1
|
Hong X, Liu X, Su B, Lin J. Improved Antimicrobial Activity of Bovine Lactoferrin Peptide (LFcinB) Based on Rational Design. Protein J 2023; 42:633-644. [PMID: 37568054 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10142-4] [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: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferrin peptide (LFcinB), as an antimicrobial peptide, is expected to be an alternative of antibiotics owing to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and specific mechanism. However, the weak antimicrobial activity, high hemolysis, and poor stability of LFcinB limited its applications in the field of biomedicine, food and agriculture. In order to improve the antimicrobial activity of LFcinB, five mutants were designed rationally, of which mutant LF4 (M10W/P16R/A24L) showed highest antimicrobial activity. The bioinformatics analysis indicated that the improved antimicrobial activity of LF4 was related to its increased cations, higher amphiphilicity and the extension of the β-sheet in the structure. These studies will highlight the important role of bioinformatic tools in designing ideal biopeptides and lay a foundation for further development of antimicrobial peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokun Hong
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Xueqian Liu
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Bingmei Su
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China.
| | - Juan Lin
- College of Biological Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350116, Fujian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shahraki PZ, Farrokh P. PL‐101‐WK
, a novel tryptophan‐ and lysine‐rich peptide with antimicrobial activity against
Staphylococcus aureus. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Parisa Farrokh
- School of Biology Damghan University Damghan Iran
- Institute of Biological Sciences Damghan University Damghan Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Antifungal Peptides and Proteins to Control Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413261. [PMID: 34948059 PMCID: PMC8703302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global challenge to prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination on food and feed requires the development of new antifungal strategies. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) with antifungal activity are gaining much interest as natural antifungal compounds due to their properties such as structure diversity and function, antifungal spectrum, mechanism of action, high stability and the availability of biotechnological production methods. Given their multistep mode of action, the development of fungal resistance to AMPs is presumed to be slow or delayed compared to conventional fungicides. Interestingly, AMPs also accomplish important biological functions other than antifungal activity, including anti-mycotoxin biosynthesis activity, which opens novel aspects for their future use in agriculture and food industry to fight mycotoxin contamination. AMPs can reach intracellular targets and exert their activity by mechanisms other than membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms through which AMPs affect mycotoxin production are varied and complex, ranging from oxidative stress to specific inhibition of enzymatic components of mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. This review presents natural and synthetic antifungal AMPs from different origins which are effective against mycotoxin-producing fungi, and aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning their additional effects on mycotoxin biosynthesis. Antifungal AMPs properties and mechanisms of action are also discussed.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zamani E, Zargan J, Honari H, Hajizade A, Mohammadi AHN, Alikhani HK, Heidari A, Pour MH. Immunological detection of AcAMP antimicrobial peptide secreted by Aspergillus clavatus. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2021; 13:235-242. [PMID: 34540159 PMCID: PMC8408025 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v13i2.5985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Aspergillus clavatus antimicrobial peptide (AcAMP) is a fungi-derived peptide with a broad spectrum of activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Natural antimicrobial peptides, including AcAMP, have attracted many attentions in the development of new natural antibiotics against pathogenic bacteria, especially multidrug resistant ones. Materials and Methods: In the present study, acamp gene was codon-optimized and chemically synthesized in pUC57 cloning vector, subcloned into pET28a (+) expression vector and transferred into competent Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. The expression of AcAMP was induced by addition of Isopropyl β- d-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) and the expressed peptide was purified by Ni-NTA. BALB/c mice were immunized with the purified peptide and the ability of the immunized mice sera for the detection of the native AcAMP secreted by A. clavatus IRAN 142C was examined through ELISA and Western blotting techniques. Results: Both ELISA and Western blotting demonstrated the ability of the sera of the immunized mice to detect the native AcAMP. Conclusion: The results of the present work show that the raised antibody against recombinant AcAMP can be used to detect AcAMP peptide, an issue which paves the way to develop detection kits for the detection of AcAMP-producing organisms, purification of this valuable peptide for further investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Zamani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jamil Zargan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Honari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajizade
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Ahmad Heidari
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Pour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
BING, a novel antimicrobial peptide isolated from Japanese medaka plasma, targets bacterial envelope stress response by suppressing cpxR expression. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12219. [PMID: 34108601 PMCID: PMC8190156 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91765-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising alternative to small molecule antibiotics. Although AMPs have previously been isolated in many organisms, efforts on the systematic identification of AMPs in fish have been lagging. Here, we collected peptides from the plasma of medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish. By using mass spectrometry, 6399 unique sequences were identified from the isolated peptides, among which 430 peptides were bioinformatically predicted to be potential AMPs. One of them, a thermostable 13-residue peptide named BING, shows a broad-spectrum toxicity against pathogenic bacteria including drug-resistant strains, at concentrations that presented relatively low toxicity to mammalian cell lines and medaka. Proteomic analysis indicated that BING treatment induced a deregulation of periplasmic peptidyl-prolyl isomerases in gram-negative bacteria. We observed that BING reduced the RNA level of cpxR, an upstream regulator of envelope stress responses. cpxR is known to play a crucial role in the development of antimicrobial resistance, including the regulation of genes involved in drug efflux. BING downregulated the expression of efflux pump components mexB, mexY and oprM in P. aeruginosa and significantly synergised the toxicity of antibiotics towards these bacteria. In addition, exposure to sublethal doses of BING delayed the development of antibiotic resistance. To our knowledge, BING is the first AMP shown to suppress cpxR expression in Gram-negative bacteria. This discovery highlights the cpxR pathway as a potential antimicrobial target.
Collapse
|
6
|
Mouritzen MV, Petkovic M, Qvist K, Poulsen SS, Alarico S, Leal EC, Dalgaard LT, Empadinhas N, Carvalho E, Jenssen H. Improved diabetic wound healing by LFcinB is associated with relevant changes in the skin immune response and microbiota. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 20:726-739. [PMID: 33738327 PMCID: PMC7940703 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bovine lactoferricin (LFcinB) has antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties; however, the effects on diabetic wound healing remain poorly understood. The wound healing potential of LFcinB was investigated with in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models. Cell migration and proliferation were tested on keratinocytes and on porcine ears. A type 1 diabetic mouse model was also used to evaluate wound healing kinetics, bacterial diversity patterns, and the effect of LFcinB on oxidative stress, macrophage phenotype, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. LFcinB increased keratinocyte migration in vitro (p < 0.05) and ex vivo (p < 0.001) and improved wound healing in diabetic mice (p < 0.05), though not in normoglycemic control mice. In diabetic mouse wounds, LFcinB treatment led to the eradication of Bacillus pumilus, a decrease in Staphylococcus aureus, and an increase in the Staphylococcus xylosus prevalence. LFcinB increased angiogenesis in diabetic mice (p < 0.01), but this was decreased in control mice (p < 0.05). LFcinB improved collagen deposition in both diabetic and control mice (p < 0.05). Both oxidative stress and the M1-to-M2 macrophage ratios were decreased in LFcinB-treated wounds of diabetic animals (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) compared with saline, suggesting a downregulation of inflammation in diabetic wounds. In conclusion, LFcinB treatment demonstrated noticeable positive effects on diabetic wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marija Petkovic
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Katrine Qvist
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steen S. Poulsen
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susana Alarico
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ermelindo C. Leal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Louise T. Dalgaard
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Nuno Empadinhas
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Carvalho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Håvard Jenssen
- Department of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Study on the characterisation and application of synthetic peptide Snakin-1 derived from potato tubers – Action against food spoilage yeast. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
8
|
Gandía M, Monge A, Garrigues S, Orozco H, Giner-Llorca M, Marcos JF, Manzanares P. Novel insights in the production, activity and protective effect of Penicillium expansum antifungal proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3922-3931. [PMID: 32871122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Antifungal proteins (AFPs) offer a great potential as new biofungicides to control deleterious fungi. The phytopathogenic fungus Penicillium expansum encodes three phylogenetically distinct AFPs, PeAfpA, PeAfpB and PeAfpC. Here, PeAfpA, a potent in vitro self-inhibitory protein, was demonstrated to control the infection caused by P. expansum in Golden apple fruits. We determined the production of the three proteins in different growth media. PeAfpA and PeAfpC were simultaneously produced by P. expansum in three out of the eight media tested as detected by Western blot, whereas PeAfpB was not detected even in those described for class B AFP production. Regardless of the culture medium, the carbon source affected Peafp expression. Notably, the production of PeAfpA was strain-dependent, but analyses of PeafpA regulatory sequences in the three strains studied could not explain differences in protein production. None of the PeAFPs was produced during apple infection, suggesting no relevant role in pathogenesis. PeAfpA together with PeAfpB and also with Penicillium digitatum PdAfpB showed synergistic interaction. The highly active antifungal PeAfpA also showed moderate antibacterial activity. We conclude that there is not a general pattern for Peafp gene expression, protein production or antimicrobial activity and confirm PeAfpA as a promising compound for postharvest conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Gandía
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Monge
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sandra Garrigues
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Helena Orozco
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Moisés Giner-Llorca
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose F Marcos
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Paloma Manzanares
- Food Biotechnology Department, Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos (IATA), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Catedrático Agustín Escardino Benlloch 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Thery T, Lynch KM, Arendt EK. Natural Antifungal Peptides/Proteins as Model for Novel Food Preservatives. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:1327-1360. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Thery
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Kieran M. Lynch
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Elke K. Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
- Microbiome IrelandUniv. College Cork Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang N, Teng D, Mao R, Hao Y, Wang X, Wang Z, Wang X, Wang J. A recombinant fungal defensin-like peptide-P2 combats multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and biofilms. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 103:5193-5213. [PMID: 31025073 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-019-09785-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
There is an urgent need to discover new active drugs to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a serious threat to humans and animals and incompletely eliminated by antibiotics due to its intracellular accumulation in host cells, production of biofilms, and persisters. Fungal defensin-like peptides (DLPs) are emerging as a potential source of new antibacterial drugs due to their potent antibacterial activity. In this study, nine novel fungal DLPs were firstly identified by querying against UniProt databases and expressed in Pichia pastoris, and their antibacterial and anti-biofilm ability were tested against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Results showed that among them, P2, the highest activity and expression level, showed low toxicity, no resistance, and high stability. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of P2 against Gram-positive bacteria were < 2 μg/mL. P2 exhibited the potent activity against intracellular MDR S. aureus (bacterial reduction in 80-97%) in RAW264.7 macrophages. P2 bound to/disrupted bacterial DNA, wrinkled outer membranes and permeabilized cytoplasmic membranes, but maintained the integrity of bacterial cells. P2 inhibited/eradicated the biofilm and killed 99% persister bacteria, which were resistant to 100× MIC vancomycin. P2 upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α/IL-1β) and chemokine (MCP-1) levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages and in mice, respectively. Five milligram per kilogram P2 enhanced the survival of S. aureus-infected mice (100%), superior to vancomycin (30 mg/kg), inhibited the bacterial translocation, and alleviated multiple-organ injuries (liver, spleen, kidney, and lung). These data suggest that P2 may be a candidate for novel antimicrobial agents against MDR staphylococcal infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Yang
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Teng
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Hao
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlong Wang
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Team of Alternatives to Antibiotics, Gene Engineering Laboratory, Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing, 100081, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Brettanomyces bruxellensis has been described as the principal spoilage yeast in the winemaking industry. To avoid its growth, wine is supplemented with SO2, which has been questioned due to its potential harm to health. For this reason, studies are being focused on searching for, ideally, natural new antifungals. On the other hand, it is known that in wine production there are a variety of microorganisms, such as yeasts and bacteria, that are possible biological controls. Thus, it has been described that some microorganisms produce antimicrobial peptides, which might control yeast and bacteria populations. Our laboratory has described the Candida intermedia LAMAP1790 strain as a natural producer of antimicrobial compounds against food spoilage microorganisms, as is B. bruxellensis, without affecting the growth of S. cerevisiae. We have demonstrated the proteinaceous nature of the antimicrobial compound and its low molecular mass (under 10 kDa). This is the first step to the possible use of C. intermedia as a selective bio-controller of the contaminant yeast in the winemaking industry.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hajdu D, Huber A, Czajlik A, Tóth L, Kele Z, Kocsubé S, Fizil Á, Marx F, Galgóczy L, Batta G. Solution structure and novel insights into phylogeny and mode of action of the Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP). Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 129:511-522. [PMID: 30738898 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Small, cysteine-rich and cationic antifungal proteins from natural sources are promising candidates for the development of novel treatment strategies to prevent and combat infections caused by drug-resistant fungi. However, limited information about their structure and antifungal mechanism hampers their future applications. In the present study, we determined the solution structure, dynamics and associated solvent areas of the Neosartorya (Aspergillus) fischeri antifungal protein NFAP. Genome mining within the genus revealed the presence of orthologous genes in N. fischeri and Neosartorya spathulata, and genes encoding closely related proteins can be found in Penicillium brasiliensis and Penicillium oxalicum. We show that the tertiary structure of these putative proteins can be resolved using the structure of NFAP as reliable template for in silico prediction. Localization studies with fluorescence-labelled protein pointed at an energy-dependent uptake mechanism of NFAP in the sensitive model fungus Neurospora crassa and subsequent cytoplasmic localization coincided with cell-death induction. The presented results contribute to a better understanding of the structure/function relationship of NFAP and related proteins and pave the way towards future antifungal drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorottya Hajdu
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anna Huber
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - András Czajlik
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Liliána Tóth
- Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kele
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Sándor Kocsubé
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Fizil
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Florentine Marx
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Institute of Plant Biology, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Gyula Batta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Regulated Cell Death as a Therapeutic Target for Novel Antifungal Peptides and Biologics. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:5473817. [PMID: 29854086 PMCID: PMC5944218 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5473817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The rise of microbial pathogens refractory to conventional antibiotics represents one of the most urgent and global public health concerns for the 21st century. Emergence of Candida auris isolates and the persistence of invasive mold infections that resist existing treatment and cause severe illness has underscored the threat of drug-resistant fungal infections. To meet these growing challenges, mechanistically novel agents and strategies are needed that surpass the conventional fungistatic or fungicidal drug actions. Host defense peptides have long been misunderstood as indiscriminant membrane detergents. However, evidence gathered over the past decade clearly points to their sophisticated and selective mechanisms of action, including exploiting regulated cell death pathways of their target pathogens. Such peptides perturb transmembrane potential and mitochondrial energetics, inducing phosphatidylserine accessibility and metacaspase activation in fungi. These mechanisms are often multimodal, affording target pathogens fewer resistance options as compared to traditional small molecule drugs. Here, recent advances in the field are examined regarding regulated cell death subroutines as potential therapeutic targets for innovative anti-infective peptides against pathogenic fungi. Furthering knowledge of protective host defense peptide interactions with target pathogens is key to advancing and applying novel prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasures to fungal resistance and pathogenesis.
Collapse
|
14
|
Dong B, Cheng RQ, Liu QY, Wang J, Fan ZC. Multimer of the antimicrobial peptide Mytichitin-A expressed in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii exerts a broader antibacterial spectrum and increased potency. J Biosci Bioeng 2018; 125:175-179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
15
|
Manuscript title: antifungal proteins from moulds: analytical tools and potential application to dry-ripened foods. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:6991-7000. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7706-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
16
|
Increased chitin biosynthesis contributes to the resistance of Penicillium polonicum against the antifungal protein PgAFP. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 100:371-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7020-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
17
|
Wang YP, Wei ZY, Zhang YY, Lin CJ, Zhong XF, Wang YL, Ma JY, Ma J, Xing SC. Chloroplast-expressed MSI-99 in tobacco improves disease resistance and displays inhibitory effect against rice blast fungus. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:4628-41. [PMID: 25739079 PMCID: PMC4394439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16034628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rice blast is a major destructive fungal disease that poses a serious threat to rice production and the improvement of blast resistance is critical to rice breeding. The antimicrobial peptide MSI-99 has been suggested as an antimicrobial peptide conferring resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases. Here, a vector harboring the MSI-99 gene was constructed and introduced into the tobacco chloroplast genome via particle bombardment. Transformed plants were obtained and verified to be homoplastomic by PCR and Southern hybridization. In planta assays demonstrated that the transgenic tobacco plants displayed an enhanced resistance to the fungal disease. The evaluation of the antimicrobial activity revealed that the crude protein extracts from the transgenic plants manifested an antimicrobial activity against E. coli, even after incubation at 120 °C for 20 min, indicating significant heat stability of MSI-99. More importantly, the MSI-99-containing protein extracts were firstly proved in vitro and in vivo to display significant suppressive effects on two rice blast isolates. These findings provide a strong basis for the development of new biopesticides to combat rice blast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Peng Wang
- Faculty of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, No. 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun 130118, China.
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Zheng-Yi Wei
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Yu-Ying Zhang
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
- College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100094, China.
| | - Chun-Jing Lin
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Xiao-Fang Zhong
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Yue-Lin Wang
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
| | - Jing-Yong Ma
- Faculty of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, No. 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Jian Ma
- Faculty of Agronomy, Jilin Agricultural University, No. 2888 Xincheng Street, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Shao-Chen Xing
- Agro-Biotechnology Research Institute, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 1363 Shengtai Street, Changchun 130033, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
|
19
|
Simunić J, Petrov D, Bouceba T, Kamech N, Benincasa M, Juretić D. Trichoplaxin - a new membrane-active antimicrobial peptide from placozoan cDNA. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2014; 1838:1430-8. [PMID: 24530880 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A method based on the use of signal peptide sequences from antimicrobial peptide (AMP) precursors was used to mine a placozoa expressed sequence tag database and identified a potential antimicrobial peptide from Trichoplax adhaerens. This peptide, with predicted sequence FFGRLKSVWSAVKHGWKAAKSR is the first AMP from a placozoan species, and was named trichoplaxin. It was chemically synthesized and its structural properties, biological activities and membrane selectivity were investigated. It adopts an α-helical structure in contact with membrane-like environments and is active against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial species (including MRSA), as well as yeasts from the Candida genus. The cytotoxic activity, as assessed by the haemolytic activity against rat erythrocytes, U937 cell permeabilization to propidium iodide and MCF7 cell mitochondrial activity, is significantly lower than the antimicrobial activity. In tests with membrane models, trichoplaxin shows high affinity for anionic prokaryote-like membranes with good fit in kinetic studies. Conversely, there is a low affinity for neutral eukaryote-like membranes and absence of a dose dependent response. With high selectivity for bacterial cells and no homologous sequence in the UniProt, trichoplaxin is a new potential lead compound for development of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Simunić
- Faculty of Science, University of Split, Nikole Tesle 12, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Dražen Petrov
- Max F. Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Tahar Bouceba
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie - UPMC, Plateforme d'Interactions Moléculaires, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, IBPS, 7 Quai Saint-Bernard, 75252 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Nédia Kamech
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie - UPMC, Equipe Biogenèse des signaux peptidiques, ER3, 7 Quai Saint-Bernard, Paris cedex 05, France; Biology of Aquatic Organisms and Ecosystems (BOREA), UMR CNRS 7208 - UPMC - IRD207, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 7 rue Cuvier, CP32, 75231 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - Monica Benincasa
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Giorgieri 5, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Davor Juretić
- Faculty of Science, University of Split, Nikole Tesle 12, 21000 Split, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ribosomally synthesized peptides from natural sources. J Antibiot (Tokyo) 2014; 67:277-89. [DOI: 10.1038/ja.2013.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
21
|
Virágh M, Vörös D, Kele Z, Kovács L, Fizil Á, Lakatos G, Maróti G, Batta G, Vágvölgyi C, Galgóczy L. Production of a defensin-like antifungal protein NFAP from Neosartorya fischeri in Pichia pastoris and its antifungal activity against filamentous fungal isolates from human infections. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 94:79-84. [PMID: 24269762 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neosartorya fischeri NRRL 181 isolate secretes a defensin-like antifungal protein (NFAP) which has a remarkable antifungal effect against ascomycetous filamentous fungi. This protein is a promising antifungal agent of biotechnological value; however in spite of the available knowledge of the nature of its 5'-upstream transcriptional regulation elements, the bulk production of NFAP has not been resolved yet. In this study we carried out its heterologous expression in the yeast Pichia pastoris and investigated the growth inhibition effect exerted by the heterologous NFAP (hNFAP) on filamentous fungal isolates from human infections compared with what was caused by the native NFAP. P. pastoris KM71H transformant strain harboring the pPICZαA plasmid with the mature NFAP encoding gene produced the protein. The final yield of the hNFAP was sixfold compared to the NFAP produced by N. fischeri NRRL 181. Based on the signal dispersion of the amide region, it was proven that the hNFAP exists in folded state. The purified hNFAP effectively inhibited the growth of fungal isolates belonging to the Aspergillus and to the Fusarium genus, but all investigated zygomycetous strain proved to be insusceptible. There was no significant difference between the growth inhibition effect exerted by the native and the heterologous NFAP. These data indicated that P. pastoris KM71H can produce the NFAP in an antifungally active folded state. Our results provide a base for further research, e.g., investigation the connection between the protein structure and the antifungal activity using site directed mutagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Máté Virágh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Dóra Vörös
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kele
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - Laura Kovács
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Ádám Fizil
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen H-4010, Hungary
| | - Gergely Lakatos
- Institute of Biochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Gergely Maróti
- Institute of Biochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Biological Research Centre, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Gyula Batta
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen H-4010, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Random Mutagenesis of the Aspergillus oryzae Genome Results in Fungal Antibacterial Activity. Int J Microbiol 2013; 2013:901697. [PMID: 23983696 PMCID: PMC3745836 DOI: 10.1155/2013/901697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria cause severe infections in hospitals and communities. Development of new drugs to combat resistant microorganisms is needed. Natural products of microbial origin are the source of most currently available antibiotics. We hypothesized that random mutagenesis of Aspergillus oryzae would result in secretion of antibacterial compounds. To address this hypothesis, we developed a screen to identify individual A. oryzae mutants that inhibit the growth of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro. To randomly generate A. oryzae mutant strains, spores were treated with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Over 3000 EMS-treated A. oryzae cultures were tested in the screen, and one isolate, CAL220, exhibited altered morphology and antibacterial activity. Culture supernatant from this isolate showed antibacterial activity against Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but not Klebsiella pneumonia or Proteus vulgaris. The results of this study support our hypothesis and suggest that the screen used is sufficient and appropriate to detect secreted antibacterial fungal compounds resulting from mutagenesis of A. oryzae. Because the genome of A. oryzae has been sequenced and systems are available for genetic transformation of this organism, targeted as well as random mutations may be introduced to facilitate the discovery of novel antibacterial compounds using this system.
Collapse
|
23
|
Hegedüs N, Marx F. Antifungal proteins: More than antimicrobials? FUNGAL BIOL REV 2013; 26:132-145. [PMID: 23412850 PMCID: PMC3569713 DOI: 10.1016/j.fbr.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Revised: 07/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) are widely distributed in nature. In higher eukaryotes, AMPs provide the host with an important defence mechanism against invading pathogens. AMPs of lower eukaryotes and prokaryotes may support successful competition for nutrients with other microorganisms of the same ecological niche. AMPs show a vast variety in structure, function, antimicrobial spectrum and mechanism of action. Most interestingly, there is growing evidence that AMPs also fulfil important biological functions other than antimicrobial activity. The present review focuses on the mechanistic function of small, cationic, cysteine-rich AMPs of mammals, insects, plants and fungi with antifungal activity and specifically aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning additional biological properties which opens novel aspects for their future use in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Florentine Marx
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +43 512 9003 70207; fax: +43 512 9003 73100.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Galgóczy L, Virágh M, Kovács L, Tóth B, Papp T, Vágvölgyi C. Antifungal peptides homologous to the Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein (PAF) are widespread among Fusaria. Peptides 2013; 39:131-7. [PMID: 23174348 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Putative antifungal peptide encoding genes containing Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein (PAF) characteristic amino acid motifs were identified in 15 Fusarium isolates, representing 10 species. Based on the predicted sequences of mature peptides, discrepancy in one, two or three amino acids was observed between them. Phylogenetic investigations revealed that they show high amino acid sequence similarity to PAF and they belong to the group of fungal derived antifungal peptides with PAF-cluster. Ten from the 15 partially purified <10 kDa peptide fraction of Fusarium ferment broths showed antifungal activity. The presence of approximately 6.3 kDa molecular weight peptides was detected in all of the antifungally active ferment broths, and this peptide was isolated and purified from Fusarium polyphilaidicum. The minimal inhibitiory concentrations of F. polyphilaidicum antifungal protein (FPAP) were determined against different filamentous fungi, yeasts and bacteria. Filamentous fungal species were the most susceptible to FPAF, but some yeasts were also slightly sensitive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- László Galgóczy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Galgóczy L, Kovács L, Karácsony Z, Virágh M, Hamari Z, Vágvölgyi C. Investigation of the antimicrobial effect of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP) after heterologous expression in Aspergillus nidulans. MICROBIOLOGY-SGM 2012. [PMID: 23197172 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.061119-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP) is a β-defensin-like peptide produced by the N. fischeri NRRL 181 isolate. In this study, we investigated the manifestation of the antimicrobial effect of NFAP via heterologous expression of the nfap gene in an NFAP-sensitive fungus, Aspergillus nidulans. Heterologous expression of the nfap gene was carried out in A. nidulans CS2902 using a pAMA1-based autonomous replicative vector construct. The effect of the produced NFAP on the germination of A. nidulans conidia was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and by DAPI and Calcofluor white (CFW) staining. 2',7'-Dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining and an Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Detection kit were used to reveal the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the possible apoptotic, necrotic effect. The impact of mono- and divalent cations on the antimicrobial activity of NFAP was also examined. Transformants expressing the nfap gene showed reduced hyphal growth compared with the untransformed strain. This effect was absent in the presence of mono- and divalent cations (50 and 100 mM KCl, Mg(2)SO(4), Na(2)SO(4)). Delayed and abnormal germination was observed in the case of transformants. Conidia developed short branching germination tubes with swollen tips. The great majority of germinating conidia were destroyed after 8 h of cultivation, although a few survived and developed into abnormal hyphae. Damage in the organization of the cell wall, the destruction of chitin filaments and the accumulation of nuclei at the broken hyphal tips were detected by SEM, DAPI and CFW staining. The accumulation of ROS and more frequent apoptotic, necrotic events were also observed in the case of the NFAP-producing A. nidulans strain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- László Galgóczy
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Közép fasor 52, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Laura Kovács
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Közép fasor 52, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Karácsony
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Közép fasor 52, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Máté Virágh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Közép fasor 52, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Hamari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Közép fasor 52, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Vágvölgyi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Közép fasor 52, Szeged, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Peptide Scaffolds: Flexible Molecular Structures With Diverse Therapeutic Potentials. Int J Pept Res Ther 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-011-9286-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
27
|
Kovács L, Virágh M, Takó M, Papp T, Vágvölgyi C, Galgóczy L. Isolation and characterization of Neosartorya fischeri antifungal protein (NFAP). Peptides 2011; 32:1724-31. [PMID: 21741420 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A novel 6.6 kDa antifungal peptide (NFAP) from the culture supernatant of the mold, Neosartorya fischeri (anamorf: Aspergillus fischerianus), and its encoding gene were isolated in this study. NFAP is a small, basic and cysteine-rich protein consisting of 57 amino acid residues. It shows 37.9-50% homology to similar proteins described in literature from Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus giganteus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium chrysogenum. The in silico presumed tertiary structure of NFAP, e.g. the presence of five antiparallel β-sheet connected with filaments, and stabilized by three disulfide bridges, is very similar to those of the defensin-like molecules. NFAP exhibited growth inhibitory action against filamentous fungi in a dose-dependent manner, and maintained high antifungal activity within broad pH and temperature ranges. Furthermore, it exhibited relevant resistance to proteolysis. All these characteristics make NFAP a promising candidate for further in vitro and in vivo investigations aiming at the development of new antifungal compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kovács
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|