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Li S, Mu R, Guo X. Defensins regulate cell cycle: Insights of defensins on cellular proliferation and division. Life Sci 2024; 349:122740. [PMID: 38777302 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122740] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Defensins are a class of small antimicrobial peptides that play a crucial role against pathogens. However, recent research has highlighted defensins exhibit the ability to influence cell cycle checkpoints, promoting or inhibiting specific phases such as G1 arrest or S/M transition. By regulating the cell cycle, defensins impact the proliferation of normal and cancerous cells, with implications for cancer development and progression. Dysregulation of defensin expression can disrupt the delicate balance of cell cycle regulation, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and an increased risk of tumor formation. Defensins contribute to the resolution of inflammation, stimulate angiogenesis, and enhance the migration and proliferation of cells involved in tissue repair. Furthermore, The ability of defensins to respond to microenvironmental changes further demonstrates the significance of these peptides in host defense mechanisms and immune function. By adjusting their expression, defensins continue to combat pathogens effectively and maintain homeostasis within the body. This review highlights the multifaceted role of defensins in regulating the cell cycle and their broader implications in cancer progression, tissue repair, and microenvironmental response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Institute of Wound Prevention and Treatment, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201318, China.
| | - Rongrong Mu
- Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, The Third People's Hospital of Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xueqin Guo
- Department of Pathology, Gaomi City People's Hospital, Gaomi 261500, China
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Finkina EI, Shevchenko OV, Fateeva SI, Tagaev AA, Ovchinnikova TV. Antifungal Plant Defensins as an Alternative Tool to Combat Candidiasis. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:1499. [PMID: 38891308 PMCID: PMC11174490 DOI: 10.3390/plants13111499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Currently, the spread of fungal infections is becoming an urgent problem. Fungi of the Candida genus are opportunistic microorganisms that cause superficial and life-threatening systemic candidiasis in immunocompromised patients. The list of antifungal drugs for the treatment of candidiasis is very limited, while the prevalence of resistant strains is growing rapidly. Therefore, the search for new antimycotics, including those exhibiting immunomodulatory properties, is of great importance. Plenty of natural compounds with antifungal activities may be extremely useful in solving this problem. This review evaluates the features of natural antimicrobial peptides, namely plant defensins as possible prototypes of new anticandidal agents. Plant defensins are important components of the innate immune system, which provides the first line of defense against pathogens. The introduction presents a brief summary regarding pathogenic Candida species, the pathogenesis of candidiasis, and the mechanisms of antimycotic resistance. Then, the structural features of plant defensins, their anticandidal activities, their mechanisms of action on yeast-like fungi, their ability to prevent adhesion and biofilm formation, and their combined action with conventional antimycotics are described. The possible mechanisms of fungal resistance to plant defensins, their cytotoxic activity, and their effectiveness in in vivo experiments are also discussed. In addition, for the first time for plant defensins, knowledge about their immunomodulatory effects is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina I. Finkina
- M. M. Shemyakin & Yu. A. Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, The Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str. 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia (T.V.O.)
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Roca-Pinilla R, Lisowski L, Arís A, Garcia-Fruitós E. The future of recombinant host defense peptides. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:267. [PMID: 36544150 PMCID: PMC9768982 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01991-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance crisis calls for the discovery and production of new antimicrobials. Host defense peptides (HDPs) are small proteins with potent antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities that are attractive for translational applications, with several already under clinical trials. Traditionally, antimicrobial peptides have been produced by chemical synthesis, which is expensive and requires the use of toxic reagents, hindering the large-scale development of HDPs. Alternatively, HDPs can be produced recombinantly to overcome these limitations. Their antimicrobial nature, however, can make them toxic to the hosts of recombinant production. In this review we explore the different strategies that are used to fine-tune their activities, bioengineer them, and optimize the recombinant production of HDPs in various cell factories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon Roca-Pinilla
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XTranslational Vectorology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia
| | - Leszek Lisowski
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XTranslational Vectorology Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW 2145 Australia ,grid.415641.30000 0004 0620 0839Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Innovative Therapies, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Arís
- grid.8581.40000 0001 1943 6646Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Elena Garcia-Fruitós
- grid.8581.40000 0001 1943 6646Department of Ruminant Production, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA, 08140 Caldes de Montbui, Spain
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Gbala ID, Macharia RW, Bargul JL, Magoma G. Membrane Permeabilization and Antimicrobial Activity of Recombinant Defensin-d2 and Actifensin against Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144325. [PMID: 35889198 PMCID: PMC9317813 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance requires urgent efforts towards the discovery of active antimicrobials, and the development of strategies to sustainably produce them. Defensin and defensin-like antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are increasingly gaining pharmacological interest because of their potency against pathogens. In this study, we expressed two AMPs: defensin-d2 derived from spinach, and defensin-like actifensin from Actinomyces ruminicola. Recombinant pTXB1 plasmids carrying the target genes encoding defensin-d2 and actifensin were generated by the MEGAWHOP cloning strategy. Each AMP was first expressed as a fusion protein in Escherichia coli, purified by affinity chromatography, and was thereafter assayed for antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Approximately 985 µg/mL and 2895 µg/mL of recombinant defensin-d2 and actifensin, respectively, were recovered with high purity. An analysis by MALDI-TOF MS showed distinct peaks corresponding to molecular weights of approximately 4.1 kDa for actifensin and 5.8 kDa for defensin-d2. An in vitro antimicrobial assay showed that MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were inhibited at minimum concentrations of 7.5 µg/mL and 23 µg/mL for recombinant defensin-d2 and actifensin, respectively. The inhibitory kinetics of the peptides revealed cidal activity within 4 h of the contact time. Furthermore, both peptides exhibited an antagonistic interaction, which could be attributed to their affinities for similar ligands, as deduced by peptide–ligand profiling. Moreover, both peptides inhibited biofilm formation, and they exhibited no resistance potential and low hemolytic activity. The peptides also possess the ability to permeate and disrupt the cell membranes of MDR P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Therefore, recombinant actifensin and defensin-d2 exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and have the potential to be used as therapy against MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoluwa D. Gbala
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
- Correspondence:
| | - Rosaline W. Macharia
- Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi P.O. Box 30197-00100, Kenya;
| | - Joel L. Bargul
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Gabriel Magoma
- Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Pan African University, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
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Fungicidal Activity of Recombinant Javanicin against Cryptococcus neoformans Is Associated with Intracellular Target(s) Involved in Carbohydrate and Energy Metabolic Processes. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26227011. [PMID: 34834105 PMCID: PMC8618071 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26227011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of Cryptococcus neoformans, the human fungal pathogen that primarily infects immunocompromised individuals, has been progressing at an alarming rate. The increased incidence of infection of C. neoformans with antifungal drugs resistance has become a global concern. Potential antifungal agents with extremely low toxicity are urgently needed. Herein, the biological activities of recombinant javanicin (r-javanicin) against C. neoformans were evaluated. A time-killing assay was performed and both concentration- and time-dependent antifungal activity of r-javanicin were indicated. The inhibitory effect of the peptide was initially observed at 4 h post-treatment and ultimately eradicated within 36 to 48 h. Fungal outer surface alteration was characterized by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) whereas a negligible change with slight shrinkage of external morphology was observed in r-javanicin treated cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopic analysis implied that the target(s) of r-javanicin is conceivably resided in the cell thereby allowing the peptide to penetrate across the membrane and accumulate throughout the fungal body. Finally, cryptococcal cells coped with r-javanicin were preliminarily investigated using label-free mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Combined with microscopic and proteomics analysis, it was clearly elucidated the peptide localized in the intracellular compartment where carbohydrate metabolism and energy production associated with glycolysis pathway and mitochondrial respiration, respectively, were principally interfered. Overall, r-javanicin would be an alternative candidate for further development of antifungal agents.
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Denisov SS, Dijkgraaf I. Immunomodulatory Proteins in Tick Saliva From a Structural Perspective. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:769574. [PMID: 34722347 PMCID: PMC8548845 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.769574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To feed successfully, ticks must bypass or suppress the host’s defense mechanisms, particularly the immune system. To accomplish this, ticks secrete specialized immunomodulatory proteins into their saliva, just like many other blood-sucking parasites. However, the strategy of ticks is rather unique compared to their counterparts. Ticks’ tendency for gene duplication has led to a diverse arsenal of dozens of closely related proteins from several classes to modulate the immune system’s response. Among these are chemokine-binding proteins, complement pathways inhibitors, ion channels modulators, and numerous poorly characterized proteins whose functions are yet to be uncovered. Studying tick immunomodulatory proteins would not only help to elucidate tick-host relationships but would also provide a rich pool of potential candidates for the development of immunomodulatory intervention drugs and potentially new vaccines. In the present review, we will attempt to summarize novel findings on the salivary immunomodulatory proteins of ticks, focusing on biomolecular targets, structure-activity relationships, and the perspective of their development into therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stepan S Denisov
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Philadelpho B, Souza V, Souza F, Santos J, Batista F, Silva M, Capraro J, De Benedetti S, Heinzl GC, Cilli E, Scarafoni A, Magni C, Ferreira E. Chromatography-Independent Fractionation and Newly Identified Molecular Features of the Adzuki Bean ( Vigna angularis Willd.) β-vignin Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3018. [PMID: 33809562 PMCID: PMC8000399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adzuki seed β-vignin, a vicilin-like globulin, has proven to exert various health-promoting biological activities, notably in cardiovascular health. A simple scalable enrichment procedure of this protein for further nutritional and functional studies is crucial. In this study, a simplified chromatography-independent protein fractionation procedure has been optimized and described. The electrophoretic analysis showed a high degree of homogeneity of β-vignin isolate. Furthermore, the molecular features of the purified protein were investigated. The adzuki bean β-vignin was found to have a native size of 146 kDa, and the molecular weight determined was consistent with a trimeric structure. These were identified in two main polypeptide chains (masses of 56-54 kDa) that are glycosylated polypeptides with metal binding capacity, and one minor polypeptide chain with a mass 37 kDa, wherein these features are absent. The in vitro analysis showed a high degree of digestibility of the protein (92%) and potential anti-inflammatory capacity. The results lay the basis not only for further investigation of the health-promoting properties of the adzuki bean β-vignin protein, but also for a possible application as nutraceutical molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biane Philadelpho
- Department of Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, Brazil; (B.P.); (V.S.); (F.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Victória Souza
- Department of Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, Brazil; (B.P.); (V.S.); (F.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Fabiani Souza
- Department of Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, Brazil; (B.P.); (V.S.); (F.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Johnnie Santos
- Department of Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, Brazil; (B.P.); (V.S.); (F.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Fabiana Batista
- Department of Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, Brazil; (B.P.); (V.S.); (F.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.)
| | - Mariana Silva
- Chemistry Institute, Sao Paulo State University, 14800-900 Araraquara, Brazil; (M.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Jessica Capraro
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.C.); (S.D.B.); (G.C.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Stefano De Benedetti
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.C.); (S.D.B.); (G.C.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Giuditta C. Heinzl
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.C.); (S.D.B.); (G.C.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Eduardo Cilli
- Chemistry Institute, Sao Paulo State University, 14800-900 Araraquara, Brazil; (M.S.); (E.C.)
| | - Alessio Scarafoni
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.C.); (S.D.B.); (G.C.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Chiara Magni
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (J.C.); (S.D.B.); (G.C.H.); (A.S.)
| | - Ederlan Ferreira
- Department of Bromatological Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, 40170-115 Salvador, Brazil; (B.P.); (V.S.); (F.S.); (J.S.); (F.B.)
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