo López-Rodríguez
- División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa Km. 0.5, Cunduacán 86690, Tabasco, Mexico; (A.J.G.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (E.A.B.-G.); (E.J.M.-S.)
| | - Ever A. Ble-González
- División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa Km. 0.5, Cunduacán 86690, Tabasco, Mexico; (A.J.G.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (E.A.B.-G.); (E.J.M.-S.)
| | - Eric Jaziel Medrano-Sánchez
- División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa Km. 0.5, Cunduacán 86690, Tabasco, Mexico; (A.J.G.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (E.A.B.-G.); (E.J.M.-S.)
| | - Max R. Feldman
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA; (M.R.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Alejandro Bugarin
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL 33965, USA; (M.R.F.); (A.B.)
| | - Abraham Gómez-Rivera
- División Académica de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Carretera Cunduacán-Jalpa Km. 0.5, Cunduacán 86690, Tabasco, Mexico; (A.J.G.-G.); (R.L.-R.); (E.A.B.-G.); (E.J.M.-S.)
- Correspondence: (C.E.L.-G.); (M.G.-C.); (A.G.-R.); Tel.: +52-(777)-361-2155 (M.G.-C.); +52-(993)-358-1500 (ext. 4711) (A.G.-R.)
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From Naturally-Sourced Protease Inhibitors to New Treatments for Fungal Infections. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7121016. [PMID: 34946998 PMCID: PMC8704869 DOI: 10.3390/jof7121016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteases are involved in a broad range of physiological processes, including host invasion by fungal pathogens, and enzymatic inhibition is a key molecular mechanism controlling proteolytic activity. Importantly, inhibitors from natural or synthetic sources have demonstrated applications in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biomedicine. However, the need to discover new reservoirs of these inhibitory molecules with improved efficacy and target range has been underscored by recent protease characterization related to infection and antimicrobial resistance. In this regard, naturally-sourced inhibitors show promise for application in diverse biological systems due to high stability at physiological conditions and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, natural sources (e.g., plants, invertebrates, and microbes) provide a large reservoir of undiscovered and/or uncharacterized bioactive molecules involved in host defense against predators and pathogens. In this Review, we highlight discoveries of protease inhibitors from environmental sources, propose new opportunities for assessment of antifungal activity, and discuss novel applications to combat biomedically-relevant fungal diseases with in vivo and clinical purpose.
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da Silva MS, Gomes VM, Taveira GB, de Azevedo Dos Santos L, Maracahipes ÁC, Rodrigues R, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Fernandes KVS, Oliveira AEA. Bifunctional Inhibitors from Capsicum chinense Seeds with Antimicrobial Activity and Specific Mechanism of Action Against Phytopathogenic Fungi. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 28:149-163. [PMID: 32552632 DOI: 10.2174/0929866527666200617124221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in the defense system in virtually all life forms, being present in many, if not all, plant species. OBJECTIVE The present work evaluated the antimicrobial, enzymatic activity and mechanism of action of the PEF2 fraction from Capsicum chinense Jack. seeds against phytopathogenic fungi. METHODS Peptides were extracted from C. chinense seeds and subjected to reverse-phase chromatography on an HPLC system using a C18 column coupled to a C8 guard column, then the obtained PEF2 fraction was rechromatographed using a C2/C18 column. Two fractions, named PEF2A and PEF2B, were obtained. The fractions were tested for antimicrobial activity on Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani. Trypsin inhibition assays, reverse zymographic detection of protease inhibition and α-amylase activity assays were also performed. The mechanism of action by which PEF2 acts on filamentous fungi was studied through analysis of membrane permeability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, we investigated mitochondrial functionality and caspase activation in fungal cells. RESULTS It is possible to observe that PEF2 significantly inhibited trypsin activity and T. molitor larval α-amylase activity. The PEF2 fraction was able to inhibit the growth of C. gloeosporioides, C. lindemuthianum and F. oxysporum. PEF2A inhibited the growth of C. lindemuthianum (75%) and F. solani (43%). PEF2B inhibited C. lindemuthianum growth (66%) and F. solani (94%). PEF2 permeabilized F. solani cell membranes and induced ROS in F. oxysporum and F. solani. PEF2 could dissipate mitochondrial membrane potential but did not cause the activation of caspases in all studied fungi. CONCLUSION The results may contribute to the biotechnological application of these AMPs in the control of pathogenic microorganisms in plants of agronomic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Layrana de Azevedo Dos Santos
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Álan C Maracahipes
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rosana Rodrigues
- Laboratorio de Melhoramento e Genetica Vegetal, Centro de Ciencias e Tecnologias Agropecuarias, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratorio de Fisiologia e Bioquimica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Katia Valevski S Fernandes
- Laboratorio de Quimica e Funcao de Proteinas e Peptideos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Antonia Elenir A Oliveira
- Laboratorio de Quimica e Funcao de Proteinas e Peptideos, Centro de Biociencias e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
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Melo IRS, Dias LP, Araújo NMS, Vasconcelos IM, Martins TF, de Morais GA, Gonçalves JFC, Nagano CS, Carneiro RF, Oliveira JTA. ClCPI, a cysteine protease inhibitor purified from Cassia leiandra seeds has antifungal activity against Candida tropicalis by inducing disruption of the cell surface. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 133:1115-1124. [PMID: 31034905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.04.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Infections caused by Candida tropicalis have increased significantly worldwide in parallel with resistance to antifungal drugs. To overcome resistance novel drugs have to be discovered. The objective of this work was to purify and characterize a cysteine protease inhibitor from the seeds of the Amazon rainforest tree Cassia leiandra and test its inhibitory effect against C. tropicalis growth. The inhibitor, named ClCPI, was purified after ion exchange and affinity chromatography followed by ultrafiltration. ClCPI is composed of a single polypeptide chain and is not a glycoprotein. The molecular mass determined by SDS-PAGE in the absence or presence of β-mercaptoethanol and ESI-MS were 16.63 kDa and 18.362 kDa, respectively. ClCPI was stable in the pH range of 7.0-9.0 and thermostable up to 60 °C for 20 min. ClCPI inhibited cysteine proteases, but not trypsin, chymotrypsin neither alpha-amylase. Inhibition of papain was uncompetitive with a Ki of 4.1 × 10-7 M and IC50 of 8.5 × 10-7 M. ClCPI at 2.6 × 10-6 M reduced 50% C. tropicalis growth. ClCPI induced damages and morphological alterations in C. tropicalis cell surface, which led to death. These results suggest that ClCPI have great potential for the development of an antifungal drug against C. tropicalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivna R S Melo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Lucas P Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil.
| | - Nadine M S Araújo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Ilka M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Thiago F Martins
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil
| | | | | | - Celso S Nagano
- Department of Fisher Engineering, Center of Agricultural Sciences, UFC, Science Center, UFC, Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Department of Fisher Engineering, Center of Agricultural Sciences, UFC, Science Center, UFC, Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Science Center, Federal University of Ceara (UFC), Fortaleza, CE 60020-181, Brazil.
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