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Shao C, Wang Y, Li G, Guan H, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Dong N, Shan A. Novel design of simplified β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide as a potential food preservative based on Trp-pocket backbone. Food Chem 2024; 448:139128. [PMID: 38574714 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Food contamination from microbial deterioration requires the development of potent antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The deployment of approved AMPs as dietary preservatives is limited due to barriers such as instability, toxicity, and high synthetic costs. This exploration utilizes the primary structural elements of the Trp-pocket backbone to engineer a series of β-hairpin AMPs (XWRWRPGXKXXR-NH2, X representing I, V, F, and/or L). Peptides WpLF, with Phe as X and Leu arranged at the 11th position, demonstrated exceptional selectivity index (SI = 123.08) and sterilization effects both in vitro and in vivo. WpLF consistently exhibited stable bacteriostasis, regardless of physiological salts, serum, and extreme pH. Mechanistic analysis indicated that the peptide penetrates microbial cell membranes, inducing membrane disruption, thereby impeding drug resistance evolution. Conclusively, AMPs engineered by the Trp-pocket skeleton hold substantial potential as innovative biological preservatives in food preservation, providing valuable insights for sustainable and safe peptide-based food preservatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxuan Shao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yuanmengxue Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Guoyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Hongrui Guan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Licong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Na Dong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Anshan Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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2
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Alves PM, Barrias CC, Gomes P, Martins MCL. How can biomaterial-conjugated antimicrobial peptides fight bacteria and be protected from degradation? Acta Biomater 2024; 181:98-116. [PMID: 38697382 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious threat to public health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) are a powerful alternative to antibiotics due to their low propensity to induce bacterial resistance. However, cytotoxicity and short half-lives have limited their clinical translation. To overcome these problems, AMP conjugation has gained relevance in the biomaterials field. Nevertheless, few studies describe the influence of conjugation on enzymatic protection, mechanism of action and antimicrobial efficacy. This review addresses this gap by providing a detailed comparison between conjugated and soluble AMP. Additionally, commonly employed chemical reactions and factors to consider when promoting AMP conjugation are reviewed. The overall results suggested that AMP conjugated onto biomaterials are specifically protected from degradation by trypsin and/or pepsin. However, sometimes, their antimicrobial efficacy was reduced. Due to limited conformational freedom in conjugated AMP, compared to their soluble forms, they appear to act initially by creating small protuberances on bacterial membranes that may lead to the alteration of membrane potential and/or formation of holes, triggering cell death. Overall, AMP conjugation onto biomaterials is a promising strategy to fight infection, particularly associated to the use of medical devices. Nonetheless, some details need to be addressed before conjugated AMP reach clinical practice. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Covalent conjugation of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) has been one of the most widely used strategies by bioengineers, in an attempt to not only protect AMP from proteolytic degradation, but also to prolong their residence time at the target tissue. However, an explanation for the mode of action of conjugated AMP is still lacking. This review extensively gathers works on AMP conjugation and puts forward a mechanism of action for AMP when conjugated onto biomaterials. The implications of AMP conjugation on antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and resistance to proteases are all discussed. A thorough review of commonly employed chemical reactions for this conjugation is also provided. Finally, details that need to be addressed for conjugated AMP to reach clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M Alves
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal; LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - M Cristina L Martins
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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3
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Liang Q, Liu Z, Liang Z, Zhu C, Li D, Kong Q, Mou H. Development strategies and application of antimicrobial peptides as future alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172150. [PMID: 38580107 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The use of in-feed antibiotics has been widely restricted due to the significant environmental pollution and food safety concerns they have caused. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted widespread attention as potential future alternatives to in-feed antibiotics owing to their demonstrated antimicrobial activity and environment friendly characteristics. However, the challenges of weak bioactivity, immature stability, and low production yields of natural AMPs impede practical application in the feed industry. To address these problems, efforts have been made to develop strategies for approaching the AMPs with enhanced properties. Herein, we summarize approaches to improving the properties of AMPs as potential alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, mainly including optimization of structural parameters, sequence modification, selection of microbial hosts, fusion expression, and industrially fermentation control. Additionally, the potential for application of AMPs in animal husbandry is discussed. This comprehensive review lays a strong theoretical foundation for the development of in-feed AMPs to achieve the public health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingping Liang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Zhemin Liu
- Fundamental Science R&D Center of Vazyme Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Ziyu Liang
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Changliang Zhu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Dongyu Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Qing Kong
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China
| | - Haijin Mou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266404, China.
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4
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Chen C, Shi J, Wang D, Kong P, Wang Z, Liu Y. Antimicrobial peptides as promising antibiotic adjuvants to combat drug-resistant pathogens. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:267-284. [PMID: 36890767 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2186215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The widespread antimicrobial resistance (AMR) calls for the development of new antimicrobial strategies. Antibiotic adjuvant rescues antibiotic activity and increases the life span of the antibiotics, representing a more productive, timely, and cost-effective strategy in fighting drug-resistant pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from synthetic and natural sources are considered new-generation antibacterial agents. Besides their direct antimicrobial activity, growing evidence shows that some AMPs effectively enhance the activity of conventional antibiotics. The combinations of AMPs and antibiotics display an improved therapeutic effect on antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and minimize the emergence of resistance. In this review, we discuss the value of AMPs in the age of resistance, including modes of action, limiting evolutionary resistance, and their designing strategies. We summarise the recent advances in combining AMPs and antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant pathogens, as well as their synergistic mechanisms. Lastly, we highlight the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of AMPs as potential antibiotic adjuvants. This will shed new light on the deployment of synergistic combinations to address the AMR crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Dejuan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Pan Kong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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5
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Guo X, Yan T, Rao J, An Y, Yue X, Miao X, Wang R, Sun W, Cai J, Xie J. Novel Feleucin-K3-Derived Peptides Modified with Sulfono-γ-AA Building Blocks Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1254-1272. [PMID: 36350686 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections has led to dramatically increased morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have great potential as new therapeutic agents to reverse this dangerous trend. Herein, a series of novel AMP Feleucin-K3 analogues modified with unnatural peptidomimetic sulfono-γ-AA building blocks were designed and synthesized. The structure-activity, structure-toxicity, and structure-stability relationships were investigated to discover the optimal antimicrobial candidates. Among them, K122 exhibited potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and high selectivity. K122 had a rapid bactericidal effect and a low tendency to induce resistance. Surprisingly, K122 showed excellent effectiveness against bacterial pneumonia. For biofilm and local skin infections, K122 significantly decreased the bacterial load and improved tissue injury at a dose of only 0.25 mg/kg, which was 160 times lower than the concentration deemed to be safe for local dermal applications. In summary, K122 is an outstanding candidate for the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria and biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Guo
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Tiantian Yan
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Jing Rao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Yingying An
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Xin Yue
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Xiaokang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing100050, China
| | - Wangsheng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
| | - Jianfeng Cai
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida33620, United States
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou730000, China
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Mao C, Wang Y, Yang Y, Li L, Yuan K, Cao H, Qiu Z, Guo G, Wu J, Peng J. Cec4-Derived Peptide Inhibits Planktonic and Biofilm-Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0240922. [PMID: 36453944 PMCID: PMC9769716 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02409-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus epidermidis is part of the normal microbiota that colonizes the skin and mucosal surfaces of human beings. Previous studies suggested that S. epidermidis possessed low virulence, but recent studies confirmed that it can acquire high virulence from Staphylococcus aureus and with the increasing detection of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis. It has become a major pathogen of graft-associated and hospital-acquired infections. In previous studies, we modified the antimicrobial peptide Cec4 (41 amino acids) and obtained the derived peptide C9 (16 amino acids) showing better antimicrobial activity against S. epidermidis with an MIC value of 8 μg/mL. The peptide has rapid bactericidal activity without detectable high-level resistance, showing certain inhibition and eradication ability on S. epidermidis biofilms. The damage of cell membrane structures by C9 was observed by scanning emission microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, C9 altered the S. epidermidis cell membrane permeability, depolarization levels, fluidity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and possessed the ability to bind genomic DNA. Analysis of the transcriptional profiles of C9-treated cells revealed changes in genes involved in cell wall and ribosome biosynthesis, membrane protein transport, oxidative stress, and DNA transcription regulation. At the same time, the median lethal dose of C9 in mice was more than 128 mg/kg, and the intraperitoneal administration of 64 mg/kg was less toxic to the liver and kidneys of mice. Furthermore, C9 also showed a certain therapeutic effect on the mouse bacteremia model. In conclusion, C9 may be a candidate drug against S. epidermidis, which has the potential to be further developed as an antibacterial therapeutic agent. IMPORTANCE S. epidermidis is one of the most important pathogens of graft-related infection and hospital-acquired infection. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance, as well as the emergence of bacterial pathogenicity, highlights the need for antimicrobials with new modes of action. Antimicrobial peptides have been extensively studied over the past 30 years as ideal alternatives to antibiotics, and we report here that the derived peptide C9 is characterized by rapid bactericidal and antibiofilm activity, avoiding the development of resistance by acting on multiple nonspecific targets of the cell membrane or cell components. In addition, it has therapeutic potential against S. epidermidis infection in vivo. This study provides a rationale for the further development and application of C9 as an effective candidate antibiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengju Mao
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kexin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Huijun Cao
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhilang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jianwei Wu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jian Peng
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, Basic Medical College, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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Hadjicharalambous A, Bournakas N, Newman H, Skynner MJ, Beswick P. Antimicrobial and Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Understanding Penetration for the Design of Novel Conjugate Antibiotics. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1636. [PMID: 36421280 PMCID: PMC9686638 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short oligopeptides that can penetrate the bacterial inner and outer membranes. Together with cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), they are called membrane active peptides; peptides which can translocate across biological membranes. Over the last fifty years, attempts have been made to understand the molecular features that drive the interactions of membranes with membrane active peptides. This review examines the features of a membrane these peptides exploit for translocation, as well as the physicochemical characteristics of membrane active peptides which are important for translocation. Moreover, it presents examples of how these features have been used in recent years to create conjugates consisting of a membrane active peptide, called a "vector", attached to either a current or novel antibiotic, called a "cargo" or "payload". In addition, the review discusses what properties may contribute to an ideal peptide vector able to deliver cargoes across the bacterial outer membrane as the rising issue of antimicrobial resistance demands new strategies to be employed to combat this global public health threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hadjicharalambous
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- BicycleTx Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Nikolaos Bournakas
- BicycleTx Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Hector Newman
- BicycleTx Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Michael J. Skynner
- BicycleTx Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
| | - Paul Beswick
- BicycleTx Limited, Portway Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GS, UK
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8
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The design of cell-selective tryptophan and arginine-rich antimicrobial peptides by introducing hydrophilic uncharged residues. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:557-572. [PMID: 36115654 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be powerful weapons in the fight against traditional antibiotic resistance due to their unique membrane-disruptive mechanism. The combination of traditional and classical hydrophobic tryptophan (W) residues and hydrophilic charged arginine (R) residues is considered as the first choice for the minimalist design of AMPs due to its potent performance in antibacterial activity. However, some W- and R-rich AMPs that are not rationally designed and contain excessive repeats of W and R residues may cause severe cytotoxicity and hemolysis. To address this issue, we designed the (WRX)n (where X = hydrophilic uncharged amino residues; n = number of repeat units) series engineered peptides with high cell selectivity by introducing hydrophilic uncharged threonine (T), serine (S), glutamine (Q) or asparagine (N) residues into the minimalist design of W- and R-rich AMPs. The results showed that the introduction of these hydrophilic uncharged amino residues, especially T residues, significantly improved the cell selectivity of the W- and R-rich engineered peptides. Among (WRX)n series engineered peptides, T6 presents a mixture structure of β-turn and α-helix. It has broad spectrum and potent antibacterial activity (no activity against probiotics), good biocompatibility, high selectivity index, strong tolerance (physiological salts, serum acid, alkali, and heat conditions), rapid and efficient time-kill kinetics, and no tendency of resistance. Studies on antibacterial mechanism show that T6 exert antibacterial activity mainly by disrupting bacterial cell membrane and inducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in bacterial cells. Furthermore, T6 exhibited potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities in vivo in a mouse peritonitis-sepsis model infected with Escherichia coli. In conclusion, our study confirms an effective strategy for the minimalist design of highly cell selective W- and R-rich AMPs by introducing hydrophilic uncharged T residues, which may trigger widespread attention to hydrophilic uncharged amino acid residues, including T residues, and provide new insights into the design of peptide-based antibacterial biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: We have introduced hydrophilic uncharged T, S, Q or N residues into the minimalist design of W- and R-rich engineered peptides and found that the introduction of these hydrophilic uncharged amino residues, especially the T residues, can significantly improve the cell selectivity of W- and R-rich engineered peptides. The target compound T6 showed potent antibacterial activity, high cell selectivity, strong tolerance, good in vivo efficacy and killed bacteria through multiple mechanisms mainly membrane-disruptive. These findings may spark widespread interest in hydrophilic uncharged amino acid residues, and provide new insights into the design of peptide-based antimicrobial biomaterials.
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9
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Ajayakumar N, Narayanan P, Anitha AK, R MK, Kumar S. Membrane disruptive action of cationic anti-bacterial peptide B1CTcu3. Chembiochem 2022; 23:e202200239. [PMID: 35713298 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A twenty-two-residue peptide Brevinin1 Clinotarsus curtipus-3 (B1CTcu3), identified from the skin secretion of frog Clinotarsus curtipes of the Western Ghats, exhibited a broad range of antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). It showed anti-biofilm activity even at sub-Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (sub-MIC) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Analysis of the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images, confocal images, flow cytometric data and the effect of salt concentration on antibacterial potency suggests that the killing action of the peptide is through the membranolytic process. Single channel electric recording confirmed that the peptide elicited pores on the bacterial cell membrane as it induces a heterogeneous channel in the lipid bilayer. It also showed cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell with IC50 of 25µM. B1CTcu3 peptide could serve as the template for next-generation antibacterial agents, particularly against antibiotic resistant pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neethu Ajayakumar
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Chemical Biology Lab, RGCB-BIO innovation centre, Kinfra film and video park, Chandavila, kazhakoottam, 695523, trivandrum, INDIA
| | - Pratibha Narayanan
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Chemical Biology Lab, rgcb-BIC Innovation Centre, Kinfra film and video park, Chandavila, Kazhakoottam, 695523, Trivandrum, INDIA
| | - Anju Krishnan Anitha
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Chemical Biology Lab, RGCB-BIC Innovation Centre, Kinfra film and video park, Chandavila, Kazhakoottam, 695523, Trivandrum, INDIA
| | - Mahendran Kozhinjampara R
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Membrane biology lab, RGCB-BIC Innovation centre, Kinfra film and video park, chandavila, kazhakoottam, 695523, rivandrum, INDIA
| | - Santhosh Kumar
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Chemical Biology, Poojappura, 695014, Thiruvananthapuram, INDIA
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LcCCL28-25, Derived from Piscine Chemokine, Exhibits Antimicrobial Activity against Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria In Vitro and In Vivo. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0251521. [PMID: 35616397 PMCID: PMC9241943 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02515-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are currently recognized as potentially promising antibiotic substitutes. Fish are an important seawater/freshwater medicinal biological resource, and the antimicrobial peptides and proteins that are key components of their innate immune systems are potential candidates for the development of novel antibacterial agents. The rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss chemokine CK11 (omCK11), classified in the C-C motif chemokine ligand 27/28 (CCL27/28) family, is the only CC-type chemokine reported to play a direct antibacterial role in the immune response; however, its antibacterial domain remains unknown. In this study, we analyzed the structure-activity relationship of omCK11 and identified the antibacterial C-terminal domain. Additionally, we performed structure-function analyses of CCL27/28 proteins from different, representative freshwater and seawater fishes, revealing their shared C-terminal antibacterial domains. Surprisingly, a synthesized cationic peptide (named lcCCL28-25), derived from the large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea CCL28, exhibited broad-spectrum and the most acceptable bactericidal activity, as well as antibiofilm activity and negligible hemolytic and cytotoxic activity in vitro. Additionally, lcCCL28-25 conferred a protective effect in the thighs of neutropenic mice infected with Staphylococcus aureus. SYTOX green fluorescence and electron microscopy experiments revealed that lcCCL28-25 was capable of rapidly destroying the integrity and permeability of the bacterial cell membrane. Overall, this study aided in the advancement of antibacterial CC-type chemokine research and also suggested a new strategy for exploring novel AMPs. Additionally, the efficacy of lcCCL28-25 in in vivo antibacterial activity in a mammalian model revealed that this compound could be a promising agent for the development of peptide-based antibacterial therapeutics. IMPORTANCE The primary function of chemokines has been described as recruiting and activating leukocytes to participate in the immune response. Some chemokines are also broad-spectrum antibacterial proteins in mammals. The Oncorhynchus mykiss chemokine CK11 (omCK11) is the first reported and currently the only CC-type antibacterial chemokine. The present study identified the antibacterial domain of omCK11. Structure-function analysis of various fish CCL27/28 proteins identified a novel antibacterial peptide (lcCCL28-25) from Larimichthys crocea CCL28 that exhibited broad-spectrum and the most acceptable bactericidal activity in vitro, as well as a protective effect in a Staphylococcus aureus infection mouse model. The antibacterial mechanisms included membrane disruption and permeation. This study advanced the field of antibacterial chemokine research in fish and also suggested a new strategy for exploring novel AMPs. The novel peptide lcCCL28-25 may prove to be an effective antibacterial agent.
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Ajish C, Yang S, Kumar SD, Kim EY, Min HJ, Lee CW, Shin SH, Shin SY. A novel hybrid peptide composed of LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 with enhanced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anti-biofilm activities. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4365. [PMID: 35288606 PMCID: PMC8921290 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08247-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hybridizing two known antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is a simple and effective strategy for designing antimicrobial agents with enhanced cell selectivity against bacterial cells. Here, we generated a hybrid peptide Lf-KR in which LfcinB6 and KR-12-a4 were linked with a Pro hinge to obtain a novel AMP with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities. Lf-KR exerted superior cell selectivity for bacterial cells over sheep red blood cells. Lf-KR showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities (MIC: 4–8 μM) against tested 12 bacterial strains and retained its antimicrobial activity in the presence of salts at physiological concentrations. Membrane depolarization and dye leakage assays showed that the enhanced antimicrobial activity of Lf-KR was due to increased permeabilization and depolarization of microbial membranes. Lf-KR significantly inhibited the expression and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α) in LPS-stimulated mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. In addition, Lf-KR showed a powerful eradication effect on preformed multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA) biofilms. We confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy that a large portion of the preformed MDRPA biofilm structure was perturbed by the addition of Lf-KR. Collectively, our results suggest that Lf-KR can be an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm candidate as a pharmaceutical agent.
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12
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Matthyssen T, Li W, Holden JA, Lenzo JC, Hadjigol S, O’Brien-Simpson NM. The Potential of Modified and Multimeric Antimicrobial Peptide Materials as Superbug Killers. Front Chem 2022; 9:795433. [PMID: 35083194 PMCID: PMC8785218 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.795433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in nearly all living organisms, show broad spectrum antibacterial activity, and can modulate the immune system. Furthermore, they have a very low level of resistance induction in bacteria, which makes them an ideal target for drug development and for targeting multi-drug resistant bacteria 'Superbugs'. Despite this promise, AMP therapeutic use is hampered as typically they are toxic to mammalian cells, less active under physiological conditions and are susceptible to proteolytic degradation. Research has focused on addressing these limitations by modifying natural AMP sequences by including e.g., d-amino acids and N-terminal and amino acid side chain modifications to alter structure, hydrophobicity, amphipathicity, and charge of the AMP to improve antimicrobial activity and specificity and at the same time reduce mammalian cell toxicity. Recently, multimerisation (dimers, oligomer conjugates, dendrimers, polymers and self-assembly) of natural and modified AMPs has further been used to address these limitations and has created compounds that have improved activity and biocompatibility compared to their linear counterparts. This review investigates how modifying and multimerising AMPs impacts their activity against bacteria in planktonic and biofilm states of growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Matthyssen
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - James A. Holden
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason C. Lenzo
- Centre for Oral Health Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sara Hadjigol
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Neil M. O’Brien-Simpson
- ACTV Research Group, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne Dental School, Centre for Oral Health Research, Royal Dental Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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13
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Krishnan M, Choi J, Jang A, Yoon YK, Kim Y. Antiseptic 9-Meric Peptide with Potency against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12520. [PMID: 34830401 PMCID: PMC8621208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) infection can cause acute host reactions that lead to high-fatality sepsis, making it important to develop new therapeutic options. Previously, we developed a short 9-meric peptide, Pro9-3D, with significant antibacterial and cytotoxic effects. In this study, we attempted to produce safer peptide antibiotics against CRAB by reversing the parent sequence to generate R-Pro9-3 and R-Pro9-3D. Among the tested peptides, R-Pro9-3D had the most rapid and effective antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, particularly clinical CRAB isolates. Analyses of antimicrobial mechanisms based on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-neutralization, LPS binding, and membrane depolarization, as well as SEM ultrastructural investigations, revealed that R-Pro9-3D binds strongly to LPS and impairs the membrane integrity of CRAB by effectively permeabilizing its outer membrane. R-Pro9-3D was also less cytotoxic and had better proteolytic stability than Pro9-3D and killed biofilm forming CRAB. As an LPS-neutralizing peptide, R-Pro9-3D effectively reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in RAW 264.7 cells. The antiseptic abilities of R-Pro9-3D were also investigated using a mouse model of CRAB-induced sepsis, which revealed that R-Pro9-3D reduced multiple organ damage and attenuated systemic infection by acting as an antibacterial and immunosuppressive agent. Thus, R-Pro9-3D displays potential as a novel antiseptic peptide for treating Gram-negative CRAB infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manigandan Krishnan
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (M.K.); (J.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Joonhyeok Choi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (M.K.); (J.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Ahjin Jang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (M.K.); (J.C.); (A.J.)
| | - Young Kyung Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Yangmee Kim
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Korea; (M.K.); (J.C.); (A.J.)
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Lai Z, Jian Q, Li G, Shao C, Zhu Y, Yuan X, Chen H, Shan A. Self-Assembling Peptide Dendron Nanoparticles with High Stability and a Multimodal Antimicrobial Mechanism of Action. ACS NANO 2021; 15:15824-15840. [PMID: 34549935 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c03301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling nanometer-scale structured peptide polymers and peptide dendrimers have shown promise in biomedical applications due to their versatile properties and easy availability. Herein, self-assembling peptide dendron nanoparticles (SPDNs) with potent antimicrobial activity against a range of bacteria were developed based on the nanoscale self-assembly of an arginine-proline repeat branched peptide dendron bearing a hexadecanoic acid chain. The SPDNs are biocompatible, and our most active peptide dendron nanoparticle, C16-3RP, was found to have negligible toxicity after both in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the C16-3RP nanoparticles showed excellent stability under physiological concentrations of salt ions and against serum and protease degradation, resulting in highly effective treatment in a mouse acute peritonitis model. Comprehensive analyses using a series of biofluorescence, microscopy, and transcriptome sequencing techniques revealed that C16-3RP nanoparticles kill Gram-negative bacteria by increasing bacterial membrane permeability, inducing cytoplasmic membrane depolarization and drastic membrane disruption, inhibiting ribosome biogenesis, and influencing energy generation and other processes. Collectively, C16-3RP nanoparticles show promising biocompatibility and in vivo therapeutic efficacy without apparent resistance development. These advancements may facilitate the development of peptide-based antibiotics in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenheng Lai
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojie Yuan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, People's Republic of China
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Soltanmohammadi B, Piri‐Gavgani S, Basardeh E, Ghanei M, Azizi M, Khaksar Z, Sharifzadeh Z, Badmasti F, Soezi M, Fateh A, Azimi P, Siadat SD, Shooraj F, Bouzari S, Omrani MD, Rahimi‐Jamnani F. Bactericidal fully human single-chain fragment variable antibodies protect mice against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1302. [PMID: 34221401 PMCID: PMC8240403 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, besides the inadequate numbers of effective antibiotics, emphasises the need to find new therapeutic agents against this lethal pathogen. METHODS In this study, to obtain antibody fragments against S. aureus, a human single-chain fragment variable (scFv) library was enriched against living methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) cells, grown in three different conditions, that is human peripheral blood mononuclear cells with plasma, whole blood and biofilm. The antibacterial activity of scFvs was evaluated by the growth inhibition assay in vitro. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of anti-S. aureus scFvs was appraised in a mouse model of bacteraemia. RESULTS Three scFv antibodies, that is MEH63, MEH158 and MEH183, with unique sequences, were found, which exhibited significant binding to S. aureus and reduced the viability of S. aureus in in vitro inhibition assays. Based on the results, MEH63, MEH158 and MEH183, in addition to their combination, could prolong the survival rate, reduce the bacterial burden in the blood and prevent inflammation and tissue destruction in the kidneys and spleen of mice with MRSA bacteraemia compared with the vehicle group (treated with normal saline). CONCLUSION The combination therapy with anti-S. aureus scFvs and conventional antibiotics might shed light on the treatment of patients with S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnoush Soltanmohammadi
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Somayeh Piri‐Gavgani
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Eilnaz Basardeh
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Research CenterSystems Biology and Poisoning InstituteBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Masoumeh Azizi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Zabihollah Khaksar
- Department of Basic SciencesSchool of Veterinary MedicineShiraz UniversityShirazIran
| | | | - Farzad Badmasti
- Department of BacteriologyPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Mahdieh Soezi
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Abolfazl Fateh
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Parisa Azimi
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Seyed Davar Siadat
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Fahimeh Shooraj
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Saeid Bouzari
- Molecular Biology DepartmentPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Department of Medical GeneticsSchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Rahimi‐Jamnani
- Department of Mycobacteriology and Pulmonary ResearchPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Microbiology Research CenterPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
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16
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Synergistic effect and antibiofilm activity of an antimicrobial peptide with traditional antibiotics against multi-drug resistant bacteria. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:105056. [PMID: 34153416 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Combined treatment of AMPs with classical antibiotics has gained interest because it often results in a synergistic antibacterial effect. We demonstrated here that Pt5-1c, an AMP derived from phosvitin, had antibacterial activity against the MDR bacteria (S. aureus USA500, E. coli 577 and K. pneumoniae 2182) in the presence of serum. On this basis, we showed that Pt5-1c was synergistically active with traditional antibiotics (oxacillin, vancomycin, streptomycin and azithromycin) against the three MDR bacteria growing as biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Pt5-1c restored sensitivity of S. aureus USA500 to oxacillin and vancomycin, E. coli 577 to streptomycin and K. pneumoniae 2182 to azithromycin. Importantly, long-term exposure to Pt5-1c did not give rise to antimicrobial resistance. Collectively, these data not only suggest a promising combinatorial therapy strategy to combat antibiotics-tolerant infections but also present a possibility of Pt5-1c being used to prolong the application of antibiotics including oxacillin, vancomycin, streptomycin and azithromycin, that are under threat of becoming ineffective due to antibiotic resistance.
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Kakar A, Holzknecht J, Dubrac S, Gelmi ML, Romanelli A, Marx F. New Perspectives in the Antimicrobial Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B: Peptide Analogs Are Effective Inhibitors of Candida albicans Growth. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:457. [PMID: 34200504 PMCID: PMC8226839 DOI: 10.3390/jof7060457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin B (TB) is a short, positively charged peptide secreted by the granular glands of the European frog Rana temporaria. While the antibacterial and antiviral efficacy of TB and some of its improved analogs are well documented, nothing is known about their antifungal potency so far. We dedicated this study to characterize the antifungal potential of the TB analog TB_KKG6K and the newly designed D-Lys_TB_KKG6K, the latter having the L-lysines replaced by the chiral counterpart D-lysines to improve its proteolytic stability. Both peptides inhibited the growth of opportunistic human pathogenic yeasts and killed planktonic and sessile cells of the most prevalent human pathogen, Candida albicans. The anti-yeast efficacy of the peptides coincided with the induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Their thermal, cation, pH and serum tolerance were similar, while the proteolytic stability of D-Lys_TB_KKG6K was superior to that of its template peptide. Importantly, both peptides lacked hemolytic activity and showed minimal in vitro cytotoxicity in primary human keratinocytes. The tolerance of both peptides in a reconstructed human epidermis model further supports their potential for topical application. Our results open up an exciting field of research for new anti-Candida therapeutic options based on amphibian TB analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.K.); (J.H.)
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.K.); (J.H.)
| | - Sandrine Dubrac
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergy, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Maria Luisa Gelmi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, I-20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Romanelli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan, I-20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (A.K.); (J.H.)
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18
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Wang C, Shao C, Fang Y, Wang J, Dong N, Shan A. Binding loop of sunflower trypsin inhibitor 1 serves as a design motif for proteolysis-resistant antimicrobial peptides. Acta Biomater 2021; 124:254-269. [PMID: 33508505 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have become powerful drug candidates in the post-antibiotic era, but their low protease stability hinders their clinical application. In the present study, the natural sunflower trypsin inhibitor 1 (SFTI-1) binding loop (CTKSIPPIC) was used to design and synthesize a specific anti-proteolytic sequence template ((RX)n W (RX)n CTKSIPPIC (n = 2, 3; X represents A, I, L, V, F, and W)). After several antibacterial, bactericidal, and toxicity tests, RV3 stood out from the variants and had the highest average selectivity index (SI all = 156.03). It is highly stable in serum, varying pH, temperature, and salt ions as well as under high trypsin, pepsin, or papain concentrations. In a mouse skin inflammation model, established by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, RV3 could effectively kill the pathogen, promote wound healing, inhibit inflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibit mRNA and protein expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β inflammatory factors. The antibacterial mechanisms of RV3 include combining with lipopolysaccharides and increasing cell membrane permeability, leading to cell membrane rupture and death. These findings indicate that RV3 has great potential for the treatment of bacterial infections.
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19
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Klubthawee N, Aunpad R. A Thermostable, Modified Cathelicidin-Derived Peptide With Enhanced Membrane-Active Activity Against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:592220. [PMID: 33519729 PMCID: PMC7838546 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.592220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne illness caused by consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella is one of the most common causes of diarrheal disease and affects millions of people worldwide. The rising emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance, especially in some serotypes of Salmonella, has raised a great awareness of public health issues worldwide. To ensure safety of the food processing chain, the development of new food preservatives must be expedited. Recently, thermal- and pH-stable antimicrobial peptides have received much attention for use in food production, and represent safe alternatives to chemical preservatives. A 12-mer cathelicidin-derived, α-helical cationic peptide, P7, displayed rapid killing activity, against strains of drug-resistant foodborne Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and its monophasic variant (S. enterica serovar 4,5,12:i:-) and had minimal toxicity against mouse fibroblast cells. P7 tended to form helical structure in the membrane-mimic environments as evaluated by circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The action mode of P7 at the membrane-level was affirmed by the results of flow cytometry, and confocal, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. P7 killed bacteria through binding to bacterial membranes, penetration and the subsequent accumulation in S. enterica serovar Typhimurium cytoplasm. This induced membrane depolarization, permeabilization, and sequential leakage of intracellular substances and cell death. Except for sensitivity to proteolytic digestive enzymes, P7 maintained its inhibitory activity against S. enterica serovar Typhimurium in the presence of different conditions [various salts, extreme pHs and heat (even at 100°C)]. Moreover, the peptide is unlikely to induce bacterial resistance in vitro. Taken together, this study demonstrated that the membrane-permeabilizing P7 peptide has much potential as a new antimicrobial agent for use in food processing and preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthaporn Klubthawee
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Ratchaneewan Aunpad
- Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand
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20
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Shao C, Zhu Y, Jian Q, Lai Z, Tan P, Li G, Shan A. Cross-Strand Interaction, Central Bending, and Sequence Pattern Act as Biomodulators of Simplified β-Hairpin Antimicrobial Amphiphiles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2003899. [PMID: 33354914 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202003899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have revolutionarily evolved into formidable candidates for antibiotic substitute materials against pathogenic infections. However, cost, lability, disorderly sequences, systemic toxicology, and biological profiles have plagued the perennial search. Here, a progressive β-hairpin solution with the simplest formulation is implanted into an AMP-based therapeutic strategy to systematically reveal the complex balance between function and toxicity of structural moieties, including cationicity, hydrophobicity, cross-strand interactions, center bending, and sequence pattern. Comprehensive implementation of structural identification, ten microorganisms, eleven in vitro barriers, four mammalian cells, and a diversified membrane operation setup led to the emergence of β-hairpin prototypes from a 24-member library. Lead amphiphiles, WKF-PG and WRF-NG, can tackle bacterial infection through direct antimicrobial efficacy and potential inflammation-limiting capabilities, such as an Escherichia coli challenge in a mouse peritonitis-sepsis model, without observed toxicity after systemic administration. Their optimal states with dissimilar modulators and the unavailable drug resistance related to membrane lytic mechanisms, also provide an usher for renewed innovation among β-sheet peptide-based antimicrobial biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changxuan Shao
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
| | - Zhenheng Lai
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
| | - Peng Tan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, P. R. China
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He S, Yang Z, Yu W, Li J, Li Z, Wang J, Shan A. Systematically Studying the Optimal Amino Acid Distribution Patterns of the Amphiphilic Structure by Using the Ultrashort Amphiphiles. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:569118. [PMID: 33324358 PMCID: PMC7725003 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.569118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphipathicity has traditionally been considered to be essential for the de novo design or systematic optimization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, the current research methods to study the relationship between amphiphilicity and antimicrobial activity are inappropriate, because the key parameters (hydrophobicity, positive charge, etc.) and secondary structure of AMPs are changed. To systematically and accurately study the effects of amphiphilicity on antimicrobial properties of AMPs, we designed parallel series of AMPs with a different order of amino acids in a sequence composed only of Arg and either Trp (WR series) or Leu (LR series), under conditions in which other vital parameters were fixed. Furthermore, based on the WR and LR peptides that can form stable amphiphilic β-sheet structures in the anionic membrane-mimetic environment, we found that high β-sheet amphipathic was accompanied by strong antimicrobial activity. Of such peptides, W5 ([RW]4W) and L5 ([RL]4L) with a nicely amphipathic β-sheet structure possessed the optimal therapeutic index. W5 and L5 also exhibited high stability in vitro and a potent membrane-disruptive mechanism. These results suggest that the alternate arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues to form a stable amphipathic β-sheet structure is an essential factor that significantly affects the antimicrobial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi He
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhanyi Yang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Weikang Yu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiajun Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Shang L, Li J, Song C, Nina Z, Li Q, Chou S, Wang Z, Shan A. Hybrid Antimicrobial Peptide Targeting Staphylococcus aureus and Displaying Anti-infective Activity in a Murine Model. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1767. [PMID: 33042031 PMCID: PMC7516806 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) kill bacteria indiscriminately, increasing the possibility of an ecological imbalance in the microbiota. To solve this problem, new types of AMPs, which kill pathogenic bacteria without breaking the micro-ecological balance of the body, were proposed. Here, we successfully designed a targeting AMP, S2, which is a fusion peptide composed of a species-specific targeting domain and broad-spectrum AMP domain. In the current study, S2 showed specific killing activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and almost no resistance induced compared to penicillin. Mechanism studies indicated that S2 killed S. aureus by destroying the bacterial membrane. Meanwhile, S2 possessed excellent salt-tolerance properties and biocompatibility. Importantly, S2 exhibited perfect treatment efficacy against an S. aureus subcutaneous infection model and remained nontoxic. In conclusion, this study provides a promising strategy for designing specific AMPs against growing bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Shang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunsheng Song
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zaytseva Nina
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qiuke Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuli Chou
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Zhu Y, Shao C, Li G, Lai Z, Tan P, Jian Q, Cheng B, Shan A. Rational Avoidance of Protease Cleavage Sites and Symmetrical End-Tagging Significantly Enhances the Stability and Therapeutic Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides. J Med Chem 2020; 63:9421-9435. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Zhenheng Lai
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Peng Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Baojing Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, P. R. China
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AMP-Chitosan Coating with Bactericidal Activity in the Presence of Human Plasma Proteins. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25133046. [PMID: 32635294 PMCID: PMC7412451 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25133046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is increasing and new strategies are needed to fight infection. Advanced materials are promising tools that can be combined with innovative alternatives to conventional antibiotics to allow more targeted and efficient treatment. In this work, we explored the activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) of the α-helical antimicrobial peptide (AMP) MSI-78(4-20) (KFLKKAKKFGKAFVKIL) when covalently bound to a chitosan coating. The AMP MSI-78(4-20) (17 mer) is an improved version of its parent MSI-78 (22 mer; commercially known as Pexiganan), a cost-effective short AMP, which was demonstrated to be as effective as MSI-78 and less toxic to eukaryotic cells. An MSI-78(4-20)–chitosan coating could be applied in several infection scenarios, ranging from bone implants to wound dressings, as chitosan possesses osteoconductive and hemostatic properties. Cysteine-modified MSI-78(4-20) was covalently immobilized onto the chitosan coating through a succinimidyl-[(N-maleimidopropionamido)-octaethyleneglycol] ester (SM(PEG)8), a heterobifuncional crosslinker, with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester and maleimide groups, by its N- and C- termini. The MSI-78(4-20)–chitosan coating demonstrated bactericidal properties independently of the tethering site and an improved performance in the presence of plasma proteins, which mimics conditions that will be encountered in vivo. This AMP–chitosan coating has therefore great potential for applications in medical devices such as implants or even wound dressings.
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Qutb AM, Wei F, Dong W. Prediction and Characterization of Cationic Arginine-Rich Plant Antimicrobial Peptide SM-985 From Teosinte ( Zea mays ssp. mexicana). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1353. [PMID: 32636825 PMCID: PMC7318549 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effective against different plant pathogens and newly considered as part of plant defense systems. From prokaryotes to eukaryotes, AMPs can exist in all forms of life. SM-985 is a cationic AMP (CAMP) isolated from the cDNA library of Mexican teosinte (Zea mays ssp. mexicana). A computational prediction server running with different algorithms was used to screen the teosinte cDNA library for AMPs, and the SM-985 peptide was predicted as an AMP with high probability prediction values. SM-985 is an arginine-rich peptide and composed of 21 amino acids (MW: 2671.06 Da). The physicochemical properties of SM-985 are very promising as an AMP, including the net charge (+8), hydrophobicity ratio of 23%, Boman index of 5.19 kcal/mol, and isoelectric point of 12.95. The SM-985 peptide has amphipathic α-helix conformations. The antimicrobial activity of SM-985 was confirmed against six bacterial plant pathogens, and the MIC of SM-985 against Gram-positive indicators was 8 μM, while the MIC of SM-985 against Gram-negative indicators was 4 μM. The SM-985 interacting with the bacterial membrane and this interaction were examined by treatment of the bacterial indicators with FITC-SM-985 peptide, which showed a high binding affinity of SM-985 to the bacterial membrane (whether Gram-positive or Gram-negative). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the treated bacteria with SM-985 demonstrated cell membrane damage and cell lysis. In vivo antimicrobial activity was examined, and SM-985 prevented leaf spot disease infection caused by Pst DC3000 on Solanum lycopersicum. Moreover, SM-985 showed sensitivity to calcium chloride salt, which is a common feature of CAMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman M. Qutb
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring and Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Agricultural Botany, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Feng Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wubei Dong
- Department of Plant Pathology, College of Plant Science and Technology and the Key Lab of Crop Disease Monitoring and Safety Control in Hubei Province, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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A novel, rationally designed, hybrid antimicrobial peptide, inspired by cathelicidin and aurein, exhibits membrane-active mechanisms against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9117. [PMID: 32499514 PMCID: PMC7272617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65688-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternatives to classical antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant infections. Due to their versatility and unlimited sequence space, AMPs can be rationally designed by modulating physicochemical determinants to favor desired biological parameters and turned into novel therapeutics. In this study, we utilized key structural and physicochemical parameters, in combination with rational engineering, to design novel short α-helical hybrid peptides inspired by the well-known natural peptides, cathelicidin and aurein. By comparing homologous sequences and abstracting the conserved residue type, sequence templates of cathelicidin (P0) and aurein (A0) were obtained. Two peptide derivatives, P7 and A3, were generated by amino acid substitution based on their residue composition and distribution. In order to enhance antimicrobial activity, a hybrid analog of P7A3 was designed. The results demonstrated that P7A3 had higher antibacterial activity than the parental peptides with unexpectedly high hemolytic activity. Strikingly, C-terminal truncation of hybrid peptides containing only the α-helical segment (PA-18) and shorter derivatives confer potent antimicrobial activity with reduced hemolytic activity in a length‐dependent manner. Among all, PA-13, showed remarkable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with no toxicity. PA-13 maintained antimicrobial activity in the presence of physiological salts and displayed rapid binding and penetration activity which resulted in membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Moreover, PA-13 showed an anti-inflammatory response via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) neutralization with dose-dependent, inhibiting, LPS-mediated Toll-like receptor activation. This study revealed the therapeutic potency of a novel hybrid peptide, and supports the use of rational design in development of new antibacterial agents.
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Antimicrobial Peptides from Rat-Tailed Maggots of the Drone Fly Eristalis tenax Show Potent Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8050626. [PMID: 32344933 PMCID: PMC7284870 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8050626] [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: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is an increasing threat to human health, because novel compound classes for the development of antibiotics have not been discovered for decades. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) may provide a much-needed breakthrough because these immunity-related defense molecules protect many eukaryotes against Gram-negative pathogens. Recent concepts in evolutionary immunology predict the presence of potent AMPs in insects that have adapted to survive in habitats with extreme microbial contamination. For example, the saprophagous and coprophagous maggots of the drone fly Eristalis tenax (Diptera) can flourish in polluted aquatic habitats, such as sewage tanks and farmyard liquid manure storage pits. We used next-generation sequencing to screen the E. tenax immunity-related transcriptome for AMPs that are synthesized in response to the injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. We identified 22 AMPs and selected nine for larger-scale synthesis to test their activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Two cecropin-like peptides (EtCec1-a and EtCec2-a) and a diptericin-like peptide (EtDip) displayed strong activity against the pathogens, even under simulated physiological conditions, and also achieved a good therapeutic window. Therefore, these AMPs could be used as leads for the development of novel antibiotics.
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Yang Y, Wu D, Wang C, Shan A, Bi C, Li Y, Gan W. Hybridization with Insect Cecropin A (1-8) Improve the Stability and Selectivity of Naturally Occurring Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041470. [PMID: 32098142 PMCID: PMC7073140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer great hope and a promising opportunity to overcome the rapid development of drug-resistant pathogenic microbes. However, AMPs often lack the stability required for a successful systemic drug. Hybridizing different AMPs is a simple and effective strategy to obtain novel peptides. N-terminal fragment of cecropin A (CA (1-8)) is often used to hybridize with other AMPs to reduce cytotoxicity. However, hybridizing with CA (1-8) in improving the stability of AMPs is not clear. Therefore, a series of peptides were designed by combining with CA (1–8) and their antibacterial activity and stability in the presence of salts and human serum were evaluated. The resultant α-helical hybrid peptide CA-FO composed of CA (1-8) and the most potent region of Fowlicidin-2 (FO (1–15)) exhibited excellent antibacterial activity (2-8 μM) and cell selectivity toward bacterial over mammalian cells. Moreover, CA-FO still retained vigorous antimicrobial activity in the presence of human serum and salts at physiological concentrations. CA-FO exhibited effective antibacterial activity by increasing membrane permeability and damaging membrane integrity. In conclusion, these results indicated the success of hybridization in designing and optimizing AMPs with improved stability and selectivity and the peptide CA-FO can be further evaluated as peptide-therapy to treat bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Y.); (D.W.); (C.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Y.); (D.W.); (C.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Y.); (D.W.); (C.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Anshan Shan
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Y.); (D.W.); (C.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-451-5519-0685
| | - Chongpeng Bi
- Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; (Y.Y.); (D.W.); (C.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Yanbing Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China;
| | - Wenping Gan
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Academy of Land Reclamation Sciences, Harbin 150038, China;
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Boix-Lemonche G, Lekka M, Skerlavaj B. A Rapid Fluorescence-Based Microplate Assay to Investigate the Interaction of Membrane Active Antimicrobial Peptides with Whole Gram-Positive Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9020092. [PMID: 32093104 PMCID: PMC7168298 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9020092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Membrane-active antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are interesting candidates for the development of novel antimicrobials. Although their effects were extensively investigated in model membrane systems, interactions of AMPs with living microbial membranes are less known due to their complexity. The aim of the present study was to develop a rapid fluorescence-based microplate assay to analyze the membrane effects of AMPs in whole Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methods: Bacteria were exposed to bactericidal and sub-inhibitory concentrations of two membrane-active AMPs in the presence of the potential-sensitive dye 3,3′-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide (diSC3(5)) and the DNA staining dye propidium iodide (PI), to simultaneously monitor and possibly distinguish membrane depolarization and membrane permeabilization. Results: The ion channel-forming gramicidin D induced a rapid increase of diSC3(5), but not PI fluorescence, with slower kinetics at descending peptide concentrations, confirming killing due to membrane depolarization. The pore-forming melittin, at sub-MIC and bactericidal concentrations, caused, respectively, an increase of PI fluorescence in one or both dyes simultaneously, suggesting membrane permeabilization as a key event. Conclusions: This assay allowed the distinction between specific membrane effects, and it could be applied in the mode of action studies as well as in the screening of novel membrane-active AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Boix-Lemonche
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.-L.); (B.S.)
| | - Maria Lekka
- Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Barbara Skerlavaj
- Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Piazzale Kolbe, 4, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.-L.); (B.S.)
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Seyedjavadi SS, Khani S, Eslamifar A, Ajdary S, Goudarzi M, Halabian R, Akbari R, Zare-Zardini H, Imani Fooladi AA, Amani J, Razzaghi-Abyaneh M. The Antifungal Peptide MCh-AMP1 Derived From Matricaria chamomilla Inhibits Candida albicans Growth via Inducing ROS Generation and Altering Fungal Cell Membrane Permeability. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:3150. [PMID: 32038583 PMCID: PMC6985553 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.03150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise of antifungal drug resistance in Candida species responsible for life threatening candidiasis is considered as an increasing challenge for the public health. MCh-AMP1 has previously been reported as a natural peptide from Matricaria chamomilla L. flowers with broad-spectrum antifungal activity against human pathogenic molds and yeasts. In the current study, the mode of action of synthetic MCh-AMP1 was investigated against Candida albicans, the major etiologic agent of life-threatening nosocomial candidiasis at cellular and molecular levels. Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was cultured in presence of various concentrations of MCh-AMP1 (16-64 μg/mL) and its mode of action was investigated using plasma membrane permeabilization assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction, potassium ion leakage and ultrastructural analyses by electron microscopy. MCh-AMP1 showed fungicidal activity against Candida albicans at the concentrations of 32 and 64 μg/mL. The peptide increased fungal cell membrane permeability as evidenced by elevating of PI uptake and induced potassium leakage from the yeast cells. ROS production was induced by the peptide inside the fungal cells to a maximum of 64.8% at the concentration of 64 μg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed cell deformation as shrinkage and folding of treated yeast cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed detachment of plasma membrane from the cell wall, cell depletion and massive destruction of intracellular organelles and cell membrane of the fungal cells. Our results demonstrated that MCh-AMP1 caused Candida albicans cell death via increasing cell membrane permeability and inducing ROS production. Therefore, MCh-AMP1 could be considered as a promising therapeutic agent to combat Candida albicans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Soghra Khani
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Eslamifar
- Department of Clinical Research, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Goudarzi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Halabian
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Akbari
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hadi Zare-Zardini
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, 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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Chen X, Hu C, Zhang Y, Hao W, He X, Li Q, Huang Y, Huang Y, Chen Y. Anticancer Activity and Mechanism of Action of kla-TAT Peptide. Int J Pept Res Ther 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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32
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Hirsch R, Wiesner J, Marker A, Pfeifer Y, Bauer A, Hammann PE, Vilcinskas A. Profiling antimicrobial peptides from the medical maggot Lucilia sericata as potential antibiotics for MDR Gram-negative bacteria. J Antimicrob Chemother 2020; 74:96-107. [PMID: 30272195 PMCID: PMC6322280 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dky386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ability of MDR Gram-negative bacteria to evade even antibiotics of last resort is a severe global challenge. The development pipeline for conventional antibiotics cannot address this issue, but antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer an alternative solution. Objectives Two insect-derived AMPs (LS-sarcotoxin and LS-stomoxyn) were profiled to assess their suitability for systemic application in humans. Methods The peptides were tested against an extended panel of 114 clinical MDR Gram-negative bacterial isolates followed by time–kill analysis, interaction studies and assays to determine the likelihood of emerging resistance. In further in vitro studies we addressed cytotoxicity, cardiotoxicity and off-target interactions. In addition, an in vivo tolerability and pharmacokinetic study in mice was performed. Results LS-sarcotoxin and LS-stomoxyn showed potent and selective activity against Gram-negative bacteria and no cross-resistance with carbapenems, fluoroquinolones or aminoglycosides. Peptide concentrations of 4 or 8 mg/L inhibited 90% of the clinical MDR isolates of Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Acinetobacter baumannii and Salmonella enterica isolates tested. The ‘all-d’ homologues of the peptides displayed markedly reduced activity, indicating a chiral target. Pharmacological profiling revealed a good in vitro therapeutic index, no cytotoxicity or cardiotoxicity, an inconspicuous broad-panel off-target profile, and no acute toxicity in mice at 10 mg/kg. In mouse pharmacokinetic experiments LS-sarcotoxin and LS-stomoxyn plasma levels above the lower limit of quantification (1 and 0.25 mg/mL, respectively) were detected after 5 and 15 min, respectively. Conclusions LS-sarcotoxin and LS-stomoxyn are suitable as lead candidates for the development of novel antibiotics; however, their pharmacokinetic properties need to be improved for systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Hirsch
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Gießen, Germany
- Present address: Evotec International GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Wiesner
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Gießen, Germany
| | - Alexander Marker
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Industriepark Höchst, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Yvonne Pfeifer
- Department 1 – Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Wernigerode, Germany
| | - Armin Bauer
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Industriepark Höchst, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter E Hammann
- Sanofi-Aventis Deutschland GmbH, Industriepark Höchst, Frankfurt, Germany
- Present address: Evotec International GmbH, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Department of Bioresources, Gießen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Gießen, Gießen, Germany
- Corresponding author. Tel: +49 641 99 39500; E-mail: orcid.org/0000-0001-8276-4968
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Tan P, Lai Z, Jian Q, Shao C, Zhu Y, Li G, Shan A. Design of Heptad Repeat Amphiphiles Based on Database Filtering and Structure-Function Relationships to Combat Drug-Resistant Fungi and Biofilms. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:2129-2144. [PMID: 31887002 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b19927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Due to the emergence of reports of multidrug-resistant fungi, infections caused by multidrug-resistant fungi and biofilms are considered to be a global threat to human health due to the lack of effective broad-spectrum drugs. Here, we developed a series heptad repeat sequences based on an antimicrobial peptide database (APD) and structure-function relationships. Among the developed peptides, the target peptide ACR3 exhibited good activity against all fungi and bacteria tested, including fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans (C. albicans) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcu saureus (S. aureus), while demonstrating relatively low toxicity and good salt tolerance. The peptide ACR3 inhibits the formation of C. albicans biofilms and has a therapeutic effect on mature biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we did not observe any resistance of C. albicans and E. coli against the peptide ACR3. A series of assays and microscopy were used to analyze the antimicrobial mechanism. These results showed that the antimicrobial activity of the peptide ACR3 utilizes a multimodal mechanism that degrades the cell wall barrier, alters the cytoplasmic membrane electrical potential, and induces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In general, the peptide ACR3 is a potent antibacterial agent that shows great potential for use in biomedical coatings and healthcare formulas to combat the growing threat of fungal and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Zhenheng Lai
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Qiao Jian
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Guoyu Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition , Northeast Agricultural University , Harbin 150030 , China
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Chou S, Wang J, Shang L, Akhtar MU, Wang Z, Shi B, Feng X, Shan A. Short, symmetric-helical peptides have narrow-spectrum activity with low resistance potential and high selectivity. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:2394-2409. [PMID: 30919848 DOI: 10.1039/c9bm00044e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Broad-spectrum antibiotics have, until now, been the mainstay of antibiotic therapy. However, the increasing threat of drug-resistant bacteria and the ecological imbalance of normal microbial communities have forced a reconsideration of the best strategies to treat such pathogens. Therefore, antibacterial agents with specific abilities of eliminating pathogens may provide long-term protection. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can be optimized by modifying their primary sequences, are regarded as potentially valuable in development of pathogen-specific agents. To obtain efficient narrow-spectrum AMPs, database-filtering technology, which filters the most probable amino acid composition, positive charge, sequence length and hydrophobic content of peptides against Gram-negative bacteria, was taken as the first step. Then, the filtered parameters were distributed and modified into an α-helical symmetrical structure by considering the structure-function relationship of synthesized antimicrobial peptides. Finally, short, safe and stable peptides against Escherichia coli, Salmonella pullorum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were successfully identified. The potential peptides F1 and F4 showed low cell toxicity, low resistance potential and low salt sensitivity. CD spectroscopy of the peptides illustrated that F1 and F4 exhibited a tendency towards an α-helical structure in a membrane-mimetic environment. Indeed, fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses indicated that the shorter potential sequence F4 killed the bacteria by causing physical destruction of the bacterial membrane and cytosol leakage. In the mouse model test, F4 reduced the bacterial load in major organs and the cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) levels in serum significantly (P < 0.05). Collectively, this symmetric-helical distribution, dependent on database-filtering parameters, is a promising strategy for designing effective smart AMPs with high cell selectivity, and it also provides new insights into the design and optimization of pathogen-specific biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuli Chou
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China.
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Tan P, Lai Z, Zhu Y, Shao C, Akhtar MU, Li W, Zheng X, Shan A. Multiple Strategy Optimization of Specifically Targeted Antimicrobial Peptide Based on Structure-Activity Relationships to Enhance Bactericidal Efficiency. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2019; 6:398-414. [PMID: 33463238 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.9b00937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unlike traditional broad-spectrum antibacterial agents, specifically targeted antimicrobial peptides (STAMPs) are difficult for bacteria to develop resistance to due to their unique membrane lytic mechanism. Additionally, STAMPs can maintain a normal ecological balance and provide long-term protection to the body. However, therapeutic applications of STAMPS are hindered by their weak activity and imperfect specificity, as well as lack of knowledge in understanding their structure-activity relationships. To investigate the effects of different parameters on the biological activities of STAMPs, a peptide sequence, WKKIWKDPGIKKWIK, was truncated, extended, and provided with an increased charge and altered amphipathicity. In addition, a novel template modification method for attaching a phage-displayed peptide, which recognized and bound to Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells, to the end of the sequence was introduced. Compared with the traditional template modification method, peptide 13, which contained a phage-displayed peptide at the C-terminus, exhibited superior narrow-spectrum antibacterial activity against E. coli compared to that of parental peptide 2, and the activity and specificity of peptide 13 were increased by 5.0 and 2.4 times, respectively. Additionally, peptide 13 showed low cytotoxicity and relatively desirable salt, serum, acid, alkaline and heat stability. In this study, peptide 13 specifically killed E. coli by causing cytoplasmic membrane rupture and cytosol leakage. In summary, these findings are useful for improving the activity and specificity of STAMPs and show that peptide 13 is able to combat the growing threat of E. coli infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhenheng Lai
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yongjie Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Changxuan Shao
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Muhammad Usman Akhtar
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Weifen Li
- Institute of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
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36
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Sun C, Gu L, Hussain MA, Chen L, Lin L, Wang H, Pang S, Jiang C, Jiang Z, Hou J. Characterization of the Bioactivity and Mechanism of Bactenecin Derivatives Against Food-Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2593. [PMID: 31749789 PMCID: PMC6848382 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
With the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are regarded as potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics or chemicals. We designed and synthesized six derivatives of bactenecin (L2C3V10C11, RLCRIVVIRVCR), including R2F3W10L11 (RRFRIVVIRWLR), R2W3W10R11 (RRWRIVVIRWRR), K2W3V10R11 (RKWRIVVIRVRR), W2R3V10R11 (RWRRIVVIRVRR), W2K3K10R11 (RWKRIVVIRKRR), and K2R3R10K11 (RKRRIVVIRRKR), by amino acid substitution to increase the net charge and reduce hydrophobicity gradually. The bioactivity and mechanisms of action of the designed peptides were investigated. The results indicated that the antimicrobial activity of the designed peptides was higher than that of bactenecin. The hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity of the designed peptides were significantly lower than those of bactenecin. The designed peptides exhibited a wide range of antimicrobial activity against food-pathogens, particularly peptides K2W3V10R11 and W2R3V10R11; in addition, the activity was maintained under physiological salt and heat conditions. Mechanism studies indicated that AMPs interacted with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, resulting in the destruction of cell membrane integrity by increasing membrane permeability and changing transmembrane potential, leading to cell death. The present study suggested that peptides K2W3V10R11 and W2R3V10R11 exhibited potential as alternatives to traditional antibiotics or chemicals for the treatment of food-pathogens. These findings lead to the development of a potential method for the design of novel AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changbao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Liya Gu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Muhammad Altaf Hussain
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijun Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Dairy for Maternal and Child Health, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Li Lin
- National Engineering Research Center of Dairy for Maternal and Child Health, Beijing Sanyuan Foods Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Haimei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiyue Pang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenggang Jiang
- Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Zhanmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Juncai Hou
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education, College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Rajasekaran G, Kumar SD, Yang S, Shin SY. The design of a cell-selective fowlicidin-1-derived peptide with both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 182:111623. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Chirality-Dependent Adsorption between Amphipathic Peptide and POPC Membrane. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194760. [PMID: 31557910 PMCID: PMC6801444 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interactions between chiral molecules and cell membranes have attracted more and more attention in recent decades, due to their importance in molecular science and medical applications. It is observed that some peptides composed of different chiral amino acids may have distinct interactions with a membrane. How does the membrane exhibit a selective behavior related to the chirality of the peptides? Microscopically, the interactions between the peptides and the membrane are poorly understood. In this work, we study the interactions between an amphipathic peptide (C6) and POPC membrane with simulations. The kinetics and thermodynamics of peptide enantiomers during the adsorption to the membrane are characterized with direct simulations and umbrella sampling. It is observed that there are slow kinetics for the peptide composed of D-type amino acids. Along the observed pathways, the free energy landscapes are determined with umbrella sampling techniques. A free-energy barrier for the peptide composed of D-amino acids is observed, which is consistent with the kinetic observations. The results indicate the concurrent adsorption and rotation of the peptide helix. The local interactions between the peptides and the membrane are examined in detail, including the contact interactions between the peptides and the membrane, and the distributions of the lipids around the peptide. There are observable differences of the local interactions for the cases related to different peptide enantiomers. These results further demonstrate the importance of the rotation of peptide helix during the adsorption. More interestingly, all these kinetic differences between peptide enantiomers can be explained based on the conformations of the residue Trp and interactions between Trp and lipid molecules. These results give us a molecular understanding of the mechanism of the chirality-dependent peptide-membrane interactions, and may provide clues to designing systems which are sensitive to the chirality of membranes.
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Vineeth Kumar T, Asha R, George S. Investigations on the membrane interaction of C-terminally amidated esculentin-2 HYba1 and 2 peptides against bacteria. Anim Biotechnol 2019; 32:137-146. [PMID: 31550988 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2019.1668402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The membrane interaction and damage caused by C-terminally amidated esculentin-2 peptides identified from the frog skin is illustrated in the present study using Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae. Double staining with fluorescent probes SYTOX and DAPI proved the concentration-dependent bacterial membrane damage induced by the peptides. It was found that the sub-MIC of both peptides induced transient pores on the bacterial membrane. These peptides also caused depolarisation on the bacterial membrane during their interaction. The physical changes on bacterial cells like blebbing, elongation, fusion, and so forth upon peptide treatment were visualized through SEM images. The antimicrobial activity of the peptides against S. aureus and V. cholerae was not altered at physiological concentrations of divalent and monovalent cations, which is advantageous in a therapeutic context. The increase of MIC against V. cholerae at higher concentrations of Mg2+ and Ca2+ (>5 µM) is due to the concentration-dependent antagonism exhibited by these ions for the cation binding sites on the bacterial membrane, which facilitates the process of 'self-promoted uptake.' The study emphasizes to utilize the ability of these peptides to produce transient pores at sub-MICs in combinatorial therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vineeth Kumar
- Interdisciplinary Biology Group, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Scholar, Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - R Asha
- Research Scholar, Kerala University, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Chemical Biology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Sanil George
- Interdisciplinary Biology Group, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Hu C, Chen X, Huang Y, Chen Y. Synergistic effect of the pro-apoptosis peptide kla-TAT and the cationic anticancer peptide HPRP-A1. Apoptosis 2019; 23:132-142. [PMID: 29397453 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a peptide-peptide co-administration therapy between hybrid peptide kla-TAT and cationic anticancer peptide HPRP-A1 was designed to increase the anticancer activity of the combination peptides through synergistic effect. kla is a pro-apoptotic peptide which could induce rapid cancer cell apoptosis by disruption the mitochondrial membrane when internalized the cells. To enhance more kla peptides pass through cell membrane, a double improvement strategy was designed by chemically conjugation with cell penetration peptide TAT as well as co-administration with cationic membrane active peptide HPRP-A1, and the double anticancer mechanism of the kla-TAT peptide and HPRP-A1 including membrane disruption and apoptosis induction was verified through in vitro experiments. The CompuSyn synergism/antagonism analysis showed that kla-TAT acted synergistically with HPRP-A1 against a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cell line. The anticancer activities of the two peptides were dramatically increased by co-administration, under the mechanism of cell membrane disruption, caspase-dependent apoptosis induction, as well as cyclin-D1 down-regulation based G1 phase arrest. We believe that the synergic therapeutic strategy would be a meaningful method for the anticancer peptides used in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Hu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yibing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China. .,College of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China.
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41
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Giorgi F, Coglitore D, Curran JM, Gilliland D, Macko P, Whelan M, Worth A, Patterson EA. The influence of inter-particle forces on diffusion at the nanoscale. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12689. [PMID: 31481689 PMCID: PMC6722115 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Van der Waals and electrostatic interactions are the dominant forces acting at the nanoscale and they have been reported to directly influence a range of phenomena including surface adhesion, friction, and colloid stability but their contribution on nanoparticle diffusion dynamics is still not clear. In this study we evaluated experimentally the changes in the diffusion coefficient of nanoparticles as a result of varying the magnitude of Van der Waals and electrostatic forces. We controlled the magnitude of these forces by varying the ionic strength of a salt solution, which has been shown to be a parameter that directly controls the forces, and found by tracking single nanoparticles dispersed in solutions with different salt molarity that the diffusion of nanoparticles increases with the magnitude of the electrostatic forces and Van der Waals forces. Our results demonstrate that these two concurrently dynamic forces play a pivotal role in driving the diffusion process and must be taken into account when considering nanoparticle behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giorgi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GH, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Judith M Curran
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GH, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas Gilliland
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, 21027, Italy
| | - Peter Macko
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, 21027, Italy
| | - Maurice Whelan
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, 21027, Italy
| | - Andrew Worth
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, 21027, Italy
| | - Eann A Patterson
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 3GH, United Kingdom
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42
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Dong N, Wang C, Zhang T, Zhang L, Xue C, Feng X, Bi C, Shan A. Bioactivity and Bactericidal Mechanism of Histidine-Rich β-Hairpin Peptide Against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163954. [PMID: 31416220 PMCID: PMC6718988 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial peptides (APMs) are a new type of antibacterial substance. The relationship between their structure and function remains indistinct; in particular, there is a lack of a definitive and fixed template for designing new antimicrobial peptides. Previous studies have shown that porcine Protegrin-1 (PG-1) exhibits considerable antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. In this study, to reduce cytotoxicity and increase cell selectivity, we designed histidine-rich peptides based on the sequence template RR(XY)2XDPGX(YX)2RR-NH2, where X represents I, W, V, and F. The results showed that the peptides form more β-hairpin structures in a lipid-rich environment that mimics cell membranes. Among them, the antimicrobial peptide HV2 showed strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative strains and almost no toxicity to normal cells. The results of our analysis of its antibacterial mechanism showed that peptide HV2 acts on the bacterial cell membrane to increase its permeability, resulting in cell membrane disruption and death. Furthermore, peptide HV2 inhibited bacterial movement in a concentration-dependent manner and had a more robust anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the production of TNF-α. In summary, peptide HV2 exhibits high bactericidal activity and cell selectivity, making it a promising candidate for future use as an antibiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Dong
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chensi Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chenyu Xue
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xinjun Feng
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Chongpeng Bi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity. The Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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Kwon JY, Kim MK, Mereuta L, Seo CH, Luchian T, Park Y. Mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptide P5 truncations against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. AMB Express 2019; 9:122. [PMID: 31363941 PMCID: PMC6667604 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-019-0843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rates of microbial drug resistance are increasing worldwide; therefore, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered promising alternative therapeutic agents to antibiotics. AMPs are essential components of the innate immune system and exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. P5 is a Cecropin A-Magainin 2 hybrid analog peptide with antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In the present study, truncated peptides were designed to reduction length, retainment their antimicrobial activity and low toxicity at high concentrations compared with that of the parent peptide P5. The truncated peptides P5-CT1 and P5-NT1 exhibited antibacterial activities against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, P5-CT2, P5-CT3, P5-NT2, and P5-NT3 showed higher antibacterial activities against gram-positive bacteria compared to Gram-negative bacteria at low concentration of peptides. The truncated peptides showed lower hemolytic activity and toxic effects against mammalian cells compared with those of the parent peptide P5. The levels of several truncated peptides were maintained in the presence of physiological concentrations of salts, indicating their high stability. The results of flow cytometry, propidium iodide uptake, n-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake, and 3,3′-dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide assays showed that these truncated peptides killed microbial cells by increasing membrane permeability, thereby causing membrane damage. The results suggested that truncated peptides of P5 have good potential for use as novel antimicrobial agents.
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Zhou Y, Lei Y, Cao Z, Chen X, Sun Y, Xu Y, Guo W, Wang S, Liu C. A β-defensin gene of Trachinotus ovatus might be involved in the antimicrobial and antiviral immune response. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 92:105-115. [PMID: 30448509 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Defensins are a group of small cationic and cysteine-rich peptides that are important components of the innate immune system. However, studies on defensins in teleosts are very limited, particularly studies on defensin functions through in vivo assays. In this study, we cloned and identified one β-defensin (TroBD) the golden pompano, Trachinotus ovatus, and analyzed the functions of TroBD in both in vivo and in vitro assays. TroBD is composed of 63 amino acids and shares high sequence identities (27.27-98.41%) with known β-defensins of other teleosts. The protein has a signature motif of six conserved cysteine residues within the mature peptide. The expression of TroBD was most abundant in the head kidney and spleen and was significantly upregulated following infection by Vibrio harveyi and viral nervous necrosis virus (VNNV). Purified recombinant TroBD (rTroBD) inhibited the growth of V. harveyi, and its antimicrobial activity was influenced by salt concentration. TroBD was found to have a chemotactic effect on macrophages in vitro. The results of an in vivo study demonstrated that TroBD overexpression/knockdown in T. ovatus significantly reduced/increased bacterial colonization or viral copy numbers in tissues. Taken together, these results indicate that TroBD plays a significant role in both antibacterial and antiviral immunity and provide new avenues for protection against pathogen infection in the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongcan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, PR China
| | - Yang Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, College of Marine Science, Hainan University, PR China
| | - Zhenjie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Hydrobiology and Biotechnology, College of Marine Science, Hainan University, PR China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, PR China
| | - Yun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, PR China.
| | - Yue Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, PR China
| | - Weiliang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China
| | - Shifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, PR China
| | - Chunsheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, Hainan University, Haikou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Biological Resources of Ministry of Education, Hainan University, PR China
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45
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Hu C, Huang Y, Chen Y. Targeted Modification of the Cationic Anticancer Peptide HPRP-A1 with iRGD To Improve Specificity, Penetration, and Tumor-Tissue Accumulation. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:561-572. [PMID: 30592418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The chimeric peptide HPRP-A1-iRGD, composed of a chemically conjugated tumor-homing/penetration domain (iRGD) and a cationic anticancer peptide domain (HPRP-A1), was used to study the effect of targeted modification to enhance the peptide's specificity, penetration, and tumor accumulation ability. The iRGD domain exhibits tumor-targeting and tumor-penetrating activities by specifically binding to the neuropilin-1 receptor. Acting as a homing/penetration domain, iRGD contributed to enhancing the tumor selectivity, permeability, and targeting of HPRP-A1 by targeted receptor dependence. As the anticancer active domain, HPRP-A1 kills cancer cells by disrupting the cell membrane and inducing apoptosis. The in vitro membrane selectivity toward cancer cells, such as A549 and MDA-MB-23, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), normal cells, the penetrability assessment in the A549 3D multiple cell sphere model, and the in vivo tumor-tissue accumulation test in the A549 xenograft model indicated that HPRP-A1-iRGD exhibited significant increases in the selectivity toward membranes that highly express NRP-1, the penetration distance in 3D multiple cell spheres, and the accumulation in tumor tissues after intravenous injection, compared with HPRP-A1 alone. The mechanism of the enhanced targeting ability of HPRP-A1-iRGD was demonstrated by the pull-down assay and biolayer interferometry test, which indicated that the chimeric peptide could specifically bind to the neuropilin-1 protein with high affinity. We believe that chemical conjugation with iRGD to increase the specificity, penetration, and tumor-tissue accumulation of HPRP-A1 is an effective and promising approach for the targeted modification of peptides as anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuihua Hu
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education , Jilin University , 2699 Qianjin Street , Changchun 130021 , China.,School of Life Sciences , Jilin University , Changchun 130021 , China
| | - Yibing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education , Jilin University , 2699 Qianjin Street , Changchun 130021 , China.,School of Life Sciences , Jilin University , Changchun 130021 , China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education , Jilin University , 2699 Qianjin Street , Changchun 130021 , China.,School of Life Sciences , Jilin University , Changchun 130021 , China
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Lee MR, Raman N, Ortiz-Bermúdez P, Lynn DM, Palecek SP. 14-Helical β-Peptides Elicit Toxicity against C. albicans by Forming Pores in the Cell Membrane and Subsequently Disrupting Intracellular Organelles. Cell Chem Biol 2018; 26:289-299.e4. [PMID: 30581136 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic peptidomimetics of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising antimicrobial drug candidates because they promote membrane disruption and exhibit greater structural and proteolytic stability than natural AMPs. We previously reported selective antifungal 14-helical β-peptides, but the mechanism of antifungal toxicity of β-peptides remains unknown. To provide insight into the mechanism, we studied antifungal β-peptide binding to artificial membranes and living Candida albicans cells. We investigated the ability of β-peptides to interact with and permeate small unilamellar vesicle models of fungal membranes. The partition coefficient supported a pore-mediated mechanism characterized by the existence of a critical β-peptide concentration separating low- and high-partition coefficient regimes. Live cell intracellular tracking of β-peptides showed that β-peptides translocated into the cytoplasm, and then disrupted the nucleus and vacuole sequentially, leading to cell death. This understanding of the mechanisms of antifungal activity will facilitate design and development of peptidomimetic AMPs, including 14-helical β-peptides, for antifungal applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Ryul Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Namrata Raman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Patricia Ortiz-Bermúdez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - David M Lynn
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Sean P Palecek
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
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Ko SJ, Kang NH, Kim MK, Park J, Park E, Park GH, Kang TW, Na DE, Park JB, Yi YE, Jeon SH, Park Y. Antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity, and mechanism of action of pleurocidin against drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Microb Pathog 2018; 127:70-78. [PMID: 30508627 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2018.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics has resulted in the emergence of multi-drug-resistant bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is a frequent cause of infections, and antibiotic-resistant S. aureus has become a serious problem. Antimicrobial peptides play an important role in innate immunity and are attracting increasing attention as alternative antibiotics. In a previous study, pleurocidin, derived from winter flounder, was identified as a 25-amino acid antimicrobial peptide with no cytotoxicity toward mammalian cells and low hemolytic activity. In the present study, pleurocidin was observed to exhibit antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, especially against drug resistant S. aureus. Pleurocidin retained its antibacterial activity against drug resistant S. aureus in the presence of a physiological salt concentration. Membrane depolarization assays and propidium iodide uptake indicated that pleurocidin kills bacteria by damaging the integrity of the bacterial membrane. DNA binding assays revealed that pleurocidin binds to DNA. Thus, pleurocidin targets not only the bacterial membrane, but also their DNA. S. aureus biofilms have become a serious problem because of increased resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, we investigated the effect of pleurocidin on biofilm inhibition and eradication using crystal violet staining and microscopic observation. Pleurocidin inhibited and eradicated biofilms at low concentrations. Taken together, the results suggested that pleurocidin is a promising candidate therapeutic agent to treat drug-resistant bacteria and biofilm-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Ko
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Na Hee Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Min Kyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Jonggwan Park
- Department of Bioinformatics, Kongju National University, Kongju, 38065, South Korea
| | - Eunji Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea
| | - Ga Hyeon Park
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Tae Woo Kang
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Da Eun Na
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Jin Bae Park
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | - Yae Eun Yi
- Jangseong High School, Jeollanamdo, 57216, South Korea
| | | | - Yoonkyung Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea; Research Center for Proteineous Materials, Chosun University, Gwangju, 61452, South Korea.
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Dong N, Chou S, Li J, Xue C, Li X, Cheng B, Shan A, Xu L. Short Symmetric-End Antimicrobial Peptides Centered on β-Turn Amino Acids Unit Improve Selectivity and Stability. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2832. [PMID: 30538681 PMCID: PMC6277555 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are excellent candidates to combat the increasing number of multi- or pan-resistant pathogens worldwide based on their mechanism of action, which is different from that of antibiotics. In this study, we designed short peptides by fusing an α-helix and β-turn sequence-motif in a symmetric-end template to promote the higher cell selectivity, antibacterial activity and salt-resistance of these structures. The results showed that the designed peptides PQ and PP tended to form an α-helical structure upon interacting with a membrane-mimicking environment. They displayed high cell selectivity toward bacterial cells over eukaryotic cells. Their activities were mostly maintained in the presence of different conditions (salts, serum, heat, and pH), which indicated their stability in vivo. Fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses indicated that PP and PQ killed bacterial cells through membrane pore formation, thereby damaging membrane integrity. This study revealed the potential application of these designed peptides as new candidate antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Dong
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuli Chou
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenyu Xue
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinran Li
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Baojing Cheng
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Xu
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Lee J, Kim S, Sim JY, Lee D, Kim HH, Hwang JS, Lee DG, Park ZY, Kim JI. A potent antibacterial activity of new short d-enantiomeric lipopeptide against multi drug resistant bacteria. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2018; 1861:34-42. [PMID: 30393205 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria threatens human health. Resistance to existing antibiotics is increasing, while the emergence of new antibiotics is slowing. Cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs) are fascinating alternative antibiotics because they possess a broad spectrum of activity, being active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including those resistant to traditional antibiotics. However, low bioavailability resulting from enzymatic degradation and attenuation by divalent cations like Mg2+ and Ca2+ limits their use as antibiotic agents. Here, we report the design of new CAMPs showing both high antibacterial activity and serum stability under physiological ion concentrations. The peptides were designed by applying two approaches, the use of d-enantiomer and lipidation. Based on the sequence of the CopW (LLWIALRKK-NH2), a nonapeptide derived from coprisin, a series of novel d-form CopW lipopeptides with different acyl chain lengths (C6, C8, C10, C12, C14, and C16) were synthesized and evaluated with respect to their activity and salt sensitivity. Among the analogs, the d-form lipopeptide dCopW3 exhibited MIC values ranging from 1.25 to 5 μM against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Significantly, this compound did not induce bacterial resistance and was highly stable in human serum proteases. The results emphasize the potential of cationic d-form lipopeptide as therapeutically valuable antibiotics for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeho Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123, Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Shanghyeon Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123, Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeong Sim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123, Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeun Lee
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123, Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Hyung Kim
- Biotherapeutics and Glycomics Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84, Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Sam Hwang
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Academy of Agricultural Science, RDA, 166, Nongsaengmyeong-ro, Iseo-myeon, Wanju_Gun, Jeollabuk-do 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Gun Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of National Sciences, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Zee-Yong Park
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123, Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Il Kim
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123, Cheomdangwagi-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea.
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Identification of novel antimicrobial peptide from Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) by in silico and activity characterization. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206578. [PMID: 30365554 PMCID: PMC6203393 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The global crisis of antibiotic resistance increases the demand for the new promising alternative drugs such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Accordingly, we have described a new, previously unrecognized effective AMP, named dicentracin-like, from Asian sea bass and characterized its antimicrobial activity by comparison with moronecidin. Methodology/ Results Gene expression analysis demonstrated the expression of dicentracin-like peptide in tissues of the immune system such as the skin and the head kidney, which is an important endocrine and lymphoid organ. Moronecidin and dicentracin-like exhibited a higher antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria relative to gram-negative ones, while both peptides showed a greater binding ability to gram-negative bacteria compared to gram-positive ones. This contradiction between antibacterial activity and binding affinity may be related to the outer membrane from gram-negative bacteria. Compared with moronecidin, dicentracin-like peptide showed more potent binding ability to all gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. In addition, dicentracin-like peptide exhibited a high antibacterial activity against the investigated microorganisms, except against Staphylococcus aureus. A direct relationship was found between the binding affinity/cationicity and the antibiofilm activity of the peptides wherein, an elevation in pH corresponded to a decrease in their antibiofilm property. Time-kill kinetics analysis against clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolate indicated that bactericidal effect of dicentracin-like and moronecidin at inhibitory concentration (1XMIC) was observed after 4 and 6 hours, respectively, while bactericidal effect of both AMPs at concentration of 2XMIC was observed after 2 hours. Dicentracin-like peptide showed higher inhibitory activity at subinhibitory concentration (1/2XMIC), relative to moronecidin. Compared with moronecidin, dicentracin-like peptide possessed greater binding affinity to bacteria at high salt concentration, as well as at alkaline pH; In addition, dicentracin-like exhibited a higher antibiofilm activity in comparison to moronecidin even at alkaline pH. Hemolytic analysis against human RBC revealed that hemolytic activity of moronecidin was more potent than that of dicentracin-like, which is consistent with its greater non-polar face hydrophobicity. Conclusions In the present study, In Silico comparative sequence analysis and antimicrobial characterization led to identify a new, previously unrecognized antimicrobial function for named dicentracin-like peptide by comparison with moronecidin, representing a possible template for designing new effective AMPs and improving known ones.
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