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Finkina EI, Shevchenko OV, Fateeva SI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV. Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1499. [PMID: 38891308 PMCID: PMC11174490 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the Candida genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly. Therefore, the search for new antimycotics, including those exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, is of great importance. Plenty of natural compounds with antifungal activities may be extremely useful in solving this problem. This review evaluates the features of natural antimicrobial peptides, namely plant defensins as possible prototypes of new anticandidal agents. Plant defensins are important components of the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defense against pathogens. The introduction presents a brief summary regarding pathogenic Candida species, the pathogenesis of candidiasis, and the mechanisms of antimycotic resistance. Then, the structural features of plant defensins, their anticandidal activities, their mechanisms of action on yeast-like fungi, their ability to prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their combined action with conventional antimycotics are described. The possible mechanisms of fungal resistance to plant defensins, their cytotoxic activity, and their effectiveness in in vivo experiments are also discussed. In addition, for the first time for plant defensins, knowledge about their immunomodulatory effects is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina I. Finkina
- M. M. Shemyakin & Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia (T.V.O.)
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2
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da Silva Gebara R, da Silva MS, Calixto SD, Simão TLBV, Zeraik AE, Lassounskaia E, Muzitano MF, Petretski JH, Gomes VM, de Oliveira Carvalho A. Antifungal, Antimycobacterial, Protease and α‒Amylase Inhibitory Activities of a Novel Serine Bifunctional Protease Inhibitor from Adenanthera pavonina L. Seeds. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023:10.1007/s12602-023-10194-z. [PMID: 38117407 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-023-10194-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Antifungal resistance poses a significant challenge to disease management, necessitating the development of novel drugs. Antimicrobial peptides offer potential solutions. This study focused on extraction and characterization of peptides from Adenanthera pavonina seeds with activity against Candida species, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, proteases, and α-amylases. Peptides were extracted in phosphate buffer and heated at 90°C for 10 min to create a peptide rich heated fraction (PRHF). After confirming antimicrobial activity and the presence of peptides, the PRHF underwent ion exchange chromatography, yielding retained and non-retained fractions. These fractions were evaluated for antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity against murine macrophages. The least toxic and most active fraction underwent reversed-phase chromatography, resulting in ten fractions. These fractions were tested for peptides and antimicrobial activity. The most active fraction was rechromatographed on a reversed-phase column, resulting in two fractions that were assessed for antimicrobial activity. The most active fraction revealed a single band of approximately 6 kDa and was tested for inhibitory effects on proteases and α-amylases. Thermal stability experiments were conducted on the 6 kDa peptide at different temperatures followed by reassessment of antifungal activity and circular dichroism. The 6 kDa peptide inhibited yeasts, M. tuberculosis, human salivary and Tenebrio molitor larvae intestine α-amylases, and proteolytic activity from fungal extracts, and thus named ApPI. Remarkably, ApPI retained antifungal activity and conformation after heating and is primarily composed of α-helices. ApPI is a thermally stable serine protease/α-amylase inhibitor from A. pavonina seeds, offering promise as a foundational molecule for innovative therapeutic agents against fungal infections and tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo da Silva Gebara
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marciele Souza da Silva
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Sanderson Dias Calixto
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thatiana Lopes Biá Ventura Simão
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Eliza Zeraik
- Laboratório de Química e Função de Proteinas e Peptídeos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Elena Lassounskaia
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Michelle Frazão Muzitano
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Macaé, 27933-378, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jorge Hudson Petretski
- Laboratório de Biologia do Reconhecer, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, 28013-602, RJ, Brazil.
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3
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Role of Defensins in Tumor Biology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065268. [PMID: 36982340 PMCID: PMC10049535 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Defensins have long been considered as merely antimicrobial peptides. Throughout the years, more immune-related functions have been discovered for both the α-defensin and β-defensin subfamily. This review provides insights into the role of defensins in tumor immunity. Since defensins are present and differentially expressed in certain cancer types, researchers started to unravel their role in the tumor microenvironment. The human neutrophil peptides have been demonstrated to be directly oncolytic by permealizing the cell membrane. Further, defensins can inflict DNA damage and induce apoptosis of tumor cells. In the tumor microenvironment, defensins can act as chemoattractants for subsets of immune cells, such as T cells, immature dendritic cells, monocytes and mast cells. Additionally, by activating the targeted leukocytes, defensins generate pro-inflammatory signals. Moreover, immuno-adjuvant effects have been reported in a variety of models. Therefore, the action of defensins reaches beyond their direct antimicrobial effect, i.e., the lysis of microbes invading the mucosal surfaces. By causing an increase in pro-inflammatory signaling events, cell lysis (generating antigens) and attraction and activation of antigen presenting cells, defensins could have a relevant role in activating the adaptive immune system and generating anti-tumor immunity, and could thus contribute to the success of immune therapy.
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Teixeira ID, Carvalho E, Leal EC. Green Antimicrobials as Therapeutic Agents for Diabetic Foot Ulcers. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:467. [PMID: 36978333 PMCID: PMC10044531 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12030467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are one of the most serious and devastating complications of diabetes and account for a significant decrease in quality of life and costly healthcare expenses worldwide. This condition affects around 15% of diabetic patients and is one of the leading causes of lower limb amputations. DFUs generally present poor clinical outcomes, mainly due to the impaired healing process and the elevated risk of microbial infections which leads to tissue damage. Nowadays, antimicrobial resistance poses a rising threat to global health, thus hampering DFU treatment and care. Faced with this reality, it is pivotal to find greener and less environmentally impactful alternatives for fighting these resistant microbes. Antimicrobial peptides are small molecules that play a crucial role in the innate immune system of the host and can be found in nature. Some of these molecules have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and wound-healing activity, making them good potential therapeutic compounds to treat DFUs. This review aims to describe antimicrobial peptides derived from green, eco-friendly processes that can be used as potential therapeutic compounds to treat DFUs, thereby granting a better quality of life to patients and their families while protecting our fundamental bio-resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines D. Teixeira
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Eugenia Carvalho
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ermelindo C. Leal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Gómez-Gaviria M, Ramírez-Sotelo U, Mora-Montes HM. Non- albicans Candida Species: Immune Response, Evasion Mechanisms, and New Plant-Derived Alternative Therapies. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010011. [PMID: 36675832 PMCID: PMC9862154 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungal infections caused by Candida species have become a constant threat to public health, especially for immunocompromised patients, who are considered susceptible to this type of opportunistic infections. Candida albicans is known as the most common etiological agent of candidiasis; however, other species, such as Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Nakaseomyces glabrata (previously known as Candida glabrata), Candida auris, Candida guilliermondii, and Pichia kudriavzevii (previously named as Candida krusei), have also gained great importance in recent years. The increasing frequency of the isolation of this non-albicans Candida species is associated with different factors, such as constant exposure to antifungal drugs, the use of catheters in hospitalized patients, cancer, age, and geographic distribution. The main concerns for the control of these pathogens include their ability to evade the mechanisms of action of different drugs, thus developing resistance to antifungal drugs, and it has also been shown that some of these species also manage to evade the host's immunity. These biological traits make candidiasis treatment a challenging task. In this review manuscript, a detailed update of the recent literature on the six most relevant non-albicans Candida species is provided, focusing on the immune response, evasion mechanisms, and new plant-derived compounds with antifungal properties.
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Leannec-Rialland V, Atanasova V, Chereau S, Tonk-Rügen M, Cabezas-Cruz A, Richard-Forget F. Use of Defensins to Develop Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Synthetic Fungicides to Control Phytopathogenic Fungi and Their Mycotoxins. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:229. [PMID: 35330231 PMCID: PMC8950385 DOI: 10.3390/jof8030229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Crops are threatened by numerous fungal diseases that can adversely affect the availability and quality of agricultural commodities. In addition, some of these fungal phytopathogens have the capacity to produce mycotoxins that pose a serious health threat to humans and livestock. To facilitate the transition towards sustainable environmentally friendly agriculture, there is an urgent need to develop innovative methods allowing a reduced use of synthetic fungicides while guaranteeing optimal yields and the safety of the harvests. Several defensins have been reported to display antifungal and even-despite being under-studied-antimycotoxin activities and could be promising natural molecules for the development of control strategies. This review analyses pioneering and recent work addressing the bioactivity of defensins towards fungal phytopathogens; the details of approximately 100 active defensins and defensin-like peptides occurring in plants, mammals, fungi and invertebrates are listed. Moreover, the multi-faceted mechanism of action employed by defensins, the opportunity to optimize large-scale production procedures such as their solubility, stability and toxicity to plants and mammals are discussed. Overall, the knowledge gathered within the present review strongly supports the bright future held by defensin-based plant protection solutions while pointing out the obstacles that still need to be overcome to translate defensin-based in vitro research findings into commercial products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Leannec-Rialland
- Université de Bordeaux, UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety (MycSA), INRAE, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France;
| | - Vessela Atanasova
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety (MycSA), INRAE, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (V.A.); (S.C.)
| | - Sylvain Chereau
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety (MycSA), INRAE, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (V.A.); (S.C.)
| | - Miray Tonk-Rügen
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
- Institute of Nutritional Sciences, Justus Liebig University, Wilhelmstrasse 20, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- Anses, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR Parasitic Molecular Biology and Immunology (BIPAR), Laboratoire de Santé Animale, INRAE, 94700 Maison-Alfort, France
| | - Florence Richard-Forget
- UR1264 Mycology and Food Safety (MycSA), INRAE, 33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France; (V.A.); (S.C.)
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Wei DX, Zhang XW. Biosynthesis, Bioactivity, Biosafety and Applications of Antimicrobial Peptides for Human Health. BIOSAFETY AND HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Nag P, Paul S, Shriti S, Das S. Defence response in plants and animals against a common fungal pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. CURRENT RESEARCH IN MICROBIAL SCIENCES 2022; 3:100135. [PMID: 35909626 PMCID: PMC9325751 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmicr.2022.100135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC) is considered one of the most devastating plant pathogen. FOSC is an emerging pathogen of immunocompromised individuals. Mycotoxins produced by FOSC predisposes the host to other pathogens. Comparative immune reactions in plant and invertebrate show that several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and secondary metabolites maybe used as control against Fusarium infection.
Plant pathogens emerging as threat to human and animal health has been a matter of concern within the scientific community. Fusarium oxysporum, predominantly a phytopathogen, can infect both plants and animals. As a plant pathogen, F. oxysporum is one of the most economically damaging pathogen. In humans, F. oxysporum can infect immunocompromised individuals and is increasingly being considered as a problematic pathogen. Mycotoxins produced by F. oxysporum supress the innate immune pathways in both plants and animals. Hence, F. oxysporum is the perfect example for studying similarities and differences between defence strategies adopted by plants and animals. In this review we will discuss the innate immune response of plant and animal hosts for protecting against F. oxysporum infection. Such studies will be helpful for identifying genes, protein and metabolites with antifungal properties suitable for protecting humans.
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Antifungal Peptides and Proteins to Control Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxin Biosynthesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413261. [PMID: 34948059 PMCID: PMC8703302 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The global challenge to prevent fungal spoilage and mycotoxin contamination on food and feed requires the development of new antifungal strategies. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) with antifungal activity are gaining much interest as natural antifungal compounds due to their properties such as structure diversity and function, antifungal spectrum, mechanism of action, high stability and the availability of biotechnological production methods. Given their multistep mode of action, the development of fungal resistance to AMPs is presumed to be slow or delayed compared to conventional fungicides. Interestingly, AMPs also accomplish important biological functions other than antifungal activity, including anti-mycotoxin biosynthesis activity, which opens novel aspects for their future use in agriculture and food industry to fight mycotoxin contamination. AMPs can reach intracellular targets and exert their activity by mechanisms other than membrane permeabilization. The mechanisms through which AMPs affect mycotoxin production are varied and complex, ranging from oxidative stress to specific inhibition of enzymatic components of mycotoxin biosynthetic pathways. This review presents natural and synthetic antifungal AMPs from different origins which are effective against mycotoxin-producing fungi, and aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning their additional effects on mycotoxin biosynthesis. Antifungal AMPs properties and mechanisms of action are also discussed.
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Seyedjavadi SS, Khani S, Goudarzi M, Zare-Zardini H, Shams-Ghahfarokhi M, Jamzivar F, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Characterization, Biological Activity, and Mechanism of Action of a Plant-Based Novel Antifungal Peptide, Cc-AFP1, Isolated From Carum carvi. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:743346. [PMID: 34708005 PMCID: PMC8544420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.743346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the increasing rate of invasive fungal infections and emerging antifungal resistance, development of novel antifungal drugs has been an urgent necessity. Antifungal peptides (AFPs) have recently attracted attention due to their unique ability to evade drug-resistant fungal pathogens. In this study, a novel AFP, Cc-AFP1, with a molecular weight of ~3.759 kDa, was isolated from Carum carvi L., purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation and reversed-phase HPLC and finally identified by sequence analysis using Edman degradation. Peptide sequence analysis revealed a fragment of 36 amino acid residues as RVCFRPVAPYLGVGVSGAVRDQIGVKLGSVYKGPRG for Cc-AFP1 with a net charge of +5 and a hydrophobicity ratio of 38%. The antifungal activity of Cc-AFP1 was confirmed against Aspergillus species with MIC values in the range of 8–16 µg/ml. Cc-AFP1 had less than 5% hemolytic activity at 8–16 µg/ml on human red blood cells with no obvious cytotoxicity against the HEK293 cell line. Stability analysis showed that the activity of Cc-AFP1 was maintained at different temperatures (20°C to 80°C) and pH (8 to 10). The results of a propidium iodide uptake and transmission electron microscopy showed that the antifungal activity of Cc-AFP1 could be attributed to alteration in the fungal cell membrane permeability. Taken together, these results indicate that Cc-AFP1 may be an attractive molecule to develop as a novel antifungal agent combating fungal infections cause by Aspergillus species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Meybod University, Meybod, Iran
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Identification and Characterization of Two Defensins from Capsicum annuum Fruits that Exhibit Antimicrobial Activity. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2021; 12:1253-1265. [PMID: 32221795 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-020-09647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Scientific advances have not been enough to combat the growing resistance to antimicrobial medicines. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effector molecules of the innate immune defense system in plants and could provide an important source of new antimicrobial drugs. The aim of this work was to extract, purify, characterize, and evaluate the antifungal activities present in fractions obtained from Capsicum annum fruits through reversed-phase chromatography. The fractions named F2 and F3 presented the highest inhibitory activity against Candida and Mycobacterium tuberculosis species. In addition, we identified two sequences of AMPs in the F2 and F3 fractions through mass spectrometry that showed similarity to an already well-characterized family of plant defensins. A plasma membrane permeabilization assay demonstrated that the peptides present in F2, F3, and F4 fractions induced changes in the membrane of some yeast strains, culminating in permeabilization. The production of reactive oxygen species was induced by the fractions in some yeast strains. Fractions F2, F3, and F4 also did not show toxicity in macrophage or monocyte cultures. In conclusion, the obtained data demonstrate that the AMPs, especially those present in the fractions F2 and F3, are promising antimicrobial agents that may be useful to enhance the development of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of diseases.
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12
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Mani-López E, Palou E, López-Malo A. Legume proteins, peptides, water extracts, and crude protein extracts as antifungals for food applications. Trends Food Sci Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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13
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Abstract
Invasive fungal infections in humans are generally associated with high mortality, making the choice of antifungal drug crucial for the outcome of the patient. The limited spectrum of antifungals available and the development of drug resistance represent the main concerns for the current antifungal treatments, requiring alternative strategies. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), expressed in several organisms and used as first-line defenses against microbial infections, have emerged as potential candidates for developing new antifungal therapies, characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates. Most of the current literature focuses on peptides with antibacterial activity, but there are fewer studies of their antifungal properties. This review focuses on AMPs with antifungal effects, including their in vitro and in vivo activities, with the biological repercussions on the fungal cells, when known. The classification of the peptides is based on their mode of action: although the majority of AMPs exert their activity through the interaction with membranes, other mechanisms have been identified, including cell wall inhibition and nucleic acid binding. In addition, antifungal compounds with unknown modes of action are also described. The elucidation of such mechanisms can be useful to identify novel drug targets and, possibly, to serve as the templates for the synthesis of new antimicrobial compounds with increased activity and reduced host toxicity.
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14
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Skalska J, Andrade VM, Cena GL, Harvey PJ, Gaspar D, Mello ÉO, Henriques ST, Valle J, Gomes VM, Conceição K, Castanho MARB, Andreu D. Synthesis, Structure, and Activity of the Antifungal Plant Defensin PvD 1. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9391-9402. [PMID: 32787086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Available treatments for invasive fungal infections have limitations, including toxicity and the emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative solutions. Because of their unique mode of action and high selectivity, plant defensins (PDs) are worthy therapeutic candidates. Chemical synthesis remains a preferred method for the production of many peptide-based therapeutics. Given the relatively long sequence of PDs, as well as their complicated posttranslational modifications, the synthetic route can be considered challenging. Here, we describe a total synthesis of PvD1, the defensin from the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris. Analytical, structural, and functional characterization revealed that both natural and synthetic peptides fold into a canonical CSαβ motif stabilized by conserved disulfide bonds. Moreover, synthetic PvD1 retained the biological activity against four different Candida species and showed no toxicity in vivo. Adding the high resistance of synthetic PvD1 to proteolytic degradation, we claim that conditions are now met to consider PDs druggable biologicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Skalska
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vitor M Andrade
- Laboratório de Bioquı́mica de Peptı́deos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 12231-280 São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle L Cena
- Laboratório de Bioquı́mica de Peptı́deos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 12231-280 São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Peta J Harvey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquı́mica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologı́a, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, 4072 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation and Translational Research Institute, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquı́mica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologı́a, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, 28013-602 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katia Conceição
- Laboratório de Bioquı́mica de Peptı́deos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 12231-280 São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Antimicrobial peptides from Capsicum chinense fruits: agronomic alternatives against phytopathogenic fungi. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:226054. [PMID: 32785580 PMCID: PMC7442975 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the antimicrobial activity of peptides isolated from a wide variety of organs from plant species has been reported. However, a few studies have investigated the potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) found in fruits, especially Capsicum chinense (pepper). The present study aimed to purify and characterize peptides from Capsicum chinense fruits and evaluate their inhibitory activities against different phytopathogenic fungi and also analyze the possible mechanisms of action involved in microbial inhibition. After fruit protein extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), different fractions were obtained, named F1 to F10. Peptides in the F4 and F5 fractions were sequenced and revealed similarity with the plant antimicrobial peptides like non-specific lipid transfer proteins and defensin-like peptide. The F4 and F5 fractions presented strong antimicrobial activity against the fungus Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, causing toxic effects on these fungi, leading to membrane permeabilization, endogenous reactive oxygen species increase, activation of metacaspase and loss of mitochondrial function.
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16
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Pastor-Fernández J, Gamir J, Pastor V, Sanchez-Bel P, Sanmartín N, Cerezo M, Flors V. Arabidopsis Plants Sense Non-self Peptides to Promote Resistance Against Plectosphaerella cucumerina. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:529. [PMID: 32536929 PMCID: PMC7225342 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Peptides are important regulators that participate in the modulation of almost every physiological event in plants, including defense. Recently, many of these peptides have been described as defense elicitors, termed phytocytokines, that are released upon pest or pathogen attack, triggering an amplification of plant defenses. However, little is known about peptides sensing and inducing resistance activities in heterologous plants. In the present study, exogenous peptides from solanaceous species, Systemins and HypSys, are sensed and induce resistance to the necrotrophic fungus Plectosphaerella cucumerina in the taxonomically distant species Arabidopsis thaliana. Surprisingly, other peptides from closer taxonomic clades have very little or no effect on plant protection. In vitro bioassays showed that the studied peptides do not have direct antifungal activities, suggesting that they protect the plant through the promotion of the plant immune system. Interestingly, tomato Systemin was able to induce resistance at very low concentrations (0.1 and 1 nM) and displays a maximum threshold being ineffective above at higher concentrations. Here, we show evidence of the possible involvement of the JA-signaling pathway in the Systemin-Induced Resistance (Sys-IR) in Arabidopsis. Additionally, Systemin treated plants display enhanced BAK1 and BIK1 gene expression following infection as well as increased production of ROS after PAMP treatment suggesting that Systemin sensitizes Arabidopsis perception to pathogens and PAMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Víctor Flors
- Metabolic Integration and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Plant Physiology Section, Unidad Asociada al Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (EEZ-CSIC)-Department of Ciencias Agrarias y del Medio Natural, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón, Spain
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17
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Skalska J, Oliveira FD, Figueira TN, Mello ÉO, Gomes VM, McNaughton-Smith G, Castanho MARB, Gaspar D. Plant defensin PvD 1 modulates the membrane composition of breast tumour-derived exosomes. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:23366-23381. [PMID: 31793603 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr07843f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important causes of failure in tumour treatment is the development of resistance to therapy. Cancer cells can develop the ability to lose sensitivity to anti-neoplastic drugs during reciprocal crosstalk between cells and their interaction with the tumour microenvironment (TME). Cell-to-cell communication regulates a cascade of interdependent events essential for disease development and progression and can be mediated by several signalling pathways. Exosome-mediated communication is one of the pathways regulating these events. Tumour-derived exosomes (TDE) are believed to have the ability to modulate TMEs and participate in multidrug resistance mechanisms. In this work, we studied the effect of the natural defensin from common bean, PvD1, on the formation of exosomes by breast cancer MCF-7 cells, mainly the modulatory effect it has on the level of CD63 and CD9 tetraspanins. Moreover, we followed the interaction of PvD1 with biological and model membranes of selected composition, by biophysical and imaging techniques. Overall, the results show that PvD1 induces a dual effect on MCF-7 derived exosomes: the peptide attenuates the recruitment of CD63 and CD9 to exosomes intracellularly and binds to the mature exosomes in the extracellular environment. This work uncovers the exosome-mediated anticancer action of PvD1, a potential nutraceutical agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Skalska
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Filipa D Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Tiago N Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos do Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos do Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Grant McNaughton-Smith
- CEAMED - Centro Atlántico del Medicamento, S.A., San Cristobal de La Laguna, S/C Tenerife, Spain
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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18
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Das K, Datta K, Karmakar S, Datta SK. Antimicrobial Peptides - Small but Mighty Weapons for Plants to Fight Phytopathogens. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:720-742. [PMID: 31215363 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190619112438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs) have diverse structures, varied modes of actions, and can inhibit the growth of a wide range of pathogens at low concentrations. Plants are constantly under attack by a wide range of phytopathogens causing massive yield losses worldwide. To combat these pathogens, nature has armed plants with a battery of defense responses including Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs). These peptides form a vital component of the two-tier plant defense system. They are constitutively expressed as part of the pre-existing first line of defense against pathogen entry. When a pathogen overcomes this barrier, it faces the inducible defense system, which responds to specific molecular or effector patterns by launching an arsenal of defense responses including the production of AMPs. This review emphasizes the structural and functional aspects of different plant-derived AMPs, their homology with AMPs from other organisms, and how their biotechnological potential could generate durable resistance in a wide range of crops against different classes of phytopathogens in an environmentally friendly way without phenotypic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Das
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Karabi Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Subhasis Karmakar
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
| | - Swapan K Datta
- Laboratory of Translational Research on Transgenic Crops, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
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19
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Rodríguez-Decuadro S, Dans PD, Borba MA, Benko-Iseppon AM, Cecchetto G. Gene isolation and structural characterization of a legume tree defensin with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. PLANTA 2019; 250:1757-1772. [PMID: 31428874 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-019-03260-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The recombinant EcgDf1 defensin has an antimicrobial effect against both plant and human pathogens. In silico analyses predict that EcgDf1 is prone to form dimers capable of interacting with the membranes of microorganisms. Plant defensins comprise a large family of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with a wide range of biological functions. They are cysteine-rich molecules, highly sequence diverse but with a conserved and stable structure. In this work, a defensin gene (EcgDf1) was isolated from Erythrina crista-galli, a legume tree native from South America. The predicted peptide presents eight cysteines, with a γ-core motif GXCX3-9C and six cysteines distributed like the typical defensin αβ motif. The mature EcgDf1 coding sequence was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli strains and purified by affinity chromatography. Possible dimer and oligomers of EcgDf1 were visible in SDS electrophoresis. Moreover, its 3D structure, determined by homology modeling, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, was found to be compatible with the formation of homodimers between the β3 and β1-loop-α1, leaving the β2-loop-β3 free to interact with lipid membranes. The purified recombinant peptide inhibited the growth of several critical plant and human pathogens, like the opportunistic fungi Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger and the plant pathogens Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis, Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata. EcgDf1 is a promising candidate for the development of antimicrobial products for use in agriculture and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Rodríguez-Decuadro
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal, Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad de la República, Garzón 780, 12900, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo D Dans
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Joint BSC-IRB Research Program in Computational Biology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Alejandra Borba
- Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias-Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Ana Maria Benko-Iseppon
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Centro de Biociências, Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, 1235, Recife, PE, CEP 50.670-420, Brazil
| | - Gianna Cecchetto
- Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Instituto de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias-Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, General Flores 2124, 11800, Montevideo, Uruguay.
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20
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Characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a Populus trichocarpa defensin gene and its potential as an anti-Agrobacterium rooting medium additive. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15359. [PMID: 31653915 PMCID: PMC6814764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51762-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The diverse antimicrobial properties of defensins have attracted wide scientific interest in recent years. Also, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including cecropins, histatins, defensins, and cathelicidins, have recently become an antimicrobial research hotspot for their broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. In addition, defensins play important roles in plant growth, development, and physiological metabolism, and demonstrate tissue specificity and regulation in response to pathogen attack or abiotic stress. In this study, we performed molecular cloning, characterization, expression profiling, and functional analysis of a defensin from Populus trichocarpa. The PtDef protein was highly expressed in the prokaryotic Escherichia coli system as a fusion protein (TrxA–PtDef). The purified protein exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal functions. We then applied PtDef to rooting culture medium as an alternative exogenous additive to cefotaxime. PtDef expression levels increased significantly following both biotic and abiotic treatment. The degree of leaf damage observed in wild-type (WT) and transgenic poplars indicates that transgenic poplars that overexpress the PtDef gene gain enhanced disease resistance to Septotis populiperda. To further study the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signal transduction pathways, SA- and JA-related and pathogenesis-related genes were analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; there were significant differences in these pathways between transgenic and WT poplars. The defensin from Populus trichocarpa showed significant activity of anti-bacteria and anti-fungi. According to the results of qRT-PCR and physiological relevant indicators, the applied PtDef to rooting culture medium was chosen as an alternative exogenous additive to cefotaxime. Overexpressing the PtDef gene in poplar improve the disease resistance to Septotis populiperda.
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21
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Thery T, Lynch KM, Arendt EK. Natural Antifungal Peptides/Proteins as Model for Novel Food Preservatives. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:1327-1360. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Thery
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Kieran M. Lynch
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Elke K. Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
- Microbiome IrelandUniv. College Cork Ireland
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22
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Khani S, Seyedjavadi SS, Zare-Zardini H, Hosseini HM, Goudarzi M, Khatami S, Amani J, Imani Fooladi AA, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Isolation and functional characterization of an antifungal hydrophilic peptide, Skh-AMP1, derived from Satureja khuzistanica leaves. PHYTOCHEMISTRY 2019; 164:136-143. [PMID: 31128493 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The increasing resistance of pathogenic fungi to conventional antifungal therapies is a major global health concern. Currently, antifungal peptides are receiving increasing attention as suitable candidates for antifungal drug discovery. In the present study, an antifungal peptide was isolated from Satureja khuzistanica by reverse phase-HPLC column and sequenced by de novo sequencing and Edman degradation. The peptide cytotoxicity on human red blood cells and HEK293 cells was assessed using hemolytic and MTT assays. The purified peptide had 25 amino acids with pI and net charge equal to 9.31 and + 2, respectively. According to the systematic nomenclature, this peptide was named Skh-AMP1. The peptide showed strong antifungal activity against pathogenic species of Aspergillus and Candida with MIC values of 19.8-23.4 μM and MFC values of 39.6-58.5 μM. Molecular modeling analysis predicted a α-helix conformation for Skh-AMP1 and the probable hydrophilic residues and hydrophobic regions in the peptide structure which may responsible for its antifungal activity. Skh-AMP1 preserved its stability at the pH of 7 and 8 and the temperatures of 30 and 40 °C. The peptide showed negligible hemolytic activity in the range of 0.19-2.1% at the concentrations of 3.6-72 μM. It has no obvious cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells at the MIC of 25.2 μM for the fungal growth. All together, these properties make Skh-AMP1 as a previously undescribed peptide a promising potential therapeutic agent to combat immerging fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Khani
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 1316943551, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hamideh Mahmoodzadeh Hosseini
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Khatami
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Amani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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23
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Seyedjavadi SS, Khani S, Zare-Zardini H, Halabian R, Goudarzi M, Khatami S, Imani Fooladi AA, Amani J, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. Isolation, functional characterization, and biological properties of MCh-AMP1, a novel antifungal peptide from Matricaria chamomilla L. Chem Biol Drug Des 2019; 93:949-959. [PMID: 30773822 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial activities of natural products have attracted much attention due to the increasing incidence of pathogens that have become resistant to drugs. Thus, it has been attempted to promisingly manage infectious diseases via a new group of therapeutic agents called antimicrobial peptides. In this study, a novel antifungal peptide, MCh-AMP1, was purified by reverse phase HPLC and sequenced by de novo sequencing and Edman degradation. The antifungal activity, safety, thermal, and pH stability of MCh-AMP1 were determined. This peptide demonstrated an antifungal activity against the tested Candida and Aspergillus species with MIC values in the range of 3.33-6.66 μM and 6.66-13.32 μM, respectively. Further, physicochemical properties and molecular modeling of MCh-AMP1 were evaluated. MCh-AMP1 demonstrated 3.65% hemolytic activity at the concentration of 13.32 μM on human red blood cells and 10% toxicity after 48 hr at the same concentration on HEK293 cell lines. The antifungal activity of MCh-AMP1 against Candida albicans was stable at a temperature range of 30-50°C and at the pH level of 7-11. The present study indicates that MCh-AMP1 may be considered as a new antifungal agent with therapeutic potential against major human pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shohreh Khatami
- Department of Biochemistry, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Imani Fooladi
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Amani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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de Oliveira Mello É, Taveira GB, de Oliveira Carvalho A, Gomes VM. Improved smallest peptides based on positive charge increase of the γ-core motif from PνD 1 and their mechanism of action against Candida species. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:407-420. [PMID: 30666103 PMCID: PMC6331069 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s187957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant defensins have a hallmark γ-core motif (GXCX3-9C) that is related to their antimicrobial properties. The aim of this work was to design synthetic peptides based on the region corresponding to the PvD1 defensin γ-core that are the smallest amino acid sequences that bear the strongest biological activity. METHODS We made rational substitutions of negatively charged amino acid residues with positively charged ones, and the reduction in length in the selected PvD1 γ-core sequence to verify whether the increased net positive charges and shortened length are related to the increase in antifungal activity. Herein, we opted to evaluate the action mechanism of γ33-41 PvD1 ++ peptide due to its significant inhibitory effect on tested yeasts. In addition, it is the smallest construct comprising only nine amino acid residues, giving it a better possibility to be a prototype for designing a new antifungal drug, with lower costs to the pharmaceutical industry while still maintaining the strongest antimicrobial properties. RESULTS The γ33-41 PvD1 ++ peptide caused the most toxic effects in the yeast Candida buinensis, leading to membrane permeabilization, viability loss, endogenous reactive oxygen species increase, the activation of metacaspase, and the loss of mitochondrial functionality, suggesting that this peptide triggers cell death via apoptosis. CONCLUSION We observed that the antifungal activity of PvD1 is not strictly localized in the structural domain, which comprises the γ-core region and that the increase in the net positive charge is directly related to the increase in antifungal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Érica de Oliveira Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
| | - Gabriel Bonan Taveira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
| | - André de Oliveira Carvalho
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
| | - Valdirene Moreira Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia, Universidade Estadualdo Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ;
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25
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Figueira TN, Oliveira FD, Almeida I, Mello ÉO, Gomes VM, Castanho MARB, Gaspar D. Challenging metastatic breast cancer with the natural defensin PvD 1. NANOSCALE 2017; 9:16887-16899. [PMID: 29076508 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr05872a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer is a very serious life threatening condition that poses many challenges for the pharmaceutical development of effective chemotherapeutics. As the therapeutics targeted to the localized masses in breast improve, metastatic lesions in the brain slowly increase in their incidence compromising successful treatment outcomes overall. The blood-brain-barrier (BBB) is one important obstacle for the management of breast cancer brain metastases. New therapeutic approaches are in demand for overcoming the BBB's breaching by breast tumor cells. In this work we demonstrate the potential dual role of a natural antimicrobial plant defensin, PvD1: it interferes with the formation of solid tumors in the breast and concomitantly controls adhesion of breast cancer cells to human brain endothelial cells. We have used a combination of techniques that probe PvD1's effect at the single cell level and reveal that this peptide can effectively damage breast tumor cells, leaving healthy breast and brain cells unaffected. Results suggest that PvD1 quickly internalizes in cancer cells but remains located in the membrane of normal cells with no significant damage to its structure and biomechanical properties. These interactions in turn modulate cell adhesiveness between tumor and BBB cells. PvD1 is a potential template for the design of innovative pharmacological approaches for metastatic breast cancer treatment: the manipulation of the biomechanical properties of tumor cells that ultimately prevent their attachment to the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago N Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
| | - Filipa D Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
| | - Inês Almeida
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
| | - Érica O Mello
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos do Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos do Centro de Biociências e Biotecnologia da Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Avenida Alberto Lamego 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, Lisbon 1649-028, Portugal.
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26
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Purification and characterization of peptides from Capsicum annuum fruits which are α-amylase inhibitors and exhibit high antimicrobial activity against fungi of agronomic importance. Protein Expr Purif 2017; 132:97-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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27
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Joshi J, Pandurangan S, Diapari M, Marsolais F. Comparison of Gene Families: Seed Storage and Other Seed Proteins. THE COMMON BEAN GENOME 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-63526-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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28
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PvD1 defensin, a plant antimicrobial peptide with inhibitory activity against Leishmania amazonensis. Biosci Rep 2015; 35:BSR20150060. [PMID: 26285803 PMCID: PMC4613715 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
PvD1 was able to inhibit the proliferation of Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes; PvD1 caused cell membrane permeabilization and alterations in the cytoplasmic contents of these cells; PvD1 was internalized in these cells, what suggests a possible intracellular target. Plant defensins are small cysteine-rich peptides and exhibit antimicrobial activity against a variety of both plant and human pathogens. Despite the broad inhibitory activity that plant defensins exhibit against different micro-organisms, little is known about their activity against protozoa. In a previous study, we isolated a plant defensin named PvD1 from Phaseolus vulgaris (cv. Pérola) seeds, which was seen to be deleterious against different yeast cells and filamentous fungi. It exerted its effects by causing an increase in the endogenous production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) and NO (nitric oxide), plasma membrane permeabilization and the inhibition of medium acidification. In the present study, we investigated whether PvD1 could act against the protozoan Leishmania amazonensis. Our results show that, besides inhibiting the proliferation of L. amazonensis promastigotes, the PvD1 defensin was able to cause cytoplasmic fragmentation, formation of multiple cytoplasmic vacuoles and membrane permeabilization in the cells of this organism. Furthermore, we show, for the first time, that PvD1 defensin was located within the L. amazonensis cells, suggesting the existence of a possible intracellular target.
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Vieira Bard GC, Nascimento VV, Ribeiro SFF, Rodrigues R, Perales J, Teixeira-Ferreira A, Carvalho AO, Fernandes KVS, Gomes VM. Characterization of Peptides from Capsicum annuum Hybrid Seeds with Inhibitory Activity Against α-Amylase, Serine Proteinases and Fungi. Protein J 2015; 34:122-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10930-015-9604-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Biologically active and antimicrobial peptides from plants. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:102129. [PMID: 25815307 PMCID: PMC4359881 DOI: 10.1155/2015/102129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bioactive peptides are part of an innate response elicited by most living forms. In plants, they are produced ubiquitously in roots, seeds, flowers, stems, and leaves, highlighting their physiological importance. While most of the bioactive peptides produced in plants possess microbicide properties, there is evidence that they are also involved in cellular signaling. Structurally, there is an overall similarity when comparing them with those derived from animal or insect sources. The biological action of bioactive peptides initiates with the binding to the target membrane followed in most cases by membrane permeabilization and rupture. Here we present an overview of what is currently known about bioactive peptides from plants, focusing on their antimicrobial activity and their role in the plant signaling network and offering perspectives on their potential application.
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Polar characterization of antifungal peptides from APD2 Database. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 70:1479-88. [PMID: 24980861 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-0085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The increase in the number of pathogens due to fungi that are tolerant to therapies does not grow at the same speed than the advance on new antifungal drugs. In this sense, it is imperative to find anti-fungi peptides that are not detrimental to mammalian cells and have an effective toxicity to fungi. In this work, we use a method called polarity index, to identify anti-fungi peptides with an efficiency of 70 %. This method already published, initially identified selective antibacterial peptides from APD2 Database, and was characterized by developing a comprehensive analysis of the polar dynamics of a peptide from its linear sequence. Discriminating tests showed that in addition to being efficient in this identification, it was also good at rejecting other classifications of peptides found in that same database.
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Marmiroli N, Maestri E. Plant peptides in defense and signaling. Peptides 2014; 56:30-44. [PMID: 24681437 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on plant peptides involved in defense against pathogen infection and those involved in the regulation of growth and development. Defense peptides, defensins, cyclotides and anti-microbial peptides are compared and contrasted. Signaling peptides are classified according to their major sites of activity. Finally, a network approach to creating an interactomic peptide map is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Marmiroli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Elena Maestri
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 11A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Functional expression and activity of the recombinant antifungal defensin PvD1r from Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) seeds. BMC BIOCHEMISTRY 2014; 15:7. [PMID: 24690228 PMCID: PMC3996258 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2091-15-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Defensins are basic, cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides that are important components of plant defense against pathogens. Previously, we isolated a defensin, PvD1, from Phaseolus vulgaris L. (common bean) seeds. Results The aim of this study was to overexpress PvD1 in a prokaryotic system, verify the biologic function of recombinant PvD1 (PvD1r) by comparing the antimicrobial activity of PvD1r to that of the natural defensin, PvD1, and use a mutant Candida albicans strain that lacks the gene for sphingolipid biosynthesis to unravel the target site of the PvD1r in C. albicans cells. The cDNA encoding PvD1, which was previously obtained, was cloned into the pET-32 EK/LIC vector, and the resulting construct was used to transform bacterial cells (Rosetta Gami 2 (DE3) pLysS) leading to recombinant protein expression. After expression had been induced, PvD1r was purified, cleaved with enterokinase and repurified by chromatographic steps. N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed that the overall process of the recombinant production of PvD1r, including cleavage with the enterokinase, was successful. Additionally, modeling revealed that PvD1r had a structure that was similar to the defensin isolated from plants. Purified PvD1 and PvD1r possessed inhibitory activity against the growth of the wild-type pathogenic yeast strain C. albicans. Both defensins, however, did not present inhibitory activity against the mutant strain of C. albicans. Antifungal assays with the wild-type C. albicans strains showed morphological changes upon observation by light microscopy following growth assays. PvD1r was coupled to FITC, and the subsequent treatment of wild type C. albicans with DAPI revealed that the labeled peptide was intracellularly localized. In the mutant strain, no intracellular labeling was detected. Conclusion Our results indicate that PvD1r retains full biological activity after recombinant production, enterokinase cleavage and purification. Additionally, our results from the antimicrobial assay, the microscopic analysis and the PvD1r-FITC labeling assays corroborate each other and lead us to suggest that the target of PvD1 in C. albicans cells is the sphingolipid glucosylceramide.
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Silva PM, Gonçalves S, Santos NC. Defensins: antifungal lessons from eukaryotes. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:97. [PMID: 24688483 PMCID: PMC3960590 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been the focus of intense research toward the finding of a viable alternative to current antifungal drugs. Defensins are one of the major families of AMPs and the most represented among all eukaryotic groups, providing an important first line of host defense against pathogenic microorganisms. Several of these cysteine-stabilized peptides present a relevant effect against fungi. Defensins are the AMPs with the broader distribution across all eukaryotic kingdoms, namely, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, and were recently shown to have an ancestor in a bacterial organism. As a part of the host defense, defensins act as an important vehicle of information between innate and adaptive immune system and have a role in immunomodulation. This multidimensionality represents a powerful host shield, hard for microorganisms to overcome using single approach resistance strategies. Pathogenic fungi resistance to conventional antimycotic drugs is becoming a major problem. Defensins, as other AMPs, have shown to be an effective alternative to the current antimycotic therapies, demonstrating potential as novel therapeutic agents or drug leads. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on some eukaryotic defensins with antifungal action. An overview of the main targets in the fungal cell and the mechanism of action of these AMPs (namely, the selectivity for some fungal membrane components) are presented. Additionally, recent works on antifungal defensins structure, activity, and cytotoxicity are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia M Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sónia Gonçalves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon, Portugal
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Souza GS, do Nascimento VV, de Carvalho LP, de Melo EJT, Fernandes KV, Machado OLT, Retamal CA, Gomes VM, Carvalho ADO. Activity of recombinant and natural defensins from Vigna unguiculata seeds against Leishmania amazonensis. Exp Parasitol 2013; 135:116-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2013.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Lam SK, Ng TB. Purification and characterization of an antifungal peptide with potent antifungal activity but devoid of antiproliferative and HIV reverse transcriptase activities from Legumi secchi beans. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2013; 169:2165-74. [PMID: 23412767 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-013-0129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A monomeric 9.4-kDa peptide with antifungal activity was isolated from seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cv Legumi secchi by using a protocol that involved affinity chromatography on Blue-Sepharose, ion exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose, and gel filtration on Superdex 75. It was adsorbed on Blue-Sepharose and unadsorbed on Q-Sepharose. Its N-terminal sequence resembled those of other leguminous defensins. It impeded mycelial growth in the fungi Helminthosporium maydis, Rhizoctonia solani, Mycosphaerella arachidicola, and Fusarium oxysporum with an IC(50) value of 9.5, 3.5, 1, and 9.2 μM, respectively, but there was no effect on Valsa mali. SYTOX Green uptake by R. solani indicated that the antifungal peptide induced fungal membrane permeabilization. In contrast to the majority of previously reported defensins/defensin-like peptides, Legumi secchi antifungal peptide did not reduce the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HepG2 hepatoma cells or inhibit HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, indicating a dissociation between antifungal, antiproliferative and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitory activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Kwan Lam
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Rogozhin EA, Ryazantsev DY, Grishin EV, Egorov TA, Zavriev SK. Defense peptides from barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) seeds. Peptides 2012; 38:33-40. [PMID: 22940285 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 08/11/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A number of defense polypeptides from latent seeds of weed cereal barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) has been isolated and characterized using an acidic extraction and high performance liquid chromatography methods in combination with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and Edman sequencing. Members of three antimicrobial peptide families and two protease inhibitor families were found to be localized in barnyard grass seeds. Their biological activity concerning to Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative phytopathogenic bacteria, as well as oomycete Phytophthora infestans, has been investigated. Diversity of barnyard grass defense peptides is a significant factor that provides a resistance of E. crusgalli seeds to germination and latent phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Rogozhin
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russian Federation.
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Giacomelli L, Nanni V, Lenzi L, Zhuang J, Dalla Serra M, Banfield MJ, Town CD, Silverstein KAT, Baraldi E, Moser C. Identification and characterization of the defensin-like gene family of grapevine. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2012; 25:1118-31. [PMID: 22550957 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-12-11-0323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are a class of small and diverse cysteine-rich proteins found in plants, insects, and vertebrates, which share a common tertiary structure and usually exert broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities. We used a bioinformatic approach to scan the Vitis vinifera genome and identified 79 defensin-like sequences (DEFL) corresponding to 46 genes and allelic variants, plus 33 pseudogenes and gene fragments. Expansion and diversification of grapevine DEFL has occurred after the split from the last common ancestor with the genera Medicago and Arabidopsis. Grapevine DEFL localization on the 'Pinot Noir' genome revealed the presence of several clusters likely evolved through local duplications. By sequencing reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction products, we could demonstrate the expression of grapevine DEFL with no previously reported record of expression. Many of these genes are predominantly or exclusively expressed in tissues linked to plant reproduction, consistent with findings in other plant species, and some of them accumulated at fruit ripening. The transcripts of five DEFL were also significantly upregulated in tissues infected with Botrytis cinerea, a necrotrophic mold, suggesting a role of these genes in defense against this pathogen. Finally, three novel defensins were discovered among the identified DEFL. They inhibit B. cinerea conidia germination when expressed as recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Giacomelli
- IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
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Wong JH, Ip DCW, Ng TB, Chan YS, Fang F, Pan WL. A defensin-like peptide from Phaseolus vulgaris cv. 'King Pole Bean'. Food Chem 2012; 135:408-14. [PMID: 22868107 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2012.04.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A 5447 Da antifungal peptide with an N-terminal sequence highly homologous to plant defensins was purified from Phaseolus vulgaris cv. 'King Pole Bean' by anion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose and FPLC-gel filtration on Superdex 75. The isolated peptide inhibited growth of a number of fungal species, including Mycosphaerella arachidicola, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans, with IC(50) values of 3.9, 4.0 and 8.4 μM, respectively. Using the membrane non-permeable DNA-binding dye SYTOX green, it was found that the peptide increased the cell membrane permeability of M. arachidicola, S. cerevisiae and C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack H Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Sagaram US, Kaur J, Shah D. Antifungal Plant Defensins: Structure-Activity Relationships, Modes of Action, and Biotech Applications. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2012. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2012-1095.ch015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jagdeep Kaur
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, U.S.A
| | - Dilip Shah
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63132, U.S.A
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Capsicum annuum L. trypsin inhibitor as a template scaffold for new drug development against pathogenic yeast. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek 2011; 101:657-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s10482-011-9683-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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de Beer A, Vivier MA. Four plant defensins from an indigenous South African Brassicaceae species display divergent activities against two test pathogens despite high sequence similarity in the encoding genes. BMC Res Notes 2011; 4:459. [PMID: 22032337 PMCID: PMC3213222 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-4-459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 10/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant defensins are an important component of the innate defence system of plants where they form protective antimicrobial barriers between tissue types of plant organs as well as around seeds. These peptides also have other activities that are important for agricultural applications as well as the medical sector. Amongst the numerous plant peptides isolated from a variety of plant species, a significant number of promising defensins have been isolated from Brassicaceae species. Here we report on the isolation and characterization of four defensins from Heliophila coronopifolia, a native South African Brassicaceae species. RESULTS Four defensin genes (Hc-AFP1-4) were isolated with a homology based PCR strategy. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences showed that the peptides were 72% similar and grouped closest to defensins isolated from other Brassicaceae species. The Hc-AFP1 and 3 peptides shared high homology (94%) and formed a unique grouping in the Brassicaceae defensins, whereas Hc-AFP2 and 4 formed a second homology grouping with defensins from Arabidopsis and Raphanus. Homology modelling showed that the few amino acids that differed between the four peptides had an effect on the surface properties of the defensins, specifically in the alpha-helix and the loop connecting the second and third beta-strands. These areas are implicated in determining differential activities of defensins. Comparing the activities after recombinant production of the peptides, Hc-AFP2 and 4 had IC50 values of 5-20 μg ml-1 against two test pathogens, whereas Hc-AFP1 and 3 were less active. The activity against Botrytis cinerea was associated with membrane permeabilization, hyper-branching, biomass reduction and even lytic activity. In contrast, only Hc-AFP2 and 4 caused membrane permeabilization and severe hyper-branching against the wilting pathogen Fusarium solani, while Hc-AFP1 and 3 had a mild morphogenetic effect on the fungus, without any indication of membrane activity. The peptides have a tissue-specific expression pattern since differential gene expression was observed in the native host. Hc-AFP1 and 3 expressed in mature leaves, stems and flowers, whereas Hc-AFP2 and 4 exclusively expressed in seedpods and seeds. CONCLUSIONS Two novel Brassicaceae defensin sequences were isolated amongst a group of four defensin encoding genes from the indigenous South African plant H. coronopifolia. All four peptides were active against two test pathogens, but displayed differential activities and modes of action. The expression patterns of the peptide encoding genes suggest a role in protecting either vegetative or reproductive structures in the native host against pathogen attack, or roles in unknown developmental and physiological processes in these tissues, as was shown with other defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abré de Beer
- Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Melané A Vivier
- Institute for Wine Biotechnology, Department of Oenology and Viticulture, Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
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Yin F, Pajak A, Chapman R, Sharpe A, Huang S, Marsolais F. Analysis of common bean expressed sequence tags identifies sulfur metabolic pathways active in seed and sulfur-rich proteins highly expressed in the absence of phaseolin and major lectins. BMC Genomics 2011; 12:268. [PMID: 21615926 PMCID: PMC3115882 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-12-268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A deficiency in phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin is associated with a near doubling of sulfur amino acid content in genetically related lines of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), particularly cysteine, elevated by 70%, and methionine, elevated by 10%. This mostly takes place at the expense of an abundant non-protein amino acid, S-methyl-cysteine. The deficiency in phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin is mainly compensated by increased levels of the 11S globulin legumin and residual lectins. Legumin, albumin-2, defensin and albumin-1 were previously identified as contributing to the increased sulfur amino acid content in the mutant line, on the basis of similarity to proteins from other legumes. RESULTS Profiling of free amino acid in developing seeds of the BAT93 reference genotype revealed a biphasic accumulation of gamma-glutamyl-S-methyl-cysteine, the main soluble form of S-methyl-cysteine, with a lag phase occurring during storage protein accumulation. A collection of 30,147 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) was generated from four developmental stages, corresponding to distinct phases of gamma-glutamyl-S-methyl-cysteine accumulation, and covering the transitions to reserve accumulation and dessication. Analysis of gene ontology categories indicated the occurrence of multiple sulfur metabolic pathways, including all enzymatic activities responsible for sulfate assimilation, de novo cysteine and methionine biosynthesis. Integration of genomic and proteomic data enabled the identification and isolation of cDNAs coding for legumin, albumin-2, defensin D1 and albumin-1A and -B induced in the absence of phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin. Their deduced amino acid sequences have a higher content of cysteine than methionine, providing an explanation for the preferential increase of cysteine in the mutant line. CONCLUSION The EST collection provides a foundation to further investigate sulfur metabolism and the differential accumulation of sulfur amino acids in seed of common bean. Identification of sulfur-rich proteins whose levels are elevated in seed lacking phaseolin and phytohemagglutinin and sulfur metabolic genes may assist the improvement of protein quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Yin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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Fu LB, Yu JL, Liu WH. [Biological characteristics of defensin and its disease-resistance genetic engineering]. YI CHUAN = HEREDITAS 2011; 33:512-519. [PMID: 21586398 DOI: 10.3724/sp.j.1005.2011.00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Defensin is a kind of cysteine-rich small peptide, which has a broad spectrum of resistance to bacteria with a special resistance mechanism. So far, a large number of studies on defensins have been reported, and the different types of defensins have been isolated from various organisms. A broad prospect of application on defensins has been displayed both in genetic engineering and medicine field. This article reviewed the classification and the biological characteristics of defensins, including mammalian α-, β-, θ-defensins, insect defensins, and plant defensins. The molecular structures, antibacterial activities, and antibacterial mechanisms of these definsins were summarized. The two mechanisms of de-fensin, including independent membrane mechanism and targeting of intracellular compounds by defensins, are ex-pounded. This paper also summarized the researches on isolation and expression of defensin genes and disease resistance genetic engineering of mammal and plant defensins. A prospect of the future applications of defensin both in biophar-maceutical sciences and plant disease resistance genetic engineering was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Bao Fu
- 1. The State Key Laboratory for Agro-biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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A new Phaseolus vulgaris lectin induces selective toxicity on human liver carcinoma Hep G2 cells. Arch Toxicol 2011; 85:1551-63. [PMID: 21445585 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-011-0698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We describe here the purification and characterization of a new Phaseolus vulgaris lectin that exhibits selective toxicity to human hepatoma Hep G2 cells and lacks significant toxicity on normal liver WRL 68 cells. This polygalacturonic acid-specific lectin (termed BTKL) was purified from seeds of P. vulgaris cv. Blue tiger king by liquid chromatography techniques. The 60-kDa dimeric lectin showed strong and broad-spectrum hemagglutinating activity toward human, rabbit, rat, and mouse erythrocytes. Bioinformatic analysis unveils substantial N-terminal sequence similarity of BTKL to other Phaseolus lectins. Among a number of tumor cells tested, BTKL exhibits potent anti-Hep G2 activity which is associated with (1) induction of DNA fragmentation, (2) production of apoptotic bodies and chromatin condensation, (3) triggering of cell apoptosis and necrosis, and (4) depolarization of mitochondrial membrane (low ΔΨm). Furthermore, BTKL could induce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and subsequent nitric oxide production in vitro in mouse macrophages, which may contribute to its antitumor activity. In addition, BTKL could bring about a significant dose-dependent increase in the production of mRNAs of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon-gamma. In sum, the antitumor activity and mechanism of BTKL provided here suggest that it has potential therapeutic value for human liver cancer.
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Antifungal Activity of PvD1 Defensin Involves Plasma Membrane Permeabilization, Inhibition of Medium Acidification, and Induction of ROS in Fungi Cells. Curr Microbiol 2010; 62:1209-17. [DOI: 10.1007/s00284-010-9847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wong JH, Ng TB, Cheung RCF, Ye XJ, Wang HX, Lam SK, Lin P, Chan YS, Fang EF, Ngai PHK, Xia LX, Ye XY, Jiang Y, Liu F. Proteins with antifungal properties and other medicinal applications from plants and mushrooms. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 87:1221-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-010-2690-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Lam SK, Ng TB. Isolation and characterization of a French bean hemagglutinin with antitumor, antifungal, and anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase activities and an exceptionally high yield. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2010; 17:457-462. [PMID: 19740639 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2009.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Revised: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/20/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
A dimeric 64-kDa hemagglutinin was isolated with a high yield from dried Phaseolus vulgaris cultivar "French bean number 35" seeds using a chromatographic protocol that involved Blue-Sepharose, Q-Sepharose, and Superdex 75. The yield was exceptionally high (1.1g hemagglutinin per 100g seed), which is around 10-85 times higher than other Phaseolus cultivars. Its N-terminal sequence resembled those of other Phaseolus hemagglutinins. The hemagglutinating activity of the hemagglutinin was stable in the pH range 6-8, and in the temperature range 0 degrees C-50 degrees C. It inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 of 2microM. It suppressed mycelial growth in Valsa mali with an IC50 of 10microM. It inhibited proliferation of hepatoma HepG2 cells and breast cancer MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of 100 and 2microM, respectively. It had no antiproliferative effect on normal embryonic liver WRL68 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- S K Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.
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Fang EF, Lin P, Wong JH, Tsao SW, Ng TB. A lectin with anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase, antitumor, and nitric oxide inducing activities from seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris cv. extralong autumn purple bean. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2010; 58:2221-9. [PMID: 20095617 DOI: 10.1021/jf903964u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Lectins/hemagglutinins are a class of sugar-binding proteins which agglutinate cells and/or precipitate glycoconjugates. They occur widely in plants but manifest significant differences in activities, which means only a few of them own exploitable potentials. The objective of this study was to find and characterize a multifunctional plant lectin with high potential values in food chemistry and medicine. A 60-kDa lectin from Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Extralong Autumn Purple Bean (EAPL) was purified by liquid chromatography, and the sequence of its first 20 N-terminal amino acids was ANEIYFSFQRFNETNLILQR. It was galactose-specific and manifested hemagglutinating activity toward erythrocytes of rabbit, rat, mouse, and human ABO blood types. EAPL manifested anti-HIV-1-RT activity, and it could inhibit the proliferation of human tumor cells by inducing the production of apoptotic bodies. The nitric oxide-inducing activity of EAPL may find application in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evandro Fei Fang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Dos Santos IS, Carvalho ADO, de Souza-Filho GA, do Nascimento VV, Machado OLT, Gomes VM. Purification of a defensin isolated from Vigna unguiculata seeds, its functional expression in Escherichia coli, and assessment of its insect alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. Protein Expr Purif 2009; 71:8-15. [PMID: 19948221 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2009.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 11/17/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Plant defensins make up a family of cationic antimicrobial peptides with a characteristic three-dimensional folding pattern stabilized by four disulfide bridges. The aim of this work was the purification and functional expression of a defensin from cowpea seeds and the assessment of its alpha-amylase inhibitory activity. The cDNA encoding the cowpea defensin was cloned into the pET-32 EK/LIC vector, and the resulting construct was used to transform Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant peptide was purified via affinity chromatography on a Ni Sepharose column and by reverse-phase chromatography on a C2/C18 column using HPLC. N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that the recombinant peptide had a similar sequence to that of the defensin isolated from seeds. The natural and recombinant defensins were submitted to the alpha-amylase inhibition assay. The cowpea seed defensin was found to inhibit alpha-amylases from the weevils Callosobruchus maculatus and Zabrotes subfasciatus. alpha-Amylase inhibition assays also showed that the recombinant defensin inhibited alpha-amylase from the weevil C. maculatus. The cowpea seed defensin and its recombinant form were unable to inhibit mammalian alpha-amylases. The three-dimensional structure of the recombinant defensin was modeled, and the resulting structure was found to be similar to those of other plant defensins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela S Dos Santos
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Microrganismos, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, RJ, Brazil
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