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Sharma D, Dhiman I, Das S, Das DK, Pramanik DD, Dash SK, Pramanik A. Recent Advances in Therapeutic Peptides: Innovations and Applications in Treating Infections and Diseases. ACS OMEGA 2025; 10:17087-17107. [PMID: 40352490 PMCID: PMC12059905 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c02077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2025] [Revised: 04/11/2025] [Accepted: 04/14/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025]
Abstract
Peptides have become a powerful frontier in modern medicine, offering a promising therapeutic solution for various diseases and advancing rapidly in pharmaceutical development. These small amino acid chains, with their innovative design, have attracted significant attention due to their versatility and high receptor specificity, which minimizes off-target effects, along with enhanced therapeutic efficacy, biodegradability, low toxicity, and minimal immunogenicity. They are being explored for use in several clinical domains, like metabolic diseases, immunomodulation, and cancer. Furthermore, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have grown to be a promising strategy to combat the worldwide challenge of antibiotic resistance, demonstrating promising results against multidrug-resistant organisms. Both natural and engineered peptides have been discovered and investigated, whereas numerous others are progressing toward clinical trials in a number of therapeutic domains. Recent improvements with surface modification, such as peptide engineering, peptide cyclization, PEGylation, and the utilization of synthetic amino acids to enhance their pharmacokinetic profiles and overcome the inherent disadvantages of these peptides have made it possible for the area to continue to advance. Moreover, their therapeutic potential has been further enhanced by innovative delivery methods, such as self-assembling peptides, nanocarriers, and alternate routes of administration. This Review critically states the potential of peptides as versatile therapeutics along with their modifications and advancements to drive the significant progress to treat infections and chronic diseases, along with their potential benefits and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepshikha Sharma
- Amity
Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Isha Dhiman
- Amity
Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Swarnali Das
- Department
of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal 732103, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Das
- Department
of Chemistry and Nanoscience, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh 281406, India
| | - Devlina Das Pramanik
- Amity
Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Dash
- Department
of Physiology, University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal 732103, India
| | - Arindam Pramanik
- Amity
Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India
- School
of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS97TF, United Kingdom
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2
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Balleza D. The Role of Flexibility in the Bioactivity of Short α-Helical Antimicrobial Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2025; 14:422. [PMID: 40426489 PMCID: PMC12108317 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics14050422] [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: 04/01/2025] [Revised: 04/13/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
The formation of aqueous pores through the interaction of amphipathic peptides is a process facilitated by the conformational dynamics typical of these biomolecules. Prior to their insertion with the membrane, these peptides go through several conformational states until they finally reach a stable α-helical structure. The conformational dynamics of these pore-forming peptides, α-PFP, is, thus, encoded in their amino acid sequence, which also predetermines their intrinsic flexibility. However, although the role of flexibility is widely recognized as fundamental in their bioactivity, it is still unclear whether this parameter is indeed decisive, as there are reports favoring the view of highly disruptive flexible peptides and others where relative rigidity also predetermines high rates of permeability across membranes. In this review we discuss in depth all those aspects linked to the conformational dynamics of these small biomolecules and which depend on the composition, sequence and dynamic performance both in aqueous phase and in close interaction with phospholipids. In addition, evidence is provided for the contribution of the known carboxyamidation in some well-studied α-PFPs, which are preferentially associated with sequences intrinsically more rigid than those not amidated and generally more flexible than the former. Taken together, this information is of great relevance for the optimization of new antibiotic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Balleza
- Laboratorio de Microbiología, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo en Alimentos, Instituto Tecnológico de Veracruz, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Veracruz 91897, Mexico
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3
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Duque HM, Dos Santos C, Brango-Vanegas J, Díaz-Martín RD, Dias SC, Franco OL. Unwrapping the structural and functional features of antimicrobial peptides from wasp venoms. Pharmacol Res 2024; 200:107069. [PMID: 38218356 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
The study of wasp venoms has captured attention due to the presence of a wide variety of active compounds, revealing a diverse array of biological effects. Among these compounds, certain antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as mastoparans and chemotactic peptides have emerged as significant players, characterized by their unique amphipathic short linear alpha-helical structure. These peptides exhibit not only antibiotic properties but also a range of other biological activities, which are related to their ability to interact with biological membranes to varying degrees. This review article aims to provide updated insights into the structure/function relationships of AMPs derived from wasp venoms, linking this knowledge to the potential development of innovative treatments against infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil.
| | - Cristiane Dos Santos
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - José Brango-Vanegas
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Ruben Dario Díaz-Martín
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Simoni Campos Dias
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil; Program in Animal Biology, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF70910-900, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160 Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010 Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
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4
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Ye X, Zhang H, Luo X, Huang F, Sun F, Zhou L, Qin C, Ding L, Zhou H, Liu X, Chen Z. Characterization of the Hemolytic Activity of Mastoparan Family Peptides from Wasp Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:591. [PMID: 37888622 PMCID: PMC10611374 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15100591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologically active peptides have attracted increasing attention in research on the development of new drugs. Mastoparans, a group of wasp venom linear cationic α-helical peptides, have a variety of biological effects, including mast cell degranulation, activation of protein G, and antimicrobial and anticancer activities. However, the potential hemolytic activity of cationic α-helical peptides greatly limits the clinical applications of mastoparans. Here, we systematically and comprehensively studied the hemolytic activity of mastoparans based on our wasp venom mastoparan family peptide library. The results showed that among 55 mastoparans, 18 had strong hemolytic activity (EC50 ≤ 100 μM), 14 had modest hemolytic activity (100 μM < EC50 ≤ 400 μM) and 23 had little hemolytic activity (EC50 > 400 μM), suggesting functional variation in the molecular diversity of mastoparan family peptides from wasp venom. Based on these data, structure-function relationships were further explored, and, hydrophobicity, but not net charge and amphiphilicity, was found to play a critical role in the hemolytic activity of mastoparans. Combining the reported antimicrobial activity with the present hemolytic activity data, we found that four mastoparan peptides, Parapolybia-MP, Mastoparan-like peptide 12b, Dominulin A and Dominulin B, have promise for applications because of their high antimicrobial activity (MIC ≤ 10 μM) and low hemolytic activity (EC50 ≥ 400 μM). Our research not only identified new leads for the antimicrobial application of mastoparans but also provided a large chemical space to support the molecular design and optimization of mastoparan family peptides with low hemolytic activity regardless of net charge or amphiphilicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Fengyin Huang
- Department of Public Studies, Changde Vocational Technical College, Changde 415000, China;
| | - Fang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Liangbin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Prince Wales Hospital & Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Chenhu Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China;
| | - Haimei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China; (X.Y.); (H.Z.); (X.L.); (F.S.); (C.Q.); (H.Z.); (X.L.)
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
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Ye X, Liu X, Luo X, Sun F, Qin C, Ding L, Zhu W, Zhang H, Zhou H, Chen Z. Characterization of the Molecular Diversity and Degranulation Activity of Mastoparan Family Peptides from Wasp Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15050331. [PMID: 37235365 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15050331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Wasp stings have become an increasingly serious public health problem because of their high incidence and mortality rates in various countries and regions. Mastoparan family peptides are the most abundant natural peptides in hornet venoms and solitary wasp venom. However, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive studies on mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms. In our study, for the first time, we evaluated the molecular diversity of 55 wasp mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms and divided them into four major subfamilies. Then, we established a wasp peptide library containing all 55 known mastoparan family peptides by chemical synthesis and C-terminal amidation modification, and we systematically evaluated their degranulation activities in two mast cell lines, namely the RBL-2H3 and P815 cell lines. The results showed that among the 55 mastoparans, 35 mastoparans could significantly induce mast cell degranulation, 7 mastoparans had modest mast cell degranulation activity, and 13 mastoparans had little mast cell degranulation activity, suggesting functional variation in mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms. Structure-function relationship studies found that the composition of amino acids in the hydrophobic face and amidation in the C-terminal region are critical for the degranulation activity of mastoparan family peptides from wasp venoms. Our research will lay a theoretical foundation for studying the mechanism underlying the degranulation activity of wasp mastoparans and provide new evidence to support the molecular design and molecular optimization of natural mastoparan peptides from wasp venoms in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Chenhu Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Haimei Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, China
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Guido-Patiño JC, Plisson F. Profiling hymenopteran venom toxins: Protein families, structural landscape, biological activities, and pharmacological benefits. Toxicon X 2022; 14:100119. [PMID: 35372826 PMCID: PMC8971319 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxcx.2022.100119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hymenopterans are an untapped source of venom secretions. Their recent proteo-transcriptomic studies have revealed an extraordinary pool of toxins that participate in various biological processes, including pain, paralysis, allergic reactions, and antimicrobial activities. Comprehensive and clade-specific campaigns to collect hymenopteran venoms are therefore needed. We consider that data-driven bioprospecting may help prioritise sampling and alleviate associated costs. This work established the current protein landscape from hymenopteran venoms to evaluate possible sample bias by studying their origins, sequence diversity, known structures, and biological functions. We collected all 282 reported hymenopteran toxins (peptides and proteins) from the UniProt database that we clustered into 21 protein families from the three studied clades - wasps, bees, and ants. We identified 119 biological targets of hymenopteran toxins ranging from pathogen membranes to eukaryotic proteases, ion channels and protein receptors. Our systematic study further extended to hymenopteran toxins' therapeutic and biotechnological values, where we revealed promising applications in crop pests, human infections, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The hymenopteran toxin diversity includes 21 protein families from 81 species. Some toxins are shared across wasps, bees and ants, others are clade-specific. Their venoms contain membrane-active peptides, neurotoxins, allergens and enzymes. Hymenopteran toxins have been tested against a total of 119 biological targets. Hymenopteran toxins were predominantly evaluated as anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Guido-Patiño
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del IPN (CINVESTAV), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para La Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
| | - Fabien Plisson
- CONACYT, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados Del IPN (CINVESTAV), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para La Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, 36824, Mexico
- Corresponding author.
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Alberto-Silva C, Vieira Portaro FC, Kodama RT, Pantaleão HQ, Inagaki H, Nihei KI, Konno K. Comprehensive Analysis and Biological Characterization of Venom Components from Solitary Scoliid Wasp Campsomeriella annulata annulata. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:885. [PMID: 34941722 PMCID: PMC8708821 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Venoms of solitary wasps are utilized for prey capture (insects and spiders), paralyzing them with a stinger injection to be offered as food for their larvae. Thus, the identification and characterization of the components of solitary wasp venoms can have biotechnological application. In the present study, the venom components profile of a solitary scoliid wasp, Campsomeriella annulata annulata, was investigated through a comprehensive analysis using LC-MS and -MS/MS. Online mass fingerprinting revealed that the venom extract contains 138 components, and MS/MS analysis identified 44 complete sequences of the peptide components. The peptides are broadly divided into two classes: bradykinin-related peptides, and linear α-helical peptides. Among the components of the first class, the two main peptides, α-campsomerin (PRLRRLTGLSPLR) and β-campsomerin (PRLRRLTGLSPLRAP), had their biological activities evaluated. Both peptides had no effects on metallopeptidases [human neprilysin (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)] and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and had no cytotoxic effects. Studies with PC12 neuronal cells showed that only α-campsomerin was able to enhance cell viability, while β-campsomerin had no effect. It is noteworthy that the only difference between the primary structures from these peptides is the presence of the AP extension at the C-terminus of β-campsomerin, compared to α-campsomerin. Among the linear α-helical peptides, annulatin (ISEALKSIIVG-NH2) was evaluated for its biological activities. Annulatin showed histamine releasing activity from mast cells and low hemolytic activity, but no antimicrobial activities against all microbes tested were observed. Thus, in addition to providing unprecedented information on the whole components, the three peptides selected for the study suggest that molecules present in solitary scoliid wasp venoms may have interesting biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto-Silva
- Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory, Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo 09606-070, SP, Brazil;
| | - Fernanda Calheta Vieira Portaro
- Structure and Functions of Biomolecules Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (F.C.V.P.); (R.T.K.)
| | - Roberto Tadashi Kodama
- Structure and Functions of Biomolecules Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil; (F.C.V.P.); (R.T.K.)
| | - Halyne Queiroz Pantaleão
- Experimental Morphophysiology Laboratory, Natural and Humanities Sciences Center, Federal University of ABC (UFABC), São Bernardo do Campo 09606-070, SP, Brazil;
| | - Hidetoshi Inagaki
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan;
| | - Ken-ichi Nihei
- School of Agriculture, Utsunomiya University, Utsunomiya 321-8505, Tochigi, Japan;
| | - Katsuhiro Konno
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Toyama, Japan
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El-Dirany R, Shahrour H, Dirany Z, Abdel-Sater F, Gonzalez-Gaitano G, Brandenburg K, Martinez de Tejada G, Nguewa PA. Activity of Anti-Microbial Peptides (AMPs) against Leishmania and Other Parasites: An Overview. Biomolecules 2021; 11:984. [PMID: 34356608 PMCID: PMC8301979 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs), small biologically active molecules, produced by different organisms through their innate immune system, have become a considerable subject of interest in the request of novel therapeutics. Most of these peptides are cationic-amphipathic, exhibiting two main mechanisms of action, direct lysis and by modulating the immunity. The most commonly reported activity of AMPs is their anti-bacterial effects, although other effects, such as anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic, as well as anti-tumor mechanisms of action have also been described. Their anti-parasitic effect against leishmaniasis has been studied. Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease. Currently among parasitic diseases, it is the second most threating illness after malaria. Clinical treatments, mainly antimonial derivatives, are related to drug resistance and some undesirable effects. Therefore, the development of new therapeutic agents has become a priority, and AMPs constitute a promising alternative. In this work, we describe the principal families of AMPs (melittin, cecropin, cathelicidin, defensin, magainin, temporin, dermaseptin, eumenitin, and histatin) exhibiting a potential anti-leishmanial activity, as well as their effectiveness against other microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rima El-Dirany
- ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
- Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon; (H.S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Hawraa Shahrour
- Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon; (H.S.); (F.A.-S.)
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Zeinab Dirany
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (Z.D.); (G.G.-G.)
| | - Fadi Abdel-Sater
- Faculty of Sciences I, Lebanese University, Hadath 1003, Lebanon; (H.S.); (F.A.-S.)
| | - Gustavo Gonzalez-Gaitano
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain; (Z.D.); (G.G.-G.)
| | - Klaus Brandenburg
- Brandenburg Antiinfektiva GmbH, c/o Forschungszentrum Borstel, Leibniz Lungenzentrum, 23845 Borstel, Germany;
| | - Guillermo Martinez de Tejada
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
| | - Paul A. Nguewa
- ISTUN Instituto de Salud Tropical, Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, IdiSNA (Navarra Institute for Health Research), University of Navarra, c/Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
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9
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Brock RE, Cini A, Sumner S. Ecosystem services provided by aculeate wasps. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:1645-1675. [PMID: 33913243 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The aculeate wasps are one of the most diverse and speciose insect taxa; they are omnipresent across ecosystems and exhibit diverse co-evolutionary and exploitative associations with other organisms. There is widespread conjecture that aculeate wasps are likely to perform essential ecological and economic services of importance to the health, well-being and nutritional needs of our planet. However, the scope and nature of the ecosystem services they provide are not well understood relative to other insect groups (e.g. bees, butterflies, beetles); an appreciation of their value is further tarnished by their public reputation as pointless pests. Here, we conduct the first comprehensive review of how aculeate wasps contribute to the four main areas of ecosystem services: regulatory, provisioning, supporting and cultural services. Uniting data from a large but previously disconnected literature on solitary and social aculeate wasps, we provide a synthesis on how these insects perform important ecosystem services as parasites, predators, biological indicators, pollinators, decomposers and seed dispersers; and their additional services as a sustainable alternative to meat for human consumption, and medicinal potential as sources of research leads for anti-microbials and cancer treatments. We highlight how aculeate wasps offer substantial, but largely overlooked, economic benefits through their roles in natural pest management and biological control programs. Accordingly, we provide data-driven arguments for reasons to consider the ecosystem service value of aculeate wasps on a par with other 'useful' insects (e.g. bees). Finally, we provide a research roadmap identifying the key areas of research required to capitalise better on the services provided by these important insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Brock
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, U.K
| | - Alessandro Cini
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.,Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research, University College London, Medawar Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Seirian Sumner
- Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research, University College London, Medawar Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
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10
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Wasp Venom Biochemical Components and Their Potential in Biological Applications and Nanotechnological Interventions. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13030206. [PMID: 33809401 PMCID: PMC8000949 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13030206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Wasps, members of the order Hymenoptera, are distributed in different parts of the world, including Brazil, Thailand, Japan, Korea, and Argentina. The lifestyles of the wasps are solitary and social. Social wasps use venom as a defensive measure to protect their colonies, whereas solitary wasps use their venom to capture prey. Chemically, wasp venom possesses a wide variety of enzymes, proteins, peptides, volatile compounds, and bioactive constituents, which include phospholipase A2, antigen 5, mastoparan, and decoralin. The bioactive constituents have anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the limited quantities of wasp venom and the scarcity of advanced strategies for the synthesis of wasp venom’s bioactive compounds remain a challenge facing the effective usage of wasp venom. Solid-phase peptide synthesis is currently used to prepare wasp venom peptides and their analogs such as mastoparan, anoplin, decoralin, polybia-CP, and polydim-I. The goal of the current review is to highlight the medicinal value of the wasp venom compounds, as well as limitations and possibilities. Wasp venom could be a potential and novel natural source to develop innovative pharmaceuticals and new agents for drug discovery.
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11
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Moyer TB, Parsley NC, Sadecki PW, Schug WJ, Hicks LM. Leveraging orthogonal mass spectrometry based strategies for comprehensive sequencing and characterization of ribosomal antimicrobial peptide natural products. Nat Prod Rep 2021; 38:489-509. [PMID: 32929442 PMCID: PMC7956910 DOI: 10.1039/d0np00046a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Covering: Up to July 2020Ribosomal antimicrobial peptide (AMP) natural products, also known as ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) or host defense peptides, demonstrate potent bioactivities and impressive complexity that complicate molecular and biological characterization. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS) has rapidly accelerated bioactive peptide sequencing efforts, yet standard workflows insufficiently address intrinsic AMP diversity. Herein, orthogonal approaches to accelerate comprehensive and accurate molecular characterization without the need for prior isolation are reviewed. Chemical derivatization, proteolysis (enzymatic and chemical cleavage), multistage MS fragmentation, and separation (liquid chromatography and ion mobility) strategies can provide complementary amino acid composition and post-translational modification data to constrain sequence solutions. Examination of two complex case studies, gomesin and styelin D, highlights the practical implementation of the proposed approaches. Finally, we emphasize the importance of heterogeneous AMP peptidoforms that confer varying biological function, an area that warrants significant further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa B Moyer
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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12
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Lamiyan AK, Dalal R, Kumar NR. Venom peptides in association with standard drugs: a novel strategy for combating antibiotic resistance - an overview. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200001. [PMID: 32843888 PMCID: PMC7416788 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of antibiotic resistance that leads to resurgence of bacterial infections poses a threat to disease-free existence for humankind and is a challenge for the welfare of the society at large. Despite research efforts directed towards treatment of pathogens, antibiotics within new improved classes have not emerged for years, a fact largely attributable to the pharmacological necessities compelling drug development. Recent reversion to the use of natural products alone or in combination with standard drugs has opened up new vistas for alternative therapeutics. The success of this strategy is evident in the sudden interest in plant extracts as additives/synergists for treatment of maladies caused by drug-resistant bacterial strains. Animal venoms have long fascinated scientists as sources of pharmacologically active components that can be exploited for the treatment of specific ailments and should be promoted further to clinical trials. In the present review, we outline the scope and possible methods for the applications of animal venoms in combination with commercial antibiotics to offer a better treatment approach against antibiotic-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramkesh Dalal
- Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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13
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Amini A, Raheem S, Steiner A, Deeba F, Ahmad Z. Insect venom peptides as potent inhibitors of Escherichia coli ATP synthase. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 150:23-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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14
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Molecular composition of the paralyzing venom of three solitary wasps (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) collected in southeast Mexico. Toxicon 2019; 168:98-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2019.06.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Sabiá Júnior EF, Menezes LFS, de Araújo IFS, Schwartz EF. Natural Occurrence in Venomous Arthropods of Antimicrobial Peptides Active against Protozoan Parasites. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E563. [PMID: 31557900 PMCID: PMC6832604 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropoda is a phylum of invertebrates that has undergone remarkable evolutionary radiation, with a wide range of venomous animals. Arthropod venom is a complex mixture of molecules and a source of new compounds, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Most AMPs affect membrane integrity and produce lethal pores in microorganisms, including protozoan pathogens, whereas others act on internal targets or by modulation of the host immune system. Protozoan parasites cause some serious life-threatening diseases among millions of people worldwide, mostly affecting the poorest in developing tropical regions. Humans can be infected with protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Trypanosoma, Leishmania, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma, responsible for Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and toxoplasmosis. There is not yet any cure or vaccine for these illnesses, and the current antiprotozoal chemotherapeutic compounds are inefficient and toxic and have been in clinical use for decades, which increases drug resistance. In this review, we will present an overview of AMPs, the diverse modes of action of AMPs on protozoan targets, and the prospection of novel AMPs isolated from venomous arthropods with the potential to become novel clinical agents to treat protozoan-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Ferreira Sabiá Júnior
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Luis Felipe Santos Menezes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Israel Flor Silva de Araújo
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil.
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Chemical and Biological Characteristics of Antimicrobial α-Helical Peptides Found in Solitary Wasp Venoms and Their Interactions with Model Membranes. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100559. [PMID: 31554187 PMCID: PMC6832458 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Solitary wasps use their stinging venoms for paralyzing insect or spider prey and feeding them to their larvae. We have surveyed bioactive substances in solitary wasp venoms, and found antimicrobial peptides together with some other bioactive peptides. Eumenine mastoparan-AF (EMP-AF) was the first to be found from the venom of the solitary eumenine wasp Anterhynchium flavomarginatum micado, showing antimicrobial, histamine-releasing, and hemolytic activities, and adopting an α-helical secondary structure under appropriate conditions. Further survey of solitary wasp venom components revealed that eumenine wasp venoms contained such antimicrobial α-helical peptides as the major peptide component. This review summarizes the results obtained from the studies of these peptides in solitary wasp venoms and some analogs from the viewpoint of (1) chemical and biological characterization; (2) physicochemical properties and secondary structure; and (3) channel-like pore-forming properties.
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17
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Design of antimicrobial peptides from a cuttlefish database. Amino Acids 2018; 50:1573-1582. [PMID: 30121851 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-018-2633-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
No antimicrobial peptide has been identified in cephalopods to date. Annotation of transcriptomes or genomes using basic local alignment Search Tool failed to yield any from sequence identities. Therefore, we searched for antimicrobial sequences in the cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) database by in silico analysis of a transcriptomic database. Using an original approach based on the analysis of cysteine-free antimicrobial peptides selected from our Antimicrobial Peptide Database (APD3), the online prediction tool of the Collection of Anti-Microbial Peptides (CAMPR3), and a homemade software program, we identified potential antibacterial sequences. Nine peptides less than 25 amino acids long were synthesized. The hydrophobic content of all nine of them ranged from 30 to 70%, and they could form alpha-helices. Three peptides possessed similarities with piscidins, one with BMAP-27, and five were totally new. Their antibacterial activity was evaluated on eight bacteria including the aquatic pathogens Vibrio alginolyticus, Aeromonas salmonicida, or human pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, or Staphylococcus aureus. Despite the prediction of an antimicrobial potential for eight of the peptides, only two-GR21 and KT19-inhibited more than one bacterial strain with minimal inhibitory concentrations below 25 µM. Some sequences like VA20 and FK19 were hemolytic, while GR21 induced less than 10% of hemolysis on human blood cells at a concentration of 200 µM. GR21 was the only peptide derived from a precursor with a signal peptide, suggesting a real role in cuttlefish immune defense.
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18
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Ciociola T, Giovati L, Giovannelli A, Conti S, Castagnola M, Vitali A. The activity of a mammalian proline-rich peptide against Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant strains, relies on a nonmembranolytic mode of action. Infect Drug Resist 2018; 11:969-979. [PMID: 30046246 PMCID: PMC6054295 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s165179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A peptide of 2,733 Da named SP-E, previously isolated from pig saliva and already described for its antifungal activity and absence of toxicity against mammalian cells, is characterized by a high content of proline residues (70% of entire sequence), that confer structural features probably related to peptide activity. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of SP-E against Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant clinical isolates. Methods SP-E and shorter fragments of the same peptide were tested in vitro against the selected bacteria by colony forming unit assays. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy were also applied. SP-E potential therapeutic activity was evaluated in vivo in a Galleria mellonella model of bacterial infection. Results SP-E proved to be active against the tested bacteria with EC50 values in the micro-molar range. Though maintaining antibacterial properties, the shorter peptides showed lower activity in respect to the parental molecule. Kinetics of killing action and nonmembranolytic internalization within Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells strongly suggested a cytosolic mechanism of action involving one or more intracellular molecular targets. A single injection of SP-E exerted a therapeutic effect in G. mellonella larvae infected with P. aeruginosa. Conclusion The biological properties of SP-E strongly back this peptide as a new promising multitasking antimicrobial molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tecla Ciociola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma,
| | - Laura Giovati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma,
| | - Angela Giovannelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome
| | - Stefania Conti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma,
| | - Massimo Castagnola
- Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome.,Institute for the Chemistry of Molecular Recognition, C.N.R., c/o Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Vitali
- Institute for the Chemistry of Molecular Recognition, C.N.R., c/o Institute of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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19
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Passarini I, Rossiter S, Malkinson J, Zloh M. In Silico Structural Evaluation of Short Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides. Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:E72. [PMID: 29933540 PMCID: PMC6160961 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic peptides with antimicrobial properties are ubiquitous in nature and have been studied for many years in an attempt to design novel antibiotics. However, very few molecules are used in the clinic so far, sometimes due to their complexity but, mostly, as a consequence of the unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile associated with peptides. The aim of this work is to investigate cationic peptides in order to identify common structural features which could be useful for the design of small peptides or peptido-mimetics with improved drug-like properties and activity against Gram negative bacteria. Two sets of cationic peptides (AMPs) with known antimicrobial activity have been investigated. The first reference set comprised molecules with experimentally-known conformations available in the protein databank (PDB), and the second one was composed of short peptides active against Gram negative bacteria but with no significant structural information available. The predicted structures of the peptides from the first set were in excellent agreement with those experimentally-observed, which allowed analysis of the structural features of the second group using computationally-derived conformations. The peptide conformations, either experimentally available or predicted, were clustered in an “all vs. all” fashion and the most populated clusters were then analyzed. It was confirmed that these peptides tend to assume an amphipathic conformation regardless of the environment. It was also observed that positively-charged amino acid residues can often be found next to aromatic residues. Finally, a protocol was evaluated for the investigation of the behavior of short cationic peptides in the presence of a membrane-like environment such as dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles. The results presented herein introduce a promising approach to inform the design of novel short peptides with a potential antimicrobial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Passarini
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK.
| | - Sharon Rossiter
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK.
| | - John Malkinson
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
| | - Mire Zloh
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield AL10 9AB, UK.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Business Academy, Trg mladenaca 5, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
- NanoPuzzle Medicines Design, Business & Technology Centre, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage SG1 2DX, UK.
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Chen X, Zhang L, Wu Y, Wang L, Ma C, Xi X, Bininda-Emonds ORP, Shaw C, Chen T, Zhou M. Evaluation of the bioactivity of a mastoparan peptide from wasp venom and of its analogues designed through targeted engineering. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:599-607. [PMID: 29904274 PMCID: PMC6001651 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.23419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastoparan is a typical cationic and amphipathic tetradecapeptide found in wasp venom and exhibits potent biological activities. Yet, compared with other insect-derived peptides, such as melittin from the bee venom, this family have been underrated. Herein, we evaluated the biological activities of mastoparan-C (MP-C), which was identified from the venom of the European Hornet (Vespa crabro), and rationally designed two analogues (a skeleton-based cyclization by two cysteine residues and an N-terminal extension via tat-linked) for enhancing the stability of the biological activity and membrane permeability, respectively. Three peptides possessed broadly efficacious inhibiting capacities towards common pathogens, resistant strains, as well as microbial biofilm. Although, cyclized MP-C showed longer half-life time than the parent peptide, the lower potency of antimicrobial activity and higher degree of haemolysis were observed. The tat-linked MP-C exhibited more potent anticancer activity than the parent peptide, but it also loses the specificity. The study revealed that MP-C is good candidate for developing antimicrobial agents and the targeted-design could improve the stability and transmembrane delivery, but more investigation would be needed to adjust the side effects brought from the design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Luyao Zhang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Yue Wu
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Olaf R P Bininda-Emonds
- AG Systematik und Evolutionsbiologie, IBU-Faculty V, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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21
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Gan Q, Zhang X, Zhang D, Shi L, Zhou Y, Sun T, Jiang S, Gao J, Meng Y. BmSUC1 is essential for glycometabolism modulation in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:543-553. [PMID: 29660529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sucrose is the most commonly transported sugar in plants and is easily assimilated by insects to fulfill the requirement of physiological metabolism. BmSuc1 is a novel animal β-fructofuranosidase (β-FFase, EC 3.2.1.26)-encoding gene that was firstly cloned and identified in silkworm, Bombyx mori. BmSUC1 was presumed to play an important role in the silkworm-mulberry enzymatic adaptation system by effectively hydrolyzing sucrose absorbed from mulberry leaves. However, this has not been proved with direct evidence thus far. In this study, we investigated sucrose hydrolysis activity in the larval midgut of B. mori by inhibition tests and found that sucrase activity mainly stemmed from β-FFase, not α-glucosidase. Next, we performed shRNA-mediated transgenic RNAi to analyze the growth characteristics of silkworm larvae and variations in glycometabolism in vivo in transgenic silkworms. The results showed that in the RNAi-BmSuc1 transgenic line, larval development was delayed, and their body size was markedly reduced. Finally, the activity of several disaccharidases alone in the midgut and the sugar distribution, total sugar and glycogen in the midgut, hemolymph and fat body were then determined and compared. Our results demonstrated that silencing BmSuc1 significantly reduced glucose and apparently activated maltase and trehalase in the midgut. Together with a clear decrease in both glycogen and trehalose in the fat body, we conclude that BmSUC1 acts as an essential sucrase by directly modulating the degree of sucrose hydrolysis in the silkworm larval midgut, and insufficient sugar storage in the fat body may be responsible for larval malnutrition and abnormal petite phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Gan
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Xinwei Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Daobo Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Shi
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Tongtong Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Song Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Junshan Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China.
| | - Yan Meng
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Development Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, Anhui, China.
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Moore EL, Arvidson R, Banks C, Urenda JP, Duong E, Mohammed H, Adams ME. Ampulexins: A New Family of Peptides in Venom of the Emerald Jewel Wasp, Ampulex compressa. Biochemistry 2018; 57:1907-1916. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Rangel M, Castro FFDS, Mota-Lima LD, Clissa PB, Martins DB, Cabrera MPDS, Mortari MR. Polydim-I antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria and its model membrane interaction. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178785. [PMID: 28570651 PMCID: PMC5453574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens represents a serious threat to public health, considering factors such as high mortality rates, treatment restrictions and high prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria in the hospital environment. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may exhibit powerful antimicrobial activity against different and diverse microorganisms, also presenting the advantage of absence or low toxicity towards animal cells. In this study, the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria of a recently described AMP from wasp, Polydim-I, was performed. Polydim-I presented activity against standard strains (non-carriers of multi-resistant genes) that are susceptible to commercial antimicrobials, and also against multi-drug resistant strains at concentrations bellow 1μg/ml (0.41 μM). This is a rather low concentration among those reported for AMPs. At this concentration we found out that Polydim-I inhibits almost 100% of the tested pathogens growth, while with the ATCC strains the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC100) is 400 times higher. Also, in relation to in vitro activity of conventional drugs against multi-drug resistant bacteria strains, Polydim-I is almost 10 times more efficient and with broader spectrum. Cationic AMPs are known as multi-target compounds and specially for targeting the phospholipid matrix of bacterial membranes. Exploring the interactions of Polydim-I with lipid bilayers, we have confirmed that this interaction is involved in the mechanism of action. Circular dichroism experiments showed that Polydim-I undergoes a conformational transition from random coil to a mostly helical conformation in the presence of membrane mimetic environments. Zeta potential measurements confirmed the binding and partial charge neutralization of anionic asolectin vesicles, and also suggested a possible aggregation of peptide molecules. FTIR experiments confirmed that some peptide aggregation occurs, which is minimized in the presence of strongly anionic micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate. Also, Polydim-I induced channel-like structures formation to asolectin lipid bilayers, as demonstrated in the electrophysiology experiments. We suggest that cationic Polydim-I targets the membrane lipids due to electrostatic attraction, partially accumulates, neutralizing the opposite charges and induces pore formation. Similar mechanism of action has already been suggested for other peptides from wasp venoms, especially mastoparans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Rangel
- Immunopathology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
- * E-mail:
| | - Fabíola Fernandes dos Santos Castro
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Danubia Batista Martins
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia Perez dos Santos Cabrera
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
- Departamento de Química e Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual Paulista, UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
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Insects, arachnids and centipedes venom: A powerful weapon against bacteria. A literature review. Toxicon 2017; 130:91-103. [PMID: 28242227 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Currently, new antimicrobial molecules extracted or obtained by natural sources, could be a valide alternative to traditional antibiotics. Most of these molecules are represented by antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are essential compounds of insect, arachnids and centipedes venom. AMPs, due to their strong effectiveness, low resistance rates and peculiar mode of action, seem to have all the suitable features to be a powerful weapon against several bacteria, especially considering the increasing antibiotic-resistance phenomena. The present literature review focuses on the antibacterial activity of bee, wasp, ant, scorpion, spider and scolopendra crude venom and of their main biological active compounds. After a brief overview of each animal and venom use in folkloristic medicine, this review reports, in a comprehensive table, the results obtained by the most relevant and recent researches carried out on the antibacterial activity of different venom and their AMPs. For each considered study, the table summarizes data concerning minimal inhibitory concentration values, minimal bactericidal concentration values, the methods employed, scientific name and common names and provenience of animal species from which the crude venom and its respective compounds were obtained.
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Téné N, Bonnafé E, Berger F, Rifflet A, Guilhaudis L, Ségalas-Milazzo I, Pipy B, Coste A, Leprince J, Treilhou M. Biochemical and biophysical combined study of bicarinalin, an ant venom antimicrobial peptide. Peptides 2016; 79:103-13. [PMID: 27058430 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We have recently characterized bicarinalin as the most abundant peptide from the venom of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum. This antimicrobial peptide is active against Staphylococcus and Enterobacteriaceae. To further investigate the antimicrobial properties of this cationic and cysteine-free peptide, we have studied its antibacterial, antifungal and antiparasitic activities on a large array of microorganisms. Bicarinalin was active against fifteen microorganisms with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 2 and 25μmolL(-1). Cronobacter sakazakii, Salmonella enterica, Candida albicans, Aspergilus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were particularly susceptible to this novel antimicrobial peptide. Resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and C. albicans were as susceptible as the canonical strains. Interestingly, bicarinalin was also active against the parasite Leishmania infantum with a minimal inhibitory concentrations of 2μmolL(-1). The bicarinalin pre-propeptide cDNA sequence has been determined using a combination of degenerated primers with RACE PCR strategy. Interestingly, the N-terminal domain of bicarinalin pre-propeptide exhibited sequence similarity with the pilosulin antimicrobial peptide family previously described in the Myrmecia venoms. Moreover, using SYTOX green uptake assay, we showed that, for all the tested microorganisms, bicarinalin acted through a membrane permeabilization mechanism. Two dimensional-NMR experiments showed that bicarinalin displayed a 10 residue-long α-helical structure flanked by two N- and C-terminal disordered regions. This partially amphipathic helix may explain the membrane permeabilization mechanism of bicarinalin observed in this study. Finally, therapeutic value of bicarinalin was highlighted by its low cytotoxicity against human lymphocytes at bactericidal concentrations and its long half-life in human serum which was around 15h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Téné
- Equipe EA 4357, VAcBio, Université de Toulouse, CUFR Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Elsa Bonnafé
- Equipe EA 4357, VAcBio, Université de Toulouse, CUFR Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Fanny Berger
- Equipe EA 4357, VAcBio, Université de Toulouse, CUFR Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Aline Rifflet
- Equipe EA 4357, VAcBio, Université de Toulouse, CUFR Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
| | - Laure Guilhaudis
- Normandie Univ, COBRA, UMR 6014, IRIB, Université de Rouen, INSA de Rouen, CNRS, IRCOF, 1 rue Tesnière, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Isabelle Ségalas-Milazzo
- Normandie Univ, COBRA, UMR 6014, IRIB, Université de Rouen, INSA de Rouen, CNRS, IRCOF, 1 rue Tesnière, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Bernard Pipy
- UMR 152-Pharma-Dev, Université de Toulouse, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Agnès Coste
- UMR 152-Pharma-Dev, Université de Toulouse, 31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Inserm U982, Laboratoire de Différenciation et Communication Neuronale et Neuroendocrine, Equipe Facteurs Neurotrophiques et Différenciation Neuronale, Plate-forme de Recherche en Imagerie Cellulaire de Haute-Normandie [PRIMACEN], IRIB, Université de Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Michel Treilhou
- Equipe EA 4357, VAcBio, Université de Toulouse, CUFR Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France.
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Peptide Toxins in Solitary Wasp Venoms. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:114. [PMID: 27096870 PMCID: PMC4848640 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Solitary wasps paralyze insects or spiders with stinging venom and feed the paralyzed preys to their larva. Accordingly, the venoms should contain a variety of constituents acting on nervous systems. However, only a few solitary wasp venoms have been chemically studied despite thousands of species inhabiting the planet. We have surveyed bioactive substances in solitary wasp venoms found in Japan and discovered a variety of novel bioactive peptides. Pompilidotoxins (PMTXs), in the venoms of the pompilid wasps Anoplius samariensis and Batozonellus maculifrons, are small peptides consisting of 13 amino acids without a disulfide bond. PMTXs slowed Na⁺ channel inactivation, in particular against neuronal type Na⁺ channels, and were rather selective to the Nav1.6 channel. Mastoparan-like cytolytic and antimicrobial peptides are the major components of eumenine wasp venoms. They are rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids, adopting a α-helical secondary structure, and showing mast cell degranulating, antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The venom of the spider wasp Cyphononyx fulvognathus contained four bradykinin-related peptides. They are hyperalgesic and, dependent on the structure, differently associated with B₁ or B₂ receptors. Further survey led to the isolation of leucomyosuppressin-like FMRFamide peptides from the venoms of the digger wasps Sphex argentatus and Isodontia harmandi. These results of peptide toxins in solitary wasp venoms from our studies are summarized.
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Lacerda AF, Pelegrini PB, de Oliveira DM, Vasconcelos ÉAR, Grossi-de-Sá MF. Anti-parasitic Peptides from Arthropods and their Application in Drug Therapy. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:91. [PMID: 26903970 PMCID: PMC4742531 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Africa, Asia, and Latin America are regions highly affected by endemic diseases, such as Leishmaniasis, Malaria, and Chagas' disease. They are responsible for the death of 1000s of patients every year, as there is not yet a cure for them and the drugs used are inefficient against the pathogenic parasites. During the life cycle of some parasitic protozoa, insects become the most important host and disseminator of the diseases triggered by these microorganisms. As infected insects do not develop nocive symptoms, they can carry the parasites for long time inside their body, enabling their multiplication and life cycle completion. Eventually, parasites infect human beings after insect's transmission through their saliva and/or feces. Hence, host insects and general arthropods, which developed a way to coexist with such parasites, are a promising source for the prospection of anti-parasitic compounds, as alternative methods for the treatment of protozoa-related diseases. Among the molecules already isolated and investigated, there are proteins and peptides with high activity against parasites, able to inhibit parasite activity in different stages of development. Although, studies are still taking their first steps, initial results show new perspectives on the treatment of parasitic diseases. Therefore, in this report, we describe about peptides from host insect sources with activity against the three most endemic parasites: Leishmania sp., Plasmodium sp., and Trypanosomes. Moreover, we discuss the future application insect peptides as anti-parasitic drugs and the use of non-hosts insect transcriptomes on the prospection of novel molecules for the treatment of parasitic neglected diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane F. Lacerda
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
| | - Patrícia B. Pelegrini
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
| | - Daiane M. de Oliveira
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of BrasiliaBrasilia, Brazil
| | - Érico A. R. Vasconcelos
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Department of Health Sciences, Integrated College of Educational Union’s Central PlateauGama, Brazil
| | - Maria F. Grossi-de-Sá
- Plant-Pest Interaction Laboratory, PBI, Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Rio Grande do NorteNatal, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of BrasiliaBrasilia, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Genomics Science and Biotechnology, Catholic University of BrasiliaBrasilia, Brazil
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Lee SH, Baek JH, Yoon KA. Differential Properties of Venom Peptides and Proteins in Solitary vs. Social Hunting Wasps. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:32. [PMID: 26805885 PMCID: PMC4773785 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary functions of venoms from solitary and social wasps are different. Whereas most solitary wasps sting their prey to paralyze and preserve it, without killing, as the provisions for their progeny, social wasps usually sting to defend their colonies from vertebrate predators. Such distinctive venom properties of solitary and social wasps suggest that the main venom components are likely to be different depending on the wasps' sociality. The present paper reviews venom components and properties of the Aculeata hunting wasps, with a particular emphasis on the comparative aspects of venom compositions and properties between solitary and social wasps. Common components in both solitary and social wasp venoms include hyaluronidase, phospholipase A2, metalloendopeptidase, etc. Although it has been expected that more diverse bioactive components with the functions of prey inactivation and physiology manipulation are present in solitary wasps, available studies on venom compositions of solitary wasps are simply too scarce to generalize this notion. Nevertheless, some neurotoxic peptides (e.g., pompilidotoxin and dendrotoxin-like peptide) and proteins (e.g., insulin-like peptide binding protein) appear to be specific to solitary wasp venom. In contrast, several proteins, such as venom allergen 5 protein, venom acid phosphatase, and various phospholipases, appear to be relatively more specific to social wasp venom. Finally, putative functions of main venom components and their application are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hyeock Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
| | - Ji Hyeong Baek
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 660-701, Korea.
| | - Kyungjae Andrew Yoon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Korea.
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Dubovskii PV, Vassilevski AA, Kozlov SA, Feofanov AV, Grishin EV, Efremov RG. Latarcins: versatile spider venom peptides. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:4501-22. [PMID: 26286896 PMCID: PMC11113828 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-2016-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod venoms feature the presence of cytolytic peptides believed to act synergetically with neurotoxins to paralyze prey or deter aggressors. Many of them are linear, i.e., lack disulfide bonds. When isolated from the venom, or obtained by other means, these peptides exhibit common properties. They are cationic; being mostly disordered in aqueous solution, assume amphiphilic α-helical structure in contact with lipid membranes; and exhibit general cytotoxicity, including antifungal, antimicrobial, hemolytic, and anticancer activities. To suit the pharmacological needs, the activity spectrum of these peptides should be modified by rational engineering. As an example, we provide a detailed review on latarcins (Ltc), linear cytolytic peptides from Lachesana tarabaevi spider venom. Diverse experimental and computational techniques were used to investigate the spatial structure of Ltc in membrane-mimicking environments and their effects on model lipid bilayers. The antibacterial activity of Ltc was studied against a panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, the action of Ltc on erythrocytes and cancer cells was investigated in detail with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the present review, we give a critical account of the progress in the research of Ltc. We explore the relationship between Ltc structure and their biological activity and derive molecular characteristics, which can be used for optimization of other linear peptides. Current applications of Ltc and prospective use of similar membrane-active peptides are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Dubovskii
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Alexander A Vassilevski
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey A Kozlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey V Feofanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Biological Faculty, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1 Leninskie Gory, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Eugene V Grishin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Roman G Efremov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya, Moscow, 117997, Russia
- Higher School of Economics, 20 Myasnitskaya, Moscow, 101000, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, 141700, Russia
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30
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Moreno M, Giralt E. Three valuable peptides from bee and wasp venoms for therapeutic and biotechnological use: melittin, apamin and mastoparan. Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:1126-50. [PMID: 25835385 PMCID: PMC4417959 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7041126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
While knowledge of the composition and mode of action of bee and wasp venoms dates back 50 years, the therapeutic value of these toxins remains relatively unexploded. The properties of these venoms are now being studied with the aim to design and develop new therapeutic drugs. Far from evaluating the extensive number of monographs, journals and books related to bee and wasp venoms and the therapeutic effect of these toxins in numerous diseases, the following review focuses on the three most characterized peptides, namely melittin, apamin, and mastoparan. Here, we update information related to these compounds from the perspective of applied science and discuss their potential therapeutic and biotechnological applications in biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Moreno
- Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Ernest Giralt
- Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Baldiri i Reixac, 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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31
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Baracchi D, Mazza G, Michelucci E, Pieraccini G, Turillazzi S, Moneti G. Top-down sequencing of Apis dorsata apamin by MALDI-TOF MS and evidence of its inactivity against microorganisms. Toxicon 2013; 71:105-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2013.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 05/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Panurgines, novel antimicrobial peptides from the venom of communal bee Panurgus calcaratus (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae). Amino Acids 2013; 45:143-57. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-013-1482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Moreau SJM. "It stings a bit but it cleans well": venoms of Hymenoptera and their antimicrobial potential. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 59:186-204. [PMID: 23073394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Venoms from Hymenoptera display a wide range of functions and biological roles. These notably include manipulation of the host, capture of prey and defense against competitors and predators thanks to endocrine and immune systems disruptors, neurotoxic, cytolytic and pain-inducing venom components. Recent works indicate that many hymenopteran species, whatever their life style, have also evolved a venom with properties which enable it to regulate microbial infections, both in stinging and stung animals. In contrast to biting insects and their salivary glands, stinging Hymenoptera seem to constitute an under-exploited ecological niche for agents of vector-borne disease. Few parasitic or mutualistic microorganisms have been reported to be hosted by venom-producing organs or to be transmitted to stung animals. This may result from the presence of potent antimicrobial molecules in venoms, histological features of venom apparatuses and selective effects of venoms on immune defenses of targeted organisms. The present paper reviews for the first time the venom antimicrobial potential of solitary and social Hymenoptera in molecular, ecological, and evolutionary perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien J M Moreau
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte, CNRS UMR 7261, Université François-Rabelais, UFR Sciences et Techniques, Parc Grandmont, 37200 Tours, France.
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Rifflet A, Gavalda S, Téné N, Orivel J, Leprince J, Guilhaudis L, Génin E, Vétillard A, Treilhou M. Identification and characterization of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the venom of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum. Peptides 2012; 38:363-70. [PMID: 22960382 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel antimicrobial peptide, named Bicarinalin, has been isolated from the venom of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum. Its amino acid sequence has been determined by de novo sequencing using mass spectrometry and by Edman degradation. Bicarinalin contained 20 amino acid residues and was C-terminally amidated as the majority of antimicrobial peptides isolated to date from insect venoms. Interestingly, this peptide had a linear structure and exhibited no meaningful similarity with any known peptides. Antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and S. xylosus strains were evaluated using a synthetic replicate. Bicarinalin had a potent and broad antibacterial activity of the same magnitude as Melittin and other hymenopteran antimicrobial peptides such as Pilosulin or Defensin. Moreover, this antimicrobial peptide has a weak hemolytic activity compared to Melittin on erythrocytes, suggesting potential for development into an anti-infective agent for use against emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Rifflet
- Equipe VacBio EA 4357, PRES Université Toulouse, CUFR JF Champollion, Place de Verdun, 81012 Albi, France
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35
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Keitel U, Schilling E, Knappe D, Al-Mekhlafi M, Petersen F, Hoffmann R, Hauschildt S. Effect of antimicrobial peptides from Apis mellifera hemolymph and its optimized version Api88 on biological activities of human monocytes and mast cells. Innate Immun 2012; 19:355-67. [PMID: 23112010 DOI: 10.1177/1753425912462045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Apidaecin peptides are produced by the honeybee Apis mellifera as a major part of its non-specific defense system against infections. Having verified that the peptides apidaecin 1b and Api88-a designer peptide based on the native apidaecin 1b sequence-are highly active against Gram-negative bacteria, we studied their ability to modulate biological activities of human monocytes and mast cells (MC), two important cell types of the human innate immune system. We could show that both peptides are nontoxic and fairly resistant to degradation in cell culture medium containing 10% FBS. Among the peptides tested we found Api88 to inhibit LPS-induced TNF-α production in a concentration-dependent manner. Resting monocytes did not respond to Api88. Whilst Api88 neither induced migration nor affected the phagocytic activity of monocytes it partially inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen intermediates produced in response to LPS. In human MC, however, Api88 triggered degranulation and the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+)-ions. Taken together these data clearly indicate that Api88 is a multifunctional molecule that can modulate biological responses of human monocytes and MC in addition to its antimicrobial activity.
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Lin CH, Tzen JTC, Shyu CL, Yang MJ, Tu WC. Structural and biological characterization of mastoparans in the venom of Vespa species in Taiwan. Peptides 2011; 32:2027-36. [PMID: 21884742 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mastoparans, a family of small peptides, are isolated from the wasp venom. In this study, six mastoparans were identified in the venom of six Vespa species in Taiwan. The precursors of these mastoparans are composed of N-terminal signal sequence, prosequence, mature mastoparan, and appendix glycine at C-terminus. These mature mastoparans all have characteristic features of linear cationic peptides rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids without disulfide bond. Therefore, these peptides could be predicted to adopt an amphipathic α-helical secondary structure. In fact, the CD (circular dichroism) spectra of these peptides show a high content α-helical conformation in the presence of 8 mM SDS or 40% 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE). All mastoparans exhibit mast cell degranulation activity, antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria tested, various degree of hemolytic activity on chicken, human, and sheep erythrocytes as well as membrane permeabilization on Escherichia coli BL21. Our results also show that the hemolytic activity of mastoparans is correlated to mean hydrophobicity and mean hydrophobic moment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Hsien Lin
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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Chemical and biological characterization of four new linear cationic α-helical peptides from the venoms of two solitary eumenine wasps. Toxicon 2011; 57:1081-92. [PMID: 21549739 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2011.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Four novel peptides were isolated from the venoms of the solitary eumenine wasps Eumenes rubrofemoratus and Eumenes fraterculus. Their sequences were determined by MALDI-TOF/TOF (matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) analysis, Edman degradation and solid-phase synthesis. Two of them, eumenitin-R (LNLKGLIKKVASLLN) and eumenitin-F (LNLKGLFKKVASLLT), are highly homologous to eumenitin, an antimicrobial peptide from a solitary eumenine wasp, whereas the other two, EMP-ER (FDIMGLIKKVAGAL-NH(2)) and EMP-EF (FDVMGIIKKIAGAL-NH(2)), are similar to eumenine mastoparan-AF (EMP-AF), a mast cell degranulating peptide from a solitary eumenine wasp. These sequences have the characteristic features of linear cationic cytolytic peptides; rich in hydrophobic and basic amino acids with no disulfide bond, and accordingly, they can be predicted to adopt an amphipathic α-helix secondary structure. In fact, the CD (circular dichroism) spectra of these peptides showed significant α-helical conformation content in the presence of TFE (trifluoroethanol), SDS (sodium dodecylsulfate) and asolectin vesicles. In the biological evaluation, all the peptides exhibited a significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and moderate mast cell degranulation and leishmanicidal activities, but showed virtually no hemolytic activity.
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38
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Baek JH, Ji Y, Shin JS, Lee S, Lee SH. Venom peptides from solitary hunting wasps induce feeding disorder in lepidopteran larvae. Peptides 2011; 32:568-72. [PMID: 21184791 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Revised: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The cell lytic activity and toxicity against lepidopteran larvae of 13 venom peptides (4 OdVPs and 9 EpVPs) from two solitary hunting wasps, Orancistrocerus drewseni and Eumenes pomiformis, were examined with mastoparan as a reference peptide. Of the 13 peptides, 7 were predicted to have α-helical structures that exhibit the typical character of amphipathic α-helical antimicrobial peptides. The remaining peptides exhibited coil structures; among these, EpVP5 possesses two Cys residues that form an internal disulfide bridge. All the helical peptides including mastoparan showed antimicrobial and insect cell lytic activities, whereas only two of them were hemolytic against human erythrocytes. The helical peptides induced a feeding disorder when injected into the vicinity of the head and thorax of Spodoptera exigua larvae, perhaps because their non-specific neurotoxic or myotoxic action induced cell lysis. At low concentrations, however, these helical peptides increased cell permeability without inducing cell lysis. These findings suggest that the helical venom peptides may function as non-specific neurotoxins or myotoxins and venom-spreading factors at low concentrations, as well as preservatives for long-term storage of the prey via antimicrobial, particularly antifungal, activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyeong Baek
- Research institute for Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
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Won A, Khan M, Gustin S, Akpawu A, Seebun D, Avis TJ, Leung BO, Hitchcock AP, Ianoul A. Investigating the effects of L- to D-amino acid substitution and deamidation on the activity and membrane interactions of antimicrobial peptide anoplin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2010; 1808:1592-600. [PMID: 21078293 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 10/21/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Isolated from the venom sac of solitary spider wasp, Anoplius samariensis, anoplin is the smallest linear α-helical antimicrobial peptide found naturally with broad spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and little hemolytic activity toward human erythrocytes. Deamidation was found to decrease the peptide's antibacterial properties. In the present work, interactions of amidated (Ano-NH2) and deamidated (Ano-OH) forms of anoplin as well as Ano-NH2 composed of all D-amino acids (D-Ano-NH2) with model cell membranes were investigated by means of Langmuir Blodgett (LB) technique, atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM) and carboxyfluorescein leakage assay in order to gain a better understanding of the effect of these peptide modifications on membrane binding and lytic properties. According to LB, all three peptides form stable monolayers at the air/water interface with Ano-NH2 occupying a slightly greater area per molecule than Ano-OH. All three forms of the peptide interact preferentially with anionic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-rac-(1-glycerol)] (DPPG), rather than zwitterionic 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) lipid monolayer. Peptides form nanoscale clusters in zwitterionic but not in anionic monolayers. Finally, membrane lytic activity of all derivatives was found to depend strongly on membrane composition and lipid/peptide ratio. The results suggest that amidated forms of peptides are likely to possess higher membrane binding affinity due to the increased charge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Won
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr. Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Baek JH, Lee SH. Identification and characterization of venom proteins of two solitary wasps, Eumenes pomiformis and Orancistrocerus drewseni. Toxicon 2010; 56:554-62. [PMID: 20561973 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 05/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Secretory proteins were identified in the venoms of two solitary hunting wasps, Eumenes pomiformis and Orancistrocerus drewseni, by SDS-PAGE in conjunction with mass analysis. More than 30 protein bands (2-300 kDa) were detected from the crude venom of each wasp. With the aid of the previously constructed venom gland/sac-specific EST libraries, a total of 31 and 20 proteins were identified from 18 to 20 distinctive protein bands of E. pomiformis and O. drewseni venoms, respectively. Arginine kinase was the most predominant protein in both wasp venoms. Along with the full-length arginine kinase, a truncated form, which was known to have paralytic activity on a spider, was a common predominant protein in the two wasp venoms. Insulin/insulin-like peptide-binding protein was abundantly found only in E. pomiformis venom, which might be due to its unique behaviors of oviposition and provision. The presence of various immune response-related proteins and antioxidants suggested that wasps might use their venom to maintain prey fresh while feeding wasp larvae by protecting the prey from microbial invasion and physiological stresses. It seemed that some venom proteins are secreted into venom fluid from venom gland cells via exosomes, not by signal sequence-mediated transport processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyeong Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Daehak-Dong, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea
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Kim JY, Park SC, Yoon MY, Hahm KS, Park Y. C-terminal amidation of PMAP-23: translocation to the inner membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. Amino Acids 2010; 40:183-95. [PMID: 20512598 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0632-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PMAP-23 is a member of the cathelicidin family derived from pig myeloid cells and has potent antimicrobial activity. Amidation of the carboxyl terminus (C-terminus) of an antimicrobial peptide generally enhances its structural stability and antimicrobial activity or decreases its cytotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of amidation on the mode of action in PMAP-23. Irrespective of amidation, PMAP-23 adopts a helix-hinge-helix structure in a membrane-mimetic environment. The antibacterial activities of PMAP-23C, which had a free C-terminus, and PMAP-23N, which had an amidated C-terminus, were similar against Gram-negative bacteria, reflecting a similar ability to neutralize lipopolysaccharide. However, PMAP-23N assumed a perpendicular orientation across the outer to the inner leaflet of the bacterial inner membrane, while PMAP-23C was orientated parallel to the lipid bilayer, as determined by following the blue shift in tryptophan fluorescence, as well as calcein release from liposomes and SYTOX Green uptake assays. These results suggest that N-terminal amidation of PMAP-23 provides structural stability and increases the peptide's cationic charge, facilitating translocation into the bacterial inner membrane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Young Kim
- Research Center for Proteineous Materials (RCPM), Chosun University, Kwangju, Korea
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Baek JH, Lee SH. Isolation and molecular cloning of venom peptides from Orancistrocerus drewseni (Hymenoptera: Eumenidae). Toxicon 2010; 55:711-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2009.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Pundir P, Kulka M. The role of G protein‐coupled receptors in mast cell activation by antimicrobial peptides: is there a connection? Immunol Cell Biol 2010; 88:632-40. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2010.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Pundir
- National Research Council‐Institute for Nutrisciences and Health Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of PEI Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada
| | - Marianna Kulka
- National Research Council‐Institute for Nutrisciences and Health Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of PEI Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada
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Monincová L, Budesínský M, Slaninová J, Hovorka O, Cvacka J, Voburka Z, Fucík V, Borovicková L, Bednárová L, Straka J, Cerovský V. Novel antimicrobial peptides from the venom of the eusocial bee Halictus sexcinctus (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) and their analogs. Amino Acids 2010; 39:763-75. [PMID: 20198492 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Two novel antimicrobial peptides, named halictines, were isolated from the venom of the eusocial bee Halictus sexcinctus. Their primary sequences were established by ESI-QTOF mass spectrometry, Edman degradation and enzymatic digestion as Gly-Met-Trp-Ser-Lys-Ile-Leu-Gly-His-Leu-Ile-Arg-NH2 (HAL-1), and Gly-Lys-Trp-Met-Ser-Leu-Leu-Lys-His-Ile-Leu-Lys-NH2 (HAL-2). Both peptides exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria but also noticeable hemolytic activity. The CD spectra of HAL-1 and HAL-2 measured in the presence of trifluoroethanol or SDS showed ability to form an amphipathic alpha-helical secondary structure in an anisotropic environment such as bacterial cell membrane. NMR spectra of HAL-1 and HAL-2 measured in trifluoroethanol/water confirmed formation of helical conformation in both peptides with a slightly higher helical propensity in HAL-1. Altogether, we prepared 51 of HAL-1 and HAL-2 analogs to study the effect of such structural parameters as cationicity, hydrophobicity, alpha-helicity, amphipathicity, and truncation on antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potentially most promising analogs in both series are those with increased net positive charge, in which the suitable amino acid residues were replaced by Lys. This improvement basically relates to the increase of antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to the mitigation of hemolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Monincová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Flemingovo 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
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de Souza BM, Dos Santos Cabrera MP, Neto JR, Palma MS. Investigating the effect of different positioning of lysine residues along the peptide chain of mastoparans for their secondary structures and biological activities. Amino Acids 2010; 40:77-90. [PMID: 20108158 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-010-0481-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of the different positions of the positive charges generated by the ionization of the side-chain of lysine residues, on the structure-activity relationship of the mastoparans, the peptides Protonectarina-MP (INWKALLDAAKKVL-NH2), Parapolybia-MP (INWKKMAATALKMI-NH2) and Asn-2-Polybia-MP I (INWKKLLDAAKQIL-NH2) and MK-578 (INWLKAKKVAGMIL-NH2) were investigated as models. Thus, the four peptides had their secondary structure studied and were submitted to assays of mast cell degranulation, hemolysis, and antibiosis. The results of the bioassays made clear that those peptides bearing the positive charges positioned at the positions 4/5 and/or from 11 to 13 are the most active ones; meanwhile, the localization of the positive charges in the middle of peptide chain resulted in a poorly active peptide. Thus, Protonectarina-MP, Parapolybia-MP, and Asn-2-Polybia-MP I presented physiologically important hemolysis and antibiosis, while MK-578 presented only a reduced antibiotic activity. Circular dichroism analysis were carried-out in different environments revealing that the anionic environment of a mixture of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol (70:30) liposomes favored the higher helical content of the four peptides in this study in relation to the zwiterionic environment of 100% phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The positioning of the lysine residues at the strategic positions (4/5 and 11-13), flanking and maintaining stable α-helix which extends from the 4th to the 13th residue along the peptide chain, seems to contribute to maximal lytic efficiency of the mastoparans, which in turn results in a more homogeneous hydrophobic surface in the amphipathic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiana Monson de Souza
- CEIS/Department of Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Avenue 24-A no 1515, Bela Vista, 13506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
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Baek JH, Lee SH. Differential gene expression profiles in the venom gland/sac of Eumenes pomiformis (Hymenoptera: Eumenidae). Toxicon 2010; 55:1147-56. [PMID: 20096300 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To search for novel transcripts encoding biologically active venom components, a subtractive cDNA library specific to the venom gland and sac (gland/sac) of a solitary hunting wasp species, Eumenes pomiformis Fabricius (1781), was constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization. A total of 541 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were clustered and assembled into 102 contigs (31 multiple sequences and 71 singletons). In total, 37 cDNAs were found in the library via BLASTx searching and manual annotation. Eight contigs (337 ESTs) encoding short venom peptides (10 to 16 amino acids) occupied 62% of the library. The deduced amino acid sequence (78 amino acids) of a novel venom peptide transcript shared sequence similarity with trypsin inhibitors and dendrotoxin-like venom peptides known to be K(+) channel blockers, implying that this novel peptide may play a role in the paralysis of prey. In addition to phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase, which are known to be the main components of wasp venoms, several transcripts encoding enzymes, including three metallopeptidases and a decarboxylase likely involved in the processing and activation of venomous proteins, peptides, amines, and neurotransmitters, were also isolated from the library. The presence of a transcript encoding a putative insulin/insulin-like peptide binding protein suggests that solitary hunting wasps use their venom to control their prey, leading to larval growth cessation. The abundance of these venom components in the venom gland/sac and in the alimentary canal was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Discovery of venom gland/sac-specific transcripts should promote further studies on biologically active components in the venom of solitary hunting wasps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyeong Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Structural identification by mass spectrometry of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the venom of the solitary bee Osmia rufa (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). Toxicon 2010; 55:20-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Revised: 12/04/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Cerovský V, Budesínský M, Hovorka O, Cvacka J, Voburka Z, Slaninová J, Borovicková L, Fucík V, Bednárová L, Votruba I, Straka J. Lasioglossins: three novel antimicrobial peptides from the venom of the eusocial bee Lasioglossum laticeps (Hymenoptera: Halictidae). Chembiochem 2009; 10:2089-99. [PMID: 19591185 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200900133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Three novel structurally related pentadecapeptides, named lasioglossins, were isolated from the venom of the eusocial bee Lasioglossum laticeps. Their primary sequences were established as H-Val-Asn-Trp-Lys-Lys-Val-Leu-Gly-Lys-Ile-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Lys-NH(2) (LL-I), H-Val-Asn-Trp-Lys-Lys-Ile-Leu-Gly-Lys-Ile-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Lys-NH(2) (LL-II) and H-Val-Asn-Trp-Lys-Lys-Ile-Leu-Gly-Lys-Ile-Ile-Lys-Val-Val-Lys-NH(2) (LL-III). These lasioglossins exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, low haemolytic and mast cell degranulation activity, and a potency to kill various cancer cells in vitro. The lasioglossin CD spectra were measured in the presence of trifluoroethanol and sodium dodecyl sulfate solution and indicated a high degree of alpha-helical conformation. NMR spectroscopy, which was carried out in trifluoroethanol/water confirmed a curved alpha-helical conformation with a concave hydrophobic and convex hydrophilic side. To understand the role of this bend on biological activity, we studied lasioglossin analogues in which the Gly in the centre of the molecule was replaced by other amino acid residues (Ala, Lys, Pro). The importance of the N-terminal part of the molecule to the antimicrobial activity was revealed through truncation of five residues from both the N and C termini of the LL-III peptide. C-terminal deamidation of LL-III resulted in a drop in antimicrobial activity, but esterification of the C terminus had no effect. Molecular modelling of LL-III and the observed NOE contacts indicated the possible formation of a bifurcated H-bond between hydrogen from the Lys15 CONH peptide bond and one H of the C-terminal CONH(2) to the Ile11 oxygen atom. Such interactions cannot form with C-terminal esterification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Václav Cerovský
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 166 10 Prague 6 (Czech Republic).
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Baek JH, Woo TH, Kim CB, Park JH, Kim H, Lee S, Lee SH. Differential gene expression profiles in the venom gland/sac of Orancistrocerus drewseni (Hymenoptera: Eumenidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 71:205-222. [PMID: 19479740 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To determine differential gene expression profiles in the venom gland and sac (gland/sac) of a solitary hunting wasp species, Orancistrocerus drewseni Saussure (1857), a subtractive cDNA library was constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization. A total of 498 expressed sequence tags (EST) were clustered and assembled into 205 contigs (94 multiple sequences and 111 singletons). About 65% (134) of the contigs had matched BLASTx hits (E< or =10(-4)). Among these, 115 contigs had similarity to proteins with assigned molecular function in the Gene Ontology database, and most of them (112 contigs, 83%) were homologous to genes from Hymenoptera, particularly to Apis mellifera (98 contigs). The contigs encoding hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2, known to be main components of wasp venoms, were found in high frequencies (27 and 4%, respectively, as judged by the number of ESTs) in the gene ontology category of catalytic activity. Full-length open reading frames of hyaluronidase and phospholipase A2 were characterized and their abundance in the venom gland/sac was confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Several contigs encoding enzymes, including zinc-metallopeptidases that are likely involved in the processing and activation of venomous proteins or peptides, were also identified from the library. Discovery of venom gland/sac-specific genes should promote further studies on biologically active components in the venom of O. drewseni.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyeong Baek
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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