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Ji K, Yao Y, Gao Y, Huang S, Ma L, Pan Q, Wu J, Zhang W, Chen H, Zhang L. Evaluating the cytotoxicity mechanism of the cell-penetrating peptide TP10 on Jurkat cells. Biochimie 2024; 221:182-192. [PMID: 37922978 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.11.001] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
TP10, a classic cell-penetrating peptide, shows a high degree of similarity to AMPs in structure. Although TP10 has been widely used in drug delivery, the mechanism underlying its cytotoxicity is yet to be elucidated. Herein, we explored the cell-killing mechanism of TP10 against human leukemia Jurkat cells. TP10 induced necrosis in Jurkat cells via rapid disruption of cell membranes, particularly at high concentrations. Although mitochondria in Jurkat cells were damaged by TP10, mitochondria-mediated apoptosis did not occur, possibly due to intracellular ATP depletion. Necroptosis in TP10-treated Jurkat cells became an alternative route of apoptosis. Our results demonstrate that necrosis and necroptosis rather than apoptosis are involved in the cell-killing mechanism of TP10, which contributes to the understanding of its toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ji
- The First Hospital, The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yufan Yao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yuxuan Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Sujie Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ling Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qing Pan
- The First Hospital, The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jun Wu
- The First Hospital, The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China; State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Hongmei Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- The First Hospital, The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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2
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Jafari Z, Sadeghi S, Dehaghi MM, Bigham A, Honarmand S, Tavasoli A, Hoseini MHM, Varma RS. Immunomodulatory activities and biomedical applications of melittin and its recent advances. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024; 357:e2300569. [PMID: 38251938 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300569] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Melittin (MLT), a peptide containing 26 amino acids, is a key constituent of bee venom. It comprises ∼40%-60% of the venom's dry weight and is the main pricing index for bee venom, being the causative factor of pain. The unique properties of MLT extracted from bee venom have made it a very valuable active ingredient in the pharmaceutical industry as this cationic and amphipathic peptide has propitious effects on human health in diverse biological processes. It has the ability to strongly impact the membranes of cells and display hemolytic activity with anticancer characteristics. However, the clinical application of MLT has been limited by its severe hemolytic activity, which poses a challenge for therapeutic use. By employing more efficient mechanisms, such as modifying the MLT sequence, genetic engineering, and nano-delivery systems, it is anticipated that the limitations posed by MLT can be overcome, thereby enabling its wider application in therapeutic contexts. This review has outlined recent advancements in MLT's nano-delivery systems and genetically engineered cells expressing MLT and provided an overview of where the MLTMLT's platforms are and where they will go in the future with the challenges ahead. The focus is on exploring how these approaches can overcome the limitations associated with MLT's hemolytic activity and improve its selectivity and efficacy in targeting cancer cells. These advancements hold promise for the creation of innovative and enhanced therapeutic approaches based on MLT for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Jafari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mirzarazi Dehaghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Bigham
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy (IPCB-CNR), Naples, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Shokouh Honarmand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Tavasoli
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mostafa Haji Molla Hoseini
- Medical Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rajender S Varma
- Department of Chemistry, Centre of Excellence for Research in Sustainable Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil
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3
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Morelli M, Cabezuelo Rodríguez M, Queiroz K. A high-throughput gut-on-chip platform to study the epithelial responses to enterotoxins. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5797. [PMID: 38461178 PMCID: PMC10925042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56520-5] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterotoxins are a type of toxins that primarily affect the intestines. Understanding their harmful effects is essential for food safety and medical research. Current methods lack high-throughput, robust, and translatable models capable of characterizing toxin-specific epithelial damage. Pressing concerns regarding enterotoxin contamination of foods and emerging interest in clinical applications of enterotoxins emphasize the need for new platforms. Here, we demonstrate how Caco-2 tubules can be used to study the effect of enterotoxins on the human intestinal epithelium, reflecting toxins' distinct pathogenic mechanisms. After exposure of the model to toxins nigericin, ochratoxin A, patulin and melittin, we observed dose-dependent reductions in barrier permeability as measured by TEER, which were detected with higher sensitivity than previous studies using conventional models. Combination of LDH release assays and DRAQ7 staining allowed comprehensive evaluation of toxin cytotoxicity, which was only observed after exposure to melittin and ochratoxin A. Furthermore, the study of actin cytoskeleton allowed to assess toxin-induced changes in cell morphology, which were only caused by nigericin. Altogether, our study highlights the potential of our Caco-2 tubular model in becoming a multi-parametric and high-throughput tool to bridge the gap between current enterotoxin research and translatable in vivo models of the human intestinal epithelium.
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Zhang HQ, Sun C, Xu N, Liu W. The current landscape of the antimicrobial peptide melittin and its therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326033. [PMID: 38318188 PMCID: PMC10838977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a main component of bee venom, is a cationic amphiphilic peptide with a linear α-helix structure. It has been reported that melittin can exert pharmacological effects, such as antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. In particular, melittin may be beneficial for the treatment of diseases for which no specific clinical therapeutic agents exist. Melittin can effectively enhance the therapeutic properties of some first-line drugs. Elucidating the mechanism underlying melittin-mediated biological function can provide valuable insights for the application of melittin in disease intervention. However, in melittin, the positively charged amino acids enables it to directly punching holes in cell membranes. The hemolysis in red cells and the cytotoxicity triggered by melittin limit its applications. Melittin-based nanomodification, immuno-conjugation, structural regulation and gene technology strategies have been demonstrated to enhance the specificity, reduce the cytotoxicity and limit the off-target cytolysis of melittin, which suggests the potential of melittin to be used clinically. This article summarizes research progress on antiviral, antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties of melittin, and discusses the strategies of melittin-modification for its future potential clinical applications in preventing drug resistance, enhancing the selectivity to target cells and alleviating cytotoxic effects to normal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qian Zhang
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chengbiao Sun
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Na Xu
- Academic Affairs Office, Jilin Medical University, Jilin, Jilin, China
| | - Wensen Liu
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Changchun, Jilin, China
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5
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Ghasemitarei M, Ghorbi T, Yusupov M, Zhang Y, Zhao T, Shali P, Bogaerts A. Effects of Nitro-Oxidative Stress on Biomolecules: Part 1-Non-Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1371. [PMID: 37759771 PMCID: PMC10527456 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma medicine, or the biomedical application of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), is an expanding field within plasma research. CAP has demonstrated remarkable versatility in diverse biological applications, including cancer treatment, wound healing, microorganism inactivation, and skin disease therapy. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the effects of CAP remain incompletely understood. The therapeutic effects of CAP are largely attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which play a crucial role in the biological responses induced by CAP. Specifically, RONS produced during CAP treatment have the ability to chemically modify cell membranes and membrane proteins, causing nitro-oxidative stress, thereby leading to changes in membrane permeability and disruption of cellular processes. To gain atomic-level insights into these interactions, non-reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have emerged as a valuable tool. These simulations facilitate the examination of larger-scale system dynamics, including protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the applications of non-reactive MD simulations in studying the effects of CAP on cellular components and interactions at the atomic level, providing a detailed overview of the potential of CAP in medicine. We also review the results of other MD studies that are not related to plasma medicine but explore the effects of nitro-oxidative stress on cellular components and are therefore important for a broader understanding of the underlying processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ghasemitarei
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 14588-89694, Iran
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tayebeh Ghorbi
- Department of Physics, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 14588-89694, Iran
| | - Maksudbek Yusupov
- School of Engineering, New Uzbekistan University, Tashkent 100007, Uzbekistan
- School of Engineering, Central Asian University, Tashkent 111221, Uzbekistan
- Laboratory of Thermal Physics of Multiphase Systems, Arifov Institute of Ion-Plasma and Laser Technologies, Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Tashkent 100125, Uzbekistan
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Yuantao Zhang
- School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- School of Electrical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Parisa Shali
- Research Unit Plasma Technology, Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Agriculture, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Pandey P, Khan F, Khan MA, Kumar R, Upadhyay TK. An Updated Review Summarizing the Anticancer Efficacy of Melittin from Bee Venom in Several Models of Human Cancers. Nutrients 2023; 15:3111. [PMID: 37513529 PMCID: PMC10385528 DOI: 10.3390/nu15143111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Apitherapy (using bee products) has gained broad recognition in cancer therapeutics globally. Honeybee venom has a broad range of biological potential, and its utilization is rapidly emerging in apitherapy. Bee products have significant potential to strengthen the immune system and improve human health. Thus, this review is targeted toward recapitulating the chemo-preventive potential of melittin (MEL), which constitutes a substantial portion of honeybee venom. Honeybee venom (apitoxin) is produced in the venom gland of the honeybee abdomen, and adult bees utilize it as a primary colony defense mechanism. Apitoxin comprises numerous biologically active compounds, including peptides, enzymes, amines, amino acids, phospholipids, minerals, carbohydrates, and volatile components. We are mainly focused on exploring the potential of melittin (a peptide component) of bee venom that has shown promising potential in the treatment of several human cancers, including breast, stomach, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, colon, gastric, esophageal, cervical cancers, melanoma, osteosarcoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review has summarized all potential studies related to the anticancerous efficacy of melittin (apitoxin), its formulations, conjugates, and nano-formulations against several human carcinomas, which would further pave the way for future researchers in developing potent drugs for cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering & Technology, Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Minhaj Ahmad Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Tarun Kumar Upadhyay
- Department of Biotechnology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences and Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara 391760, Gujarat, India
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Teixeira-Cruz JM, Martins-Ferreira J, Monteiro-Machado M, Strauch MA, de Moraes JA, Amaral LS, Valente RC, Melo PA, Quintas LEM. Heparin prevents the cytotoxic activity of Bothrops jararacussu and Apis mellifera venoms in renal cells. Toxicon 2023; 223:107011. [PMID: 36584790 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2022.107011] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Envenomation by Bothrops snakes and Apis mellifera bee may imply systemic disorders which affect well-perfused organs such as kidneys, a process that can lead to acute renal failure. Nevertheless, there is scarce information regarding a direct renal cell effect and the putative antagonism by antivenoms. Here the cytotoxic effect of B. jararacussu and A. mellifera venoms was evaluated in the renal proximal tubule cell line LLC-PK1, as well as the antagonism of this effect by heparin. B. jararacussu venom showed significant cytotoxicity as assessed by LDH release and MTT reduction, with a sharp decline of the cell number after 180 min (>90% at 50 μg/mL). A. mellifera venom produced a much faster and potent cytotoxic activity, conferring almost no viable cells after 15 min at 25 μg/mL. Phase contrast microscopy revealed that while B. jararacussu venom induced a progressive loss of cell adhesion and detachment, A. mellifera venom promoted a rapid plasma membrane disruption and nuclear condensation suggestive of necrotic cell death. Pre-incubation of both venoms with heparin for 30 min significantly reduced cytotoxicity. Our results demonstrate direct toxicity of B. jararacussu and A. mellifera venoms toward renal cells but with distinct kinetics and cell pattern, suggesting different mechanisms of action. In addition, the antagonistic, cytoprotective effect of heparin ascribes such compound as a promising drug for preventing renal failure from envenomation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatha M Teixeira-Cruz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jainne Martins-Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcos Monteiro-Machado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcelo A Strauch
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Vital Brazil, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - João Alfredo de Moraes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana S Amaral
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Raphael C Valente
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa Em Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro - Campus Duque de Caxias Professor Geraldo Cidade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo M Quintas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Química Medicinal, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Pharmacological Screening of Venoms from Five Brazilian Micrurus Species on Different Ion Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147714. [PMID: 35887062 PMCID: PMC9318628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral snake venoms from the Micrurus genus are a natural library of components with multiple targets, yet are poorly explored. In Brazil, 34 Micrurus species are currently described, and just a few have been investigated for their venom activities. Micrurus venoms are composed mainly of phospholipases A2 and three-finger toxins, which are responsible for neuromuscular blockade—the main envenomation outcome in humans. Beyond these two major toxin families, minor components are also important for the global venom activity, including Kunitz-peptides, serine proteases, 5′ nucleotidases, among others. In the present study, we used the two-microelectrode voltage clamp technique to explore the crude venom activities of five different Micrurus species from the south and southeast of Brazil: M. altirostris, M. corallinus, M. frontalis, M. carvalhoi and M. decoratus. All five venoms induced full inhibition of the muscle-type α1β1δε nAChR with different levels of reversibility. We found M. altirostris and M. frontalis venoms acting as partial inhibitors of the neuronal-type α7 nAChR with an interesting subsequent potentiation after one washout. We discovered that M. altirostris and M. corallinus venoms modulate the α1β2 GABAAR. Interestingly, the screening on KV1.3 showed that all five Micrurus venoms act as inhibitors, being totally reversible after the washout. Since this activity seems to be conserved among different species, we hypothesized that the Micrurus venoms may rely on potassium channel inhibitory activity as an important feature of their envenomation strategy. Finally, tests on NaV1.2 and NaV1.4 showed that these channels do not seem to be targeted by Micrurus venoms. In summary, the venoms tested are multifunctional, each of them acting on at least two different types of targets.
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Varol A, Sezen S, Evcimen D, Zarepour A, Ulus G, Zarrabi A, Badr G, Daştan SD, Orbayoğlu AG, Selamoğlu Z, Varol M. Cellular targets and molecular activity mechanisms of bee venom in cancer: recent trends and developments. TOXIN REV 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2021.2024576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşegül Varol
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Serap Sezen
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Istanbul, Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Science, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilhan Evcimen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Atefeh Zarepour
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gönül Ulus
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamal Badr
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Immunology, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Sevgi Durna Daştan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Asya Gülistan Orbayoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Zeliha Selamoğlu
- Department Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Nigde Ömer Halisdemir University, Nigde, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Varol
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Kotekli Campus, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
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Wang A, Zheng Y, Zhu W, Yang L, Yang Y, Peng J. Melittin-Based Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12010118. [PMID: 35053266 PMCID: PMC8773652 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a 26-amino acid polypeptide with a variety of pharmacological and toxicological effects, which include strong surface activity on cell lipid membranes, hemolytic activity, and potential anti-tumor properties. However, the clinical application of melittin is restricted due to its severe hemolytic activity. Different nanocarrier systems have been developed to achieve stable loading, side effects shielding, and tumor-targeted delivery, such as liposomes, cationic polymers, lipodisks, etc. In addition, MEL can be modified on nano drugs as a non-selective cytolytic peptide to enhance cellular uptake and endosomal/lysosomal escape. In this review, we discuss recent advances in MEL’s nano-delivery systems and MEL-modified nano drug carriers for cancer therapy.
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11
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Guha S, Ferrie RP, Ghimire J, Ventura CR, Wu E, Sun L, Kim SY, Wiedman GR, Hristova K, Wimley WC. Applications and evolution of melittin, the quintessential membrane active peptide. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114769. [PMID: 34543656 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melittin, the main venom component of the European Honeybee, is a cationic linear peptide-amide of 26 amino acid residues with the sequence: GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2. Melittin binds to lipid bilayer membranes, folds into amphipathic α-helical secondary structure and disrupts the permeability barrier. Since melittin was first described, a remarkable array of activities and potential applications in biology and medicine have been described. Melittin is also a favorite model system for biophysicists to study the structure, folding and function of peptides and proteins in membranes. Melittin has also been used as a template for the evolution of new activities in membranes. Here we overview the rich history of scientific research into the many activities of melittin and outline exciting future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantanu Guha
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ryan P Ferrie
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Cristina R Ventura
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Wu
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Leisheng Sun
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Y Kim
- Duke University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gregory R Wiedman
- Seton Hall University, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, South Orange, NJ, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Wimley C Wimley
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Houston, TX, USA.
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12
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Orafaie A, Bahrami AR, Matin MM. Use of anticancer peptides as an alternative approach for targeted therapy in breast cancer: a review. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2021; 16:415-433. [PMID: 33615876 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Traditional therapies are expensive and cause severe side effects. Targeted therapy is a powerful method to circumvent the problems of other therapies. It also allows drugs to localize at predefined targets in a selective manner. Currently, there are several monoclonal antibodies which target breast cancer cell surface markers. However, using antibodies has some limitations. In the last two decades, many investigators have discovered peptides that may be useful to target breast cancer cells. In this article, we provide an overview on anti-breast cancer peptides, their sources and biological activities. We further discuss the pros and cons of using anticancer peptides with further emphasis on how to improve their effectiveness in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala Orafaie
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Bahrami
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Industrial Biotechnology Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maryam M Matin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.,Novel Diagnostics & Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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13
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Yaghoubi A, Khazaei M, Ghazvini K, Movaqar A, Avan A, Hasanian SM, Soleimanpour S. Peptides with Dual Antimicrobial-Anticancer Activity Derived from the N-terminal Region of H. pylori Ribosomal Protein L1 (RpL1). Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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In Vitro Selective Suppression of Tumor Cells by an Oncolytic Peptide in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10131-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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15
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Marinho JBR, Soto-Blanco B. Toxicological Risk Assessment of the Accidental Ingestion of a Honeybee ( Apis mellifera L.) Present in Food. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:583286. [PMID: 33134363 PMCID: PMC7561407 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.583286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible risk of toxic effects due to the ingestion of a honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) accidentally present in food. The methodology used in this study was a bibliographic survey of studies on the toxic effects related to honeybees, with a critical analysis of the possible risks of accidental ingestion of these insects. The amount of venom present in a bee is considered insufficient to induce detectable toxic effects in a person who ingests it by accident, and various components of the venom are destroyed by gastric secretions. However, despite the rare frequency, there is a risk of the ingestion of a bee, causing an allergic reaction to some components of the venom in sensitized individuals. In addition, pollen carried by a bee may cause an allergic reaction in a sensitive individual. Thus, the accidental ingestion of a bee present in a food does not pose the risk of toxic effects for the majority of the population but may promote allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Baeça Rezende Marinho
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Benito Soto-Blanco
- Department of Veterinary Clinics and Surgery, Veterinary College, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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16
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Bee Venom Melittin Protects against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice via the Regulation of M2 Macrophage Activation. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12090574. [PMID: 32899913 PMCID: PMC7551791 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12090574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is an essential biological response that eliminates pathogenic bacteria and repairs tissue after injury. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with systemic and intrarenal inflammation as the inflammatory process decreases renal function and promotes progression to advanced chronic kidney disease. Macrophages are key mediators of the inflammatory response; their activation influences the immune system and may have various effects. Classically activated type I macrophages (M1) produce a variety of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the lesion site. However, anti-inflammatory type II macrophages (M2) are alternatively activated upon exposure to anti-inflammatory cytokines and are associated with wound healing and tissue repair following AKI. Here, we used melittin from bee venom to enhance the polarization of M2 macrophages and promote renal recovery after AKI. Melittin was administered to mice intraperitoneally for 5 days at various concentrations (10, 50, and 100 µg/kg); serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were analyzed 72 h after cisplatin administration to confirm renal dysfunction. Melittin inhibited the cisplatin-induced increase in creatinine and BUN, an indicator of renal dysfunction. The expression of M1 markers (CD16/32) decreased significantly, whereas that of M2 markers (CD206, Arg1nase I) increased after melittin administration. Consistently, tubular necrosis was substantially reduced in melittin-treated mice. Thus, melittin alleviates cisplatin-induced AKI by regulating M2 macrophage expression.
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Tan J, Tay J, Hedrick J, Yang YY. Synthetic macromolecules as therapeutics that overcome resistance in cancer and microbial infection. Biomaterials 2020; 252:120078. [PMID: 32417653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic macromolecular antimicrobials have shown efficacy in the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens. These synthetic macromolecules, inspired by Nature's antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), mitigate resistance by disrupting microbial cell membrane or targeting multiple intracellular proteins or genes. Unlike AMPs, these polymers are less prone to degradation by proteases and are easier to synthesize on a large scale. Recently, various studies have revealed that cancer cell membrane, like that of microbes, is negatively charged, and AMPs can be used as anticancer agents. Nevertheless, efforts in developing polymers as anticancer agents has remained limited. This review highlights the recent advancement in the development of synthetic biodegradable antimicrobial polymers (e.g. polycarbonates, polyesters and polypeptides) and anticancer macromolecules including peptides and polymers. Additionally, strategies to improve their in vivo bioavailability and selectivity towards bacteria and cancer cells are examined. Lastly, future perspectives, including use of artificial intelligence or machine learning, in the development of antimicrobial and anticancer macromolecules are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Tan
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore; Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Joyce Tay
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore; Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - James Hedrick
- IBM Almaden Research Center, 650 Harry Road, San Jose, CA, 95120, United States
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, 31 Biopolis Way, Singapore, 138669, Singapore.
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18
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Raveendran R, Chen F, Kent B, Stenzel MH. Estrone-Decorated Polyion Complex Micelles for Targeted Melittin Delivery to Hormone-Responsive Breast Cancer Cells. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1222-1233. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Raveendran
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Fan Chen
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Kent
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD), School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW, Australia
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19
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Iqbal Z, Dilnawaz F. Nanocarriers For Vaginal Drug Delivery. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 13:3-15. [PMID: 30767755 DOI: 10.2174/1872211313666190215141507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaginal drug delivery approach represents one of the imperative strategies for local and systemic delivery of drugs. The peculiar dense vascular networks, mucus permeability, and range of physiological characteristics of the vaginal cavity have been exploited for therapeutic benefit. Furthermore, the vaginal drug delivery has been curtailed due to the influence of different physiological factors like acidic pH, constant cervical secretion, microflora, cyclic changes during periods along with turnover of mucus of varying thickness. OBJECTIVE This review highlights advancement of nanomedicine and its prospective progress towards the clinic. METHODS Relevant literature reports and patents related to topics are retrieved and used. RESULT The extensive literature search and patent revealed that nanocarriers are efficacious over conventional treatment approaches. CONCLUSION Recently, nanotechnology based drug delivery approach has promised better therapeutic outcomes by providing enhanced permeation and sustained drug release activity. Different nanoplatforms based on drugs, peptides, proteins, antigens, hormones, nucleic material, and microbicides are gaining momentum for vaginal therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeenat Iqbal
- Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi-110062, India
| | - Fahima Dilnawaz
- Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Institute of Life Sciences, Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar -751023, Odisha, India
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20
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Use of Selected Carbon Nanoparticles as Melittin Carriers for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells. MATERIALS 2019; 13:ma13010090. [PMID: 31878020 PMCID: PMC6981792 DOI: 10.3390/ma13010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite advanced techniques in medicine, breast cancer caused the deaths of 627,000 women in 2018. Melittin, the main component of bee venom, has lytic properties for many types of cells, including cancer cells. To increase its toxic effect, carbon nanoparticles, graphene oxide, pristine graphene, and diamond were used as carriers of melittin to breast cancer cells. To date, the effects of carbon nanoparticles as carriers of melittin on cancer cells have not been studied. The present study was carried out on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The investigation consisted of structural analysis of complexes using transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential measurements, evaluation of cell morphology, assessment of cell viability and membrane integrity, investigation of reactive oxygen species production, and investigation of mitochondrial membrane potential. Cell death was examined by flow cytometry and a membrane test for 43 apoptotic proteins. The results indicate that melittin complex with nanographene oxide has a stronger toxic effect on breast cancer cells than melittin alone. Moreover, nanodiamonds can protect cells against the lytic effects of melittin. All complexes reduced, but not completely eliminated the level of necrosis, compared to melittin. Thus, results suggest that the use of carbon nanoparticles as carriers for melittin may find use in medicine in the future.
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21
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Hu C, Chen X, Huang Y, Chen Y. Synergistic effect of the pro-apoptosis peptide kla-TAT and the cationic anticancer peptide HPRP-A1. Apoptosis 2019; 23:132-142. [PMID: 29397453 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a peptide-peptide co-administration therapy between hybrid peptide kla-TAT and cationic anticancer peptide HPRP-A1 was designed to increase the anticancer activity of the combination peptides through synergistic effect. kla is a pro-apoptotic peptide which could induce rapid cancer cell apoptosis by disruption the mitochondrial membrane when internalized the cells. To enhance more kla peptides pass through cell membrane, a double improvement strategy was designed by chemically conjugation with cell penetration peptide TAT as well as co-administration with cationic membrane active peptide HPRP-A1, and the double anticancer mechanism of the kla-TAT peptide and HPRP-A1 including membrane disruption and apoptosis induction was verified through in vitro experiments. The CompuSyn synergism/antagonism analysis showed that kla-TAT acted synergistically with HPRP-A1 against a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell line. The anticancer activities of the two peptides were dramatically increased by co-administration, under the mechanism of cell membrane disruption, caspase-dependent apoptosis induction, as well as cyclin-D1 down-regulation based G1 phase arrest. We believe that the synergic therapeutic strategy would be a meaningful method for the anticancer peptides used in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Hu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yibing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China. .,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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22
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Shaw P, Kumar N, Hammerschmid D, Privat-Maldonado A, Dewilde S, Bogaerts A. Synergistic Effects of Melittin and Plasma Treatment: A Promising Approach for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081109. [PMID: 31382579 PMCID: PMC6721819 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin (MEL), a small peptide component of bee venom, has been reported to exhibit anti-cancer effects in vitro and in vivo. However, its clinical applicability is disputed because of its non-specific cytotoxicity and haemolytic activity in high treatment doses. Plasma-treated phosphate buffered saline solution (PT-PBS), a solution rich in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) can disrupt the cell membrane integrity and induce cancer cell death through oxidative stress-mediated pathways. Thus, PT-PBS could be used in combination with MEL to facilitate its access into cancer cells and to reduce the required therapeutic dose. The aim of our study is to determine the reduction of the effective dose of MEL required to eliminate cancer cells by its combination with PT-PBS. For this purpose, we have optimised the MEL threshold concentration and tested the combined treatment of MEL and PT-PBS on A375 melanoma and MCF7 breast cancer cells, using in vitro, in ovo and in silico approaches. We investigated the cytotoxic effect of MEL and PT-PBS alone and in combination to reveal their synergistic cytological effects. To support the in vitro and in ovo experiments, we showed by computer simulations that plasma-induced oxidation of the phospholipid bilayer leads to a decrease of the free energy barrier for translocation of MEL in comparison with the non-oxidized bilayer, which also suggests a synergistic effect of MEL with plasma induced oxidation. Overall, our findings suggest that MEL in combination with PT-PBS can be a promising combinational therapy to circumvent the non-specific toxicity of MEL, which may help for clinical applicability in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Shaw
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Dietmar Hammerschmid
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Angela Privat-Maldonado
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sylvia Dewilde
- Laboratory of Protein Science, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Research Group PLASMANT, Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, BE-2610 Wilrijk-Antwerp, Belgium.
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23
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Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Triazolyl- and Triazinyl-Quinazolinediones as Potential Antitumor Agents. J CHEM-NY 2019. [DOI: 10.1155/2019/9104653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel 6(3-1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-phenylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones (7a–e) were synthesized from different enaminones (6a–e) with 6-hydrazinyl-3-phenylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione. 2,6(4-2-Substituted-1,3,5-triazin-1(2H)-yl)-3-phenylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-diones (8a–k) were synthesized from the reaction of 1-(2,4-dioxo-3-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinazolin-6-yl)thiourea, urea, or guanidine (3a–c) with enaminones (6a–e), and a series from 3-substituted-2-imino-1,3,5-triazin-1(2H)-yl-sulfonyl-phenyl-1-methylquinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (12a–j) were obtained from the reaction of N-(diaminomethylene)-4-(1-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2-dihydroquinazolin-3(4H)-yl)benzenesulfonamide (11) with the enaminone (6a–j). The antitumor activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against two human cell lines: human colon carcinoma HCT116 and human hepatocellular carcinoma HEP-G2. Some of the tested compounds showed significant potency compared to the reference drug staurosporin.
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24
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Emelianova AA, Kuzmin DV, Panteleev PV, Sorokin M, Buzdin AA, Ovchinnikova TV. Anticancer Activity of the Goat Antimicrobial Peptide ChMAP-28. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1501. [PMID: 30622471 PMCID: PMC6308165 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic effect of the antimicrobial peptide ChMAP-28 from leucocytes of the goat Capra hircus was examined against five cancer and two normal human cell lines. ChMAP-28 has the amino acid sequence GRFKRFRKKLKRLWHKVGPFVGPILHY and is homologous to other α-helical mammalian antimicrobial peptides. ChMAP-28 shows considerably higher cytotoxicity against cultured tumor cells than toward normal cells at concentrations of <10 μM. Our findings suggest that ChMAP-28 can initiate necrotic death of cancer cells. Its cytotoxic effect is accomplished due to disruption of the plasma membrane integrity and is not abrogated by the addition of the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK. ChMAP-28 causes permeabilization of cytoplasmic membrane of human leukemia cells HL-60 already after 15 min of incubation. Here, we show that ChMAP-28 has one of the highest antitumor activity in vitro among all known antimicrobial peptides. We speculate that the observed specificity of ChMAP-28 cytotoxic effect against tumor cells is due to its relatively low hydrophobicity and high cationicity. In the meantime, this peptide has low hemolytic activity, which generates a potential for its use as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A Emelianova
- M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis V Kuzmin
- M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel V Panteleev
- M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim Sorokin
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Networks, OmicsWay Corporation, Walnut, CA, United States
| | - Anton A Buzdin
- M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ovchinnikova
- M. M. Shemyakin and Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Peptide-based targeted therapeutics: Focus on cancer treatment. J Control Release 2018; 292:141-162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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26
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Kyung H, Kim H, Lee H, Lee SJ. Enhanced intracellular delivery of macromolecules by melittin derivatives mediated cellular uptake. J IND ENG CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2017.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Enantiomeric Effect of d-Amino Acid Substitution on the Mechanism of Action of α-Helical Membrane-Active Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010067. [PMID: 29280948 PMCID: PMC5796017 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
V13K, a 26-residue peptide, has been shown to have strong antimicrobial activity, negligible hemolytic activity, and significant anticancer activity. In the present work, V13K was used as the framework to investigate the influence of helicity, as influenced by d-amino acid substitutions in the center of the peptide polar and non-polar faces of the amphipathic helix, on biological activity. The antibacterial and anticancer activities of the peptides were investigated. Atomic force microscopy and other biophysical methods were used to investigate the effect of peptide helicity on biological activity. The results showed the importance of suitable and rational modification of membrane-active peptides, based on helicity, in optimizing potential biological activity.
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28
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Hassanvand Jamadi R, Yaghoubi H, Sadeghizadeh M. Brevinin-2R and Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Peptides: Synthesis, Purification, Characterization and Biological Activities. Int J Pept Res Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-017-9656-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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29
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Socarras KM, Theophilus PAS, Torres JP, Gupta K, Sapi E. Antimicrobial Activity of Bee Venom and Melittin against Borrelia burgdorferi. Antibiotics (Basel) 2017; 6:antibiotics6040031. [PMID: 29186026 PMCID: PMC5745474 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics6040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme disease is a tick-borne, multi-systemic disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Though antibiotics are used as a primary treatment, relapse often occurs after the discontinuation of antimicrobial agents. The reason for relapse remains unknown, however previous studies suggest the possible presence of antibiotic resistant Borrelia round bodies, persisters and attached biofilm forms. Thus, there is an urgent need to find antimicrobial agents suitable to eliminate all known forms of B. burgdorferi. In this study, natural antimicrobial agents such as Apis mellifera venom and a known component, melittin, were tested using SYBR Green I/PI, direct cell counting, biofilm assays combined with LIVE/DEAD and atomic force microscopy methods. The obtained results were compared to standalone and combinations of antibiotics such as Doxycycline, Cefoperazone, Daptomycin, which were recently found to be effective against Borrelia persisters. Our findings showed that both bee venom and melittin had significant effects on all the tested forms of B. burgdorferi. In contrast, the control antibiotics when used individually or even in combinations had limited effects on the attached biofilm form. These findings strongly suggest that whole bee venom or melittin could be effective antimicrobial agents for B. burgdorferi; however, further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness in vivo, as well as their safe and effective delivery method for their therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Socarras
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Priyanka A S Theophilus
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Jason P Torres
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Khusali Gupta
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
| | - Eva Sapi
- Lyme Disease Research Group, Department of Biology and Environmental Science, University of New Haven, West Haven, CT 06519, USA.
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30
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Zarrinnahad H, Mahmoodzadeh A, Hamidi MP, Mahdavi M, Moradi A, Bagheri KP, Shahbazzadeh D. Apoptotic Effect of Melittin Purified from Iranian Honey Bee Venom on Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cell Line. Int J Pept Res Ther 2017; 24:563-570. [PMID: 30416405 PMCID: PMC6208649 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-017-9641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, an amphipathic 26-residue peptide, is the main component of honey bee venom. Studies have been demonstrated that melittin has an inhibitory effect on proliferation of cancer cells. However, the precise mechanism of action is not completely understood. In the present study we have shown that purified melittin from Iranian honey bee venom shows anti-cancer effects on human cervical cancer cell line through induction of apoptosis. The venom was collected from Iranian honey bee (Apis mellifera meda) and melittin isolated using reversed phase HPLC. Biological activity of melittin was analyzed by hemolytic test on human red blood cells. In order to investigate whether melittin inhibits proliferation of cervical cancer cells, the viability of the melittin treated HeLa cell line was measured via MTT assay. Finally, cell death analysis was performed using Propidum iodide and Annexin V-FITC dual staining. The results showed that the half hemolytic concentration (HD50) induced by mellitin was 0.5 µg/ml in free FBS solution. IC50 obtained after 12 h at 1.8 µg/ml by MTT assay. According to flow cytometric analysis, melittin induced apoptosis at concentrations more than 1 µg/ml. These results suggest that melittin induces apoptotic cell death in cervical cancerous cells as observed by flow cytometric assay. It is concluded that melittin could be regarded as a potential candidate in future studies to discovery of new anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannaneh Zarrinnahad
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mahmoodzadeh
- Biochemistry Department, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Monireh Parviz Hamidi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Immunology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Moradi
- International Campus of Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Kamran Pooshang Bagheri
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delavar Shahbazzadeh
- Biotechnology Research Center, Venom and Biotherapeutic Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Lai H, Chen F, Lu M, Stenzel MH, Xiao P. Polypeptide-Grafted Nanodiamonds for Controlled Release of Melittin to Treat Breast Cancer. ACS Macro Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.7b00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Haiwang Lai
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fan Chen
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mingxia Lu
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pu Xiao
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular
Design, School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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32
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Wang X, Xie J, Lu X, Li H, Wen C, Huo Z, Xie J, Shi M, Tang X, Chen H, Peng C, Fang Y, Deng X, Shen B. Melittin inhibits tumor growth and decreases resistance to gemcitabine by downregulating cholesterol pathway gene CLU in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 399:1-9. [PMID: 28428074 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melittin is a Chinese traditional medicine for treating chronic inflammation, immunological diseases and cancers, however, the efficacy of melittin and its mechanism for treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are still unknown. Here we investigated the anti-cancer activity of melittin and its regulated mechanism(s) in the PDAC models. Melittin was found to suppress tumor growth by promoting cell apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. Interestingly, the microarray analyses demonstrated that melittin significantly regulated cholesterol biosynthesis pathway during treatment. For instance, the cholesterol pathway gene clusterin (CLU) was highly downregulated by melittin which also enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity in PDAC cells by inhibiting CLU expression. In contrast, overexpression of CLU significantly diminished melittin mediated tumor suppression and gemcitabine sensitization, suggesting that CLU is the target of melittin. Furthermore, in the xenograft mouse model, the combination therapy of melittin and gemcitabine is more efficacious for inhibiting PDAC tumor growth than either single regimen. Taken together, our study has indicated that melittin is capable of suppressing tumor growth and promoting gemcitabine sensitivity in PDAC by downregulating cholesterol pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjing Wang
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Xie
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongxiong Lu
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhe Li
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenlei Wen
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Huo
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Xie
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minmin Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomei Tang
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghong Peng
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaxing Deng
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Baiyong Shen
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Disease, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Pancreatic Disease Centre, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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33
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Wilms D, Andrä J. Comparison of patient-derived high and low phosphatidylserine-exposing colorectal carcinoma cells in their interaction with anti-cancer peptides. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:56-67. [PMID: 28066958 DOI: 10.1002/psc.2963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Current cancer treatment is frequently compromised by severe adverse effects on healthy cells and tissues as well as by the increasing burden of (multi-)drug resistances. Some representatives of small, amphipathic peptides known as host defense peptides possess the potential to overcome these limitations and to evolve as future anti-cancer therapeutics. Peptide NK-2, derived from porcine NK-lysin, was originally discovered due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. Today, also potent anti-cancer activity is proven and accompanied by low toxicity towards normal human cells. The molecular basis underlying this target selectivity remains rather elusive. Nevertheless, it is presumptive that preferential peptide interactions with surface factors non-abundant on healthy human cells play a key role. Here, we investigated the cytotoxicity of peptide NK-2 and structurally improved anti-cancer variants thereof against two patient-derived colorectal cancer cell lines, exposing high and low levels of phosphatidylserine on their cell surfaces, respectively. Concluding from a range of in vitro tests involving cellular as well as lipid vesicle-based methods, it is proposed that the magnitude of the accessible membrane surface charge is not a primarily decisive factor for selective peptide interactions. Instead, it is suggested that the level of membrane surface-exposed phosphatidylserine is of crucial importance for the activity of peptide NK-2 and enhanced variants thereof in terms of their cancer cell selectivity, the overall efficacy, as well as the underlying mode of action and kinetics. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Wilms
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Andrä
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033, Hamburg, Germany
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34
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Sánchez-Navarro M, Garcia J, Giralt E, Teixidó M. Using peptides to increase transport across the intestinal barrier. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 106:355-366. [PMID: 27155131 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The oral route is the preferred for the administration of drugs; however, it has some serious limitations. One of the main disadvantages is poor permeability across the intestinal barrier. Various approaches are currently being adopted to overcome this issue. In this review, we describe the alternatives that use peptides to enhance intestinal absorption. First, we define the various sources of peptide enhancers followed by the analysis of the absorption mechanism used. We then comment on the possible toxic effects derived from their use as permeation enhancers, as well as potential formulation strategies. Finally, the advantages and drawbacks of peptides as intestinal enhancers are examined.
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35
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Kleandrova VV, Ruso JM, Speck-Planche A, Dias Soeiro Cordeiro MN. Enabling the Discovery and Virtual Screening of Potent and Safe Antimicrobial Peptides. Simultaneous Prediction of Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity. ACS COMBINATORIAL SCIENCE 2016; 18:490-8. [PMID: 27280735 DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.6b00063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising alternatives to fight against bacterial pathogens. However, cellular toxicity remains one of the main concerns in the early development of peptide-based drugs. This work introduces the first multitasking (mtk) computational model focused on performing simultaneous predictions of antibacterial activities, and cytotoxicities of peptides. The model was created from a data set containing 3592 cases, and it displayed accuracy higher than 96% for classifying/predicting peptides in both training and prediction (test) sets. The technique known as alanine scanning was computationally applied to illustrate the calculation of the quantitative contributions of the amino acids (in their respective positions of the sequence) to the biological effects of a defined peptide. A small library formed by 10 peptides was generated, where peptides were designed by considering the interpretations of the different descriptors in the mtk-computational model. All the peptides were predicted to exhibit high antibacterial activities against multiple bacterial strains, and low cytotoxicity against various cell types. The present mtk-computational model can be considered a very useful tool to support high throughput research for the discovery of potent and safe AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria V. Kleandrova
- Faculty
of Technology and Production Management, Moscow State University of Food Production, Volokolamskoe shosse 11, Moscow, Russia
| | - Juan M. Ruso
- Department
of Applied Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Alejandro Speck-Planche
- Department
of Applied Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- LAQV@REQUIMTE,
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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36
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Gajski G, Domijan AM, Žegura B, Štern A, Gerić M, Novak Jovanović I, Vrhovac I, Madunić J, Breljak D, Filipič M, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Melittin induced cytogenetic damage, oxidative stress and changes in gene expression in human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Toxicon 2016; 110:56-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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37
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Concentration-Dependent Mechanism Alteration of Pleurocidin Peptide in Escherichia coli. Curr Microbiol 2015; 72:159-164. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-015-0937-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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38
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Wu X, Zhao B, Cheng Y, Yang Y, Huang C, Meng X, Wu B, Zhang L, Lv X, Li J. Melittin induces PTCH1 expression by down-regulating MeCP2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 288:74-83. [PMID: 26189965 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate worldwide and still remains to be a noticeable public health problem. Therefore, new remedies are urgently needed. Melittin, a major component of bee venom, is known to suppress cell growth in various cancers including HCC. However, the mechanism of the anticancer effect of melittin on HCC has not been fully elucidated. It has been reported that Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) plays a key role in tumor proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. In the present study, we found the high expression of MeCP2 in human HCC tissues and in the SMMC-7721 cell line. MeCP2 silencing inhibited cell proliferation, while over-expression of MeCP2 promoted cell growth in SMMC-7721 cells. It indicates that MeCP2 may be an attractive target for human HCC. We further found that melittin could inhibit cell proliferation by reducing MeCP2 expression in vitro. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of melittin on cell proliferation was due to a delay in G0/G1 cell cycle progression, without influencing cell apoptosis. Next, we investigated the potential molecular mechanisms and found that MeCP2 could modulate Shh signaling in SMMC-7721 cells. Further study indicates that melittin may induce the demethylation of PTCH1 promoter, resulting in the increased expression of PTCH1. Furthermore, the expression of Shh and GLI1 was significantly lowered upon treatment of melittin. These results suggest that melittin can block Shh signaling in vitro. In short, these results indicate that melittin inhibits cell proliferation by down-regulating MeCP2 through Shh signaling in SMMC-7721 cells.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- DNA Methylation
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Melitten/pharmacology
- Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2/genetics
- Methyl-CpG-Binding Protein 2/metabolism
- Patched Receptors
- Patched-1 Receptor
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA Interference
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Resting Phase, Cell Cycle/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Time Factors
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transfection
- Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yahui Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaoming Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Baoming Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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39
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Sah BNP, Vasiljevic T, McKechnie S, Donkor ON. Identification of Anticancer Peptides from Bovine Milk Proteins and Their Potential Roles in Management of Cancer: A Critical Review. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2015; 14:123-138. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B. N. P. Sah
- College of Health and Biomedicine; Victoria Univ; Werribee Campus; PO Box 14428 Melbourne Victoria 8001 Australia
| | - T. Vasiljevic
- College of Health and Biomedicine; Victoria Univ; Werribee Campus; PO Box 14428 Melbourne Victoria 8001 Australia
| | - S. McKechnie
- College of Engineering and Science; Victoria Univ; Werribee Campus; PO Box 14428 Melbourne Victoria 8001 Australia
| | - O. N. Donkor
- College of Health and Biomedicine; Victoria Univ; Werribee Campus; PO Box 14428 Melbourne Victoria 8001 Australia
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40
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Do N, Weindl G, Grohmann L, Salwiczek M, Koksch B, Korting HC, Schäfer-Korting M. Cationic membrane-active peptides - anticancer and antifungal activity as well as penetration into human skin. Exp Dermatol 2014; 23:326-31. [PMID: 24661024 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides are ancient natural broad-spectrum antibiotics, and several compounds also exhibit anticancer activity. However, most applications pertain to bacterial infections, and treatment for skin cancer is less frequently considered. The cytotoxicity of melittin, cecropin A, protegrin-1 and histatin 5 against squamous skin cancer cell lines and normal human keratinocytes was evaluated and compared to established drugs. The results show that melittin clearly outperforms 5-fluorouracil regarding antitumor activity. Importantly, combined melittin and 5-fluorouracil enhanced cytotoxic effects on cancer cells and reduced toxicity on normal keratinocytes. Additionally, minimum inhibitory concentrations indicate that melittin also shows superior activity against clinical and laboratory strains of Candida albicans compared to amphotericin B. To evaluate its potential for topical applications, human skin penetration of melittin was investigated ex vivo and compared to two non-toxic cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), low molecular weight protamine (LMWP) and penetratin. The stratum corneum prevents penetration into viable epidermis over 6 h; however, the peptides gain access to the viable skin after 24 h. Inhibition of digestive enzymes during skin penetration significantly enhances the availability of intact peptide. In conclusion, melittin may represent an innovative agent for non-melanoma skin cancer and infectious skin diseases. In order to develop a drug candidate, skin absorption and proteolytic digestion by skin enzymes need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhung Do
- Institute for Pharmacy (Pharmacology and Toxicology), Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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41
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Lee YJ, Lee YS, Jin BS. Antimicrobial Activities of Ethosome-Encapsulated Palmitoyl Tripeptide. APPLIED CHEMISTRY FOR ENGINEERING 2014. [DOI: 10.14478/ace.2014.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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42
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Abstract
Melittin is a major active component of bee venom, and it exhibits strong biological activity. Recent reports have demonstrated that melittin has anti-tumor effects on many kinds of tumor cells through direct interaction with cell transduction mediators and influencing cellular signaling pathways, induction of apoptotic or necrotic cell death, and inhibition of growth and proliferationin vivo or in vitro. Nanotechnology and genetic engineering provide technical support to the safe and targeted delivery of melittin to the body. This review summarizes recent findings on the anti-tumor potential of melittin in tumors of different types.
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43
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Xia L, Wu Y, Kang S, Ma J, Yang J, Zhang F. CecropinXJ, a silkworm antimicrobial peptide, induces cytoskeleton disruption in esophageal carcinoma cells. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2014; 46:867-76. [PMID: 25122621 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmu070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides exist in the non-specific immune system of organism and participate in the innate host defense of each species. CecropinXJ, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, possesses potent anticancer activity and acts preferentially on cancer cells instead of normal cells, but the mechanism of cancer cell death induced by cecropinXJ remains largely unknown. This study was performed to investigate the cytoskeleton-disrupting effects of cecropinXJ on human esophageal carcinoma cell line Eca109 using scanning electron microscopy observation, fluorescence imaging, cell migration and invasion assays, western blotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. The electronic microscope and fluorescence imaging observation suggested that cecropinXJ could result in morphological changes and induce damage to microtubules and actin of Eca109 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cell migration and invasion assays demonstrated that cecropinXJ could inhibit migration and invasion of tumor cells. Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis showed that there was obvious correlation between microtubule depolymerization and actin polymerization induced by cecropinXJ. Moreover, cecropinXJ might also cause decreased expression of α-actin, β-actin, γ-actin, α-tubulin, and β-tubulin genes in concentration- and time-dependent manners. In summary, this study indicates that cecropinXJ triggers cytotoxicity in Eca109 cells through inducing the cytoskeleton destruction and regulating the expression of cytoskeleton proteins. This cecropinXJ-mediated cytoskeleton-destruction effect is instrumental in our understanding of the detailed action of antimicrobial peptides in human cancer cells and cecropinXJ might be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijie Xia
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Su Kang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Ji Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Fuchun Zhang
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China
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44
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Park JH, Lee WR, Kim HS, Han SM, Chang YC, Park KK. Protective effects of melittin on tumor necrosis factor-α induced hepatic damage through suppression of apoptotic pathway and nuclear factor-kappa B activation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1705-14. [PMID: 24872433 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214533880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin, a major polypeptide in honeybee venom, have been used to treat inflammatory disease. Various studies have demonstrated the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of bee venom and melittin. However, the precise mechanism of melittin in liver disease is not yet known. Apoptosis contributes to liver inflammation and fibrosis. Knowledge of the apoptotic mechanisms is important to develop new and effective therapies for treatment of cirrhosis. In the present study, we investigated the anti-apoptotic effect of melittin on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α/actinomycin (Act) D-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. Our results show significant protection from DNA damage by melittin treatment compared with corresponding TNF-α/Act D-treated hepatocytes without melittin. Melittin inhibited TNF-α/Act D-induced activation of the caspase, bcl-2 family of proteins and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)-1. Our results also indicate that melittin decreased nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) by degradation of phosphorylation of IκB kinase (p-IKK) and NF-κB DNA binding activity in TNF-α/Act D-treated hepatocytes. These results suggest that melittin possesses a potent suppressive effect on apoptotic responses in TNF-α/Act D-treated hepatocytes via the NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hyun Park
- Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Daegu, College of Medicine, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Ram Lee
- Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Daegu, College of Medicine, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Keimyung University, College of Natural Science, Daegu 704-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Han
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon 441-100, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chae Chang
- Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Daegu, College of Medicine, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, Catholic University of Daegu, College of Medicine, Daegu 705-718, Republic of Korea
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Ensign LM, Cone R, Hanes J. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery to the vagina: a review. J Control Release 2014; 190:500-14. [PMID: 24830303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2014.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Vaginal drug administration can improve prophylaxis and treatment of many conditions affecting the female reproductive tract, including sexually transmitted diseases, fungal and bacterial infections, and cancer. However, achieving sustained local drug concentrations in the vagina can be challenging, due to the high permeability of the vaginal epithelium and expulsion of conventional soluble drug dosage forms. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery platforms have received considerable attention for vaginal drug delivery, as nanoparticles can provide sustained release, cellular targeting, and even intrinsic antimicrobial or adjuvant properties that can improve the potency and/or efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic modalities. Here, we review the use of polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles for vaginal drug delivery. Although most of the work toward nanoparticle-based drug delivery in the vagina has been focused on HIV prevention, strategies for treatment and prevention of other sexually transmitted infections, treatment for reproductive tract cancer, and treatment of fungal and bacterial infections are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Ensign
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N. Broadway, Baltimore 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N. Broadway, Baltimore 21231, USA.
| | - Richard Cone
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N. Broadway, Baltimore 21231, USA; Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218, USA
| | - Justin Hanes
- Center for Nanomedicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N. Broadway, Baltimore 21231, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, The Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N. Broadway, Baltimore 21231, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore 21205, USA; Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore 21218, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore 21287, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore 21287, USA
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Černe K, Erman A, Veranič P. Analysis of cytotoxicity of melittin on adherent culture of human endothelial cells reveals advantage of fluorescence microscopy over flow cytometry and haemocytometer assay. PROTOPLASMA 2013; 250:1131-1137. [PMID: 23456458 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-013-0489-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Melittin, from the honeybee venom, is a membrane active protein, whose cytotoxicity to human endothelial cells has not been described yet. In this work, we studied its time-dependent cytotoxicity on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Since HUVECs grow in culture as adherent cells, suspension of cells is required before measuring cytotoxicity with a haemocytometer or flow cytometry. Therefore, we also tried to discover whether the result of cytotoxicity tests of melittin is influenced by the preparation of the cell suspension. For this purpose, we compared the results of haemocytometer-based trypan blue assay and flow cytometry using 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) with results of fluorescence microscopy using 7-AAD and 4', 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). Melittin over 60 min exposure evoked a rapid decline in the survival of HUVEC. After 60 min exposure to melittin, the phase contrast microscopy demonstrated massive necrosis in the remaining attached cells. Fluorescence microscopy detected both viable and non-viable cells in adequate proportions at all exposure times, whereas haemocytometer-based assay and flow cytometry highly underestimated the percentage of non-viable cells or even failed to detect any dead cells. Our data clearly indicate that the induction of large-scale damage to adherent endothelial cells by melittin results in a loss of the majority of necrotic cells during sample preparation for flow cytometry or a haemocytometer-based assay. In the case of adherent cell culture, therefore, fluorescence microscopy was shown to be a more appropriate method for quantitative analysis of cell death caused by a fast-acting cytolytic toxin such as melittin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Černe
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia,
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Gaspar D, Veiga AS, Castanho MARB. From antimicrobial to anticancer peptides. A review. Front Microbiol 2013; 4:294. [PMID: 24101917 PMCID: PMC3787199 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2013.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the innate immune defense mechanism of many organisms. Although AMPs have been essentially studied and developed as potential alternatives for fighting infectious diseases, their use as anticancer peptides (ACPs) in cancer therapy either alone or in combination with other conventional drugs has been regarded as a therapeutic strategy to explore. As human cancer remains a cause of high morbidity and mortality worldwide, an urgent need of new, selective, and more efficient drugs is evident. Even though ACPs are expected to be selective toward tumor cells without impairing the normal body physiological functions, the development of a selective ACP has been a challenge. It is not yet possible to predict antitumor activity based on ACPs structures. ACPs are unique molecules when compared to the actual chemotherapeutic arsenal available for cancer treatment and display a variety of modes of action which in some types of cancer seem to co-exist. Regardless the debate surrounding the definition of structure-activity relationships for ACPs, great effort has been invested in ACP design and the challenge of improving effective killing of tumor cells remains. As detailed studies on ACPs mechanisms of action are crucial for optimizing drug development, in this review we provide an overview of the literature concerning peptides' structure, modes of action, selectivity, and efficacy and also summarize some of the many ACPs studied and/or developed for targeting different solid and hematologic malignancies with special emphasis on the first group. Strategies described for drug development and for increasing peptide selectivity toward specific cells while reducing toxicity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
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Gajski G, Garaj-Vrhovac V. Melittin: a lytic peptide with anticancer properties. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2013; 36:697-705. [PMID: 23892471 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melittin (MEL) is a major peptide constituent of bee venom that has been proposed as one of the upcoming possibilities for anticancer therapy. Recent reports point to several mechanisms of MEL cytotoxicity in different types of cancer cells such as cell cycle alterations, effect on proliferation and/or growth inhibition, and induction of apoptotic and necrotic cell death trough several cancer cell death mechanisms, including the activation of caspases and matrix metalloproteinases. Although cytotoxic to a broad spectrum of tumour cells, the peptide is also toxic to normal cells. Therefore its therapeutic potential cannot be achieved without a proper delivery vehicle which could be overcome by MEL nanoparticles that possess the ability to safely deliver significant amount of MEL intravenously, and to target and kill tumours. This review paper summarizes the current knowledge and brings latest research findings on the anticancer potential of this lytic peptide with diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vera Garaj-Vrhovac
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Effect of melittin on mice stomach. Saudi J Biol Sci 2013; 21:99-108. [PMID: 24596505 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melittin, the main bee venom component, has many positive biological effects and a relatively low toxicity in various cell types. However, there is no evidence of the effect of melittin on gastrointestinal cells. In the present study, we investigated the histological and immuonohistochemical effects of melittin on mice stomach. Adult male mice (Albino Swiss) were randomly divided into two groups (7 mice for each group): control group and melittin only treated group (10 and 40 μg/kg). These mice were sacrificed, then samples from the stomach were collected and prepared for histopathological studies by using alcian blue stain and immuonohistochemical studies by using smooth muscle actin (SMA) antibody. Treatment with melittin alone do not cause any harmful effect on the stomach tissue where the microscopic examination of Alcian blue stained section showed the normal distribution of the mucous secreting cells of the stomach tissues. On other hand, no changes were observed on smooth muscle cells. This study demonstrated the safety of using melittin on gastrointestinal tissues if used in definite dose and for suitable duration, which offers an opportunity for its use as a treatment for many diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
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Al-Hilal TA, Alam F, Byun Y. Oral drug delivery systems using chemical conjugates or physical complexes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2013; 65:845-64. [PMID: 23220326 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Oral delivery of therapeutics is extremely challenging. The digestive system is designed in a way that naturally allows the degradation of proteins or peptides into small molecules prior to absorption. For systemic absorption, the intact drug molecules must traverse the impending harsh gastrointestinal environment. Technologies, such as enteric coating, with oral dosage formulation strategies have successfully provided the protection of non-peptide based therapeutics against the harsh, acidic condition of the stomach. However, these technologies showed limited success on the protection of therapeutic proteins and peptides. Importantly, inherent permeability coefficient of the therapeutics is still a major problem that has remained unresolved for decades. Addressing this issue in the context, we summarize the strategies that are developed in enhancing the intestinal permeability of a drug molecule either by modifying the intestinal epithelium or by modifying the drug itself. These modifications have been pursued by using a group of molecules that can be conjugated to the drug molecule to alter the cell permeability of the drug or mixed with the drug molecule to alter the epithelial barrier function, in order to achieve the effective drug permeation. This article will address the current trends and future perspectives of the oral delivery strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taslim A Al-Hilal
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, South Korea
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