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Ribeiro CAS, Panico K, Handajevsky TJ, da Silva FD, Bellettini IC, Pavlova E, Giacomelli FC. Polyethylenimine as a Versatile Simultaneous Reducing and Stabilizing Agent Enabling One-Pot Synthesis of Transition-Metal Nanoparticles: Fundamental Aspects and Practical Implications. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:17353-17365. [PMID: 37991740 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
The large surface area of metallic nanoparticles provides them with particular optical, chemical, and biological properties, accordingly enabling their use in a wide array of applications. In this regard, facile and fast synthetic approaches are desirable for ready-to-use functional materials. Following early investigations focused on the direct synthesis of polymer-coated gold nanoparticles, we herein demonstrate that such a strategy can be used to manufacture different types of d-block transition-metal nanoparticles via a one-pot method in aqueous media and mild temperature conditions. Gold (Au3+), palladium (Pd2+), and silver (Ag+) ions could be reduced using only polyethylenimine (PEI) or PEI derivatives acting simultaneously as a reducing and stabilizing agent and without the aid of any other external agent. The process gave rise, for instance, to Pd urchin-like nanostructures with a large surface area which confers to them outstanding catalytic performance compared to AuNPs and AgNPs produced using the same strategy. The polymer-stabilized AgNPs were demonstrated to be biocide against a variety of microorganisms, although AuNPs and PdNPs do not hold such an attribute at least in the probed concentration range. These findings may provide significant advances toward the practical, facile, and ready-to-use manufacturing of transition-metal nanoparticles for a myriad of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A S Ribeiro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09280-560, Brazil
| | - Karine Panico
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09280-560, Brazil
| | - Tamara J Handajevsky
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09280-560, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Dias da Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09280-560, Brazil
| | - Ismael C Bellettini
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Educação, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Blumenau 89036-004, Brazil
| | - Ewa Pavlova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 162 00, Czech Republic
| | - Fernando C Giacomelli
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André 09280-560, Brazil
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2
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C A Costa G, A A Silva F, M Manzato V, S Torquato RJ, G Gonzalez Y, Parizi LF, da Silva Vaz Junior I, Tanaka AS. A multiepitope chimeric antigen from Rhipicephalus microplus-secreted salivary proteins elicits anti-tick protective antibodies in rabbit. Vet Parasitol 2023; 318:109932. [PMID: 37060790 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, the Cattle Fever Tick, causes significant economic losses in livestock in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. As the usual control strategy based on chemical acaricides presents different drawbacks, alternative control strategies have been considered for tick control. In recent decades, several tick proteins have been evaluated as targets for the development of anti-tick vaccines. Thus, in the present work, coding sequences from three different proteins present in tick saliva were employed together to construct a recombinant chimeric protein that was evaluated as an antigen in rabbit immunization. Then, the elicited antibodies were tested in a tick artificial feeding experiment to verify the protective effect against the parasites. In addition to Rhipicephalus microplus subtilisin inhibitor 7 (RmSI-7), a serine protease inhibitor member of the TIL (Trypsin Inhibitory Like) family, an interdomain region from the Kunitz inhibitor BmTI-A, and a new cysteine-rich AMP-like microplusin, called RmSEI (previously identified as an elastase inhibitor), were selected to compose the chimeric protein. Anti-chimeric IgG antibodies were able to affect R. microplus female egg production after artificial feeding. Moreover, antibodies elicited in infested tick-resistant and tick-susceptible cattle recognized the recombinant chimera. Additionally, the functional characterization of recombinant RmSEI was performed and revealed antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, the antimicrobial protein was also recognized by antibodies elicited in sera from cattle previously exposed to R. microplus bites. Together, these data suggest that the chimeric protein composed of three salivary antigens is suitable for anti-tick vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel C A Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernando A A Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Verônica M Manzato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo J S Torquato
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Yamile G Gonzalez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luís F Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), RJ, Brazil
| | - Aparecida S Tanaka
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade de Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), RJ, Brazil.
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3
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Specific Focus on Antifungal Peptides against Azole Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus: Current Status, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:jof9010042. [PMID: 36675863 PMCID: PMC9864941 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010042] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of fungal infections is increasing worldwide, especially that of aspergillosis, which previously only affected people with immunosuppression. Aspergillus fumigatus can cause allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and endangers public health due to resistance to azole-type antimycotics such as fluconazole. Antifungal peptides are viable alternatives that combat infection by forming pores in membranes through electrostatic interactions with the phospholipids as well as cell death to peptides that inhibit protein synthesis and inhibit cell replication. Engineering antifungal peptides with nanotechnology can enhance the efficacy of these therapeutics at lower doses and reduce immune responses. This manuscript explains how antifungal peptides combat antifungal-resistant aspergillosis and also how rational peptide design with nanotechnology and artificial intelligence can engineer peptides to be a feasible antifungal alternative.
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Choudhary M, Kumar V, Naik B, Verma A, Saris PEJ, Kumar V, Gupta S. Antifungal metabolites, their novel sources, and targets to combat drug resistance. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1061603. [PMID: 36532457 PMCID: PMC9755354 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1061603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive antibiotic prescriptions as well as their misuse in agriculture are the main causes of antimicrobial resistance which poses a growing threat to public health. It necessitates the search for novel chemicals to combat drug resistance. Since ancient times, naturally occurring medicines have been employed and the enormous variety of bioactive chemicals found in nature has long served as an inspiration for researchers looking for possible therapeutics. Secondary metabolites from microorganisms, particularly those from actinomycetes, have made it incredibly easy to find new molecules. Different actinomycetes species account for more than 70% of naturally generated antibiotics currently used in medicine, and they also produce a variety of secondary metabolites, including pigments, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory compounds. They continue to be a crucial source of fresh chemical diversity and a crucial component of drug discovery. This review summarizes some uncommon sources of antifungal metabolites and highlights the importance of further research on these unusual habitats as a source of novel antimicrobial molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Choudhary
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
| | - Bindu Naik
- Department of Life Sciences (Food Technology & Nutrition), Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, India
| | - Ankit Verma
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
| | - Per Erik Joakim Saris
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vivek Kumar
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, India
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Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14110740. [PMID: 36355990 PMCID: PMC9693228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14110740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
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Sun W, Wu C, Fan G, Hao G, Shi H, Zhang C. Preparation of a functional beverage with α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides obtained from ginkgo seeds. JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2021; 58:4495-4503. [PMID: 34629513 DOI: 10.1007/s13197-020-04931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To obtain α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides from ginkgo seeds and use it to develop beverages, papain hydrolysis was used to hydrolyze and extract ginkgo seed peptides. Through ultrafiltration and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography, peptide fragments which were molecular weight of < 10 KDa with high α-glucosidase inhibition rate were separated and purified to prepare beverages. At the same time, the A1, A2, B1, and B2 peptide fragments purified by semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography were analyzed for amino acid composition. All four peptide fragments have glutamate. Studies have shown that amino acids such as glutamate can promote postprandial insulin secretion and reduce glucose levels. The result indicates that the amino acid composition may be related to the inhibition rate of α-glucosidase. After orthogonal experiment design, analysis of variance and principal component analysis, when 5% xylitol and 0.3% citric acid were added, and the glycine content was 1.2%, the ginkgo polypeptides beverage had the best flavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Sun
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
| | - Caie Wu
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China.,Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China
| | - Gongjian Fan
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China.,Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, 210037 China
| | - Gong Hao
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
| | - Hongjun Shi
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
| | - Can Zhang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, 210037 Jiangsu China
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De Mandal S, Panda AK, Murugan C, Xu X, Senthil Kumar N, Jin F. Antimicrobial Peptides: Novel Source and Biological Function With a Special Focus on Entomopathogenic Nematode/Bacterium Symbiotic Complex. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:555022. [PMID: 34335484 PMCID: PMC8318700 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.555022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms has become one of the most critical threats to public health. A decrease in the effectiveness of available antibiotics has led to the failure of infection control, resulting in a high risk of death. Among several alternatives, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics to resolve the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens. These small proteins exhibit potent antimicrobial activity and are also an essential component of the immune system. Although several AMPs have been reported and characterized, studies associated with their potential medical applications are limited. This review highlights the novel sources of AMPs with high antimicrobial activities, including the entomopathogenic nematode/bacterium (EPN/EPB) symbiotic complex. Additionally, the AMPs derived from insects, nematodes, and marine organisms and the design of peptidomimetic antimicrobial agents that can complement the defects of therapeutic peptides have been used as a template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit De Mandal
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Chandran Murugan
- SRM Research Institute, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Fengliang Jin
- Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Creation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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8
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Riciluca KCT, Oliveira UC, Mendonça RZ, Bozelli Junior JC, Schreier S, da Silva Junior PI. Rondonin: antimicrobial properties and mechanism of action. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2541-2559. [PMID: 34254458 PMCID: PMC8409319 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases are among the major causes of death in the human population. A wide variety of organisms produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as part of their first line of defense. A peptide from Acanthoscurria rondoniae plasma, rondonin—with antifungal activity, a molecular mass of 1236 Da and primary sequence IIIQYEGHKH—was previously studied (UniProt accession number B3EWP8). It showed identity with the C terminus of subunit ‘D’ of the hemocyanin of the Aphonopelma hentzi spider. This result led us to propose a new pathway of the immune system of arachnids that suggests a new function to hemocyanin: production of antimicrobial peptides. Rondonin does not interact with model membranes and was able to bind to yeast nucleic acids but not bacteria. It was not cytotoxic against mammalian cells. The antifungal activity of rondonin is pH‐dependent and peaks at pH ˜ 4–5. The peptide presents synergism with gomesin (spider hemocyte antimicrobial peptide—UniProtKB—P82358) against human yeast pathogens, suggesting a new potential alternative treatment option. Antiviral activity was detected against RNA viruses, measles, H1N1, and encephalomyocarditis. This is the first report of an arthropod hemocyanin fragment with activity against human viruses. Currently, it is vital to invest in the search for natural and synthetic antimicrobial compounds that, above all, present alternative mechanisms of action to first‐choice antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie C T Riciluca
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ursula C Oliveira
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - José C Bozelli Junior
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shirley Schreier
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro I da Silva Junior
- Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling - CeTICS/CEPID, Laboratory for Applied Toxinology, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.,Post-Graduation Program Interunits in Biotechnology, USP/IPT/IBU, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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da S. Fernandes DG, Andrade VB, Lucena LN, Ambrosio FN, de Souza ALM, Batista BL, Rolim WR, Seabra AB, Lombello CB, da Silva FD, Garcia W. Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Properties of Photosynthesized Silver Chloride Nanoparticles Using Plant Extract from Stryphnodendron adstringens (Martius) Coville. J CLUST SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-021-02011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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10
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Chippaux JP, Larréché S. Obituary: Max Goyffon (1935–2020). Toxicon 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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11
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Chippaux JP, Larréché S. In Memoriam : Max Goyffon (1935–2020). TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2020.09.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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Zhu W, Gao H, Luo X, Ye X, Ding L, Hao J, Shu Z, Li S, Li J, Chen Z. Cloning and identification of a new multifunctional Ascaris-type peptide from the hemolymph of Buthus martensii Karsch. Toxicon 2020; 184:167-174. [PMID: 32565098 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Only a few work have been done for peptides from non-venom gland tissues of venomous animals. Here, with the help of the whole body transcriptomic and the hemolymph proteomic data of the Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, we identified the first Ascaris-type peptide BmHDP from scorpion hemolymph. The precursor of BmHDP has 80 residues, including a 16 residue signal peptide and a 64 residue mature peptide. The mature peptide has 10 conserved cysteines and adopts a conserved Ascaris-type fold. Using combined inclusion body refolding and biochemical identification strategies, recombinant BmHDP was obtained successfully. Protease inhibitory assays showed that BmHDP inhibited chymotrypsin apparently at a concentration of 8 nM. Patch-clamp experiments showed that BmHDP inhibited the Kv1.3 potassium channel apparently at a concentration of 1000 nM. Coagulation experiment assays showed that BmHDP inhibited intrinsic coagulation pathway apparently at a concentration of 500 nM. To the best of our knowledge, BmHDP is the first Ascaris-type peptide from scorpion hemolymph. Our work highlighted a functional link between scorpion non-venom gland peptides and venom gland toxin peptides, and suggested that scorpion hemolymph might be a new source of bioactive peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Huanhuan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xudong Luo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangdong Ye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jinbo Hao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shiyan Occupational Disease Hospital, Hubei, China
| | - Zhan Shu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Human Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China; Institute of Biomedicine and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, China.
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13
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Gálvez D, Añino Y, Vega C, Bonilla E. Immune priming against bacteria in spiders and scorpions? PeerJ 2020; 8:e9285. [PMID: 32547885 PMCID: PMC7278890 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9285] [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: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical evidence of immune priming in arthropods keeps growing, both at the within- and trans-generational level. The evidence comes mostly from work on insects and it remains unclear for some other arthropods whether exposure to a non-lethal dose of a pathogen provides protection during a second exposure with a lethal dose. A poorly investigated group are arachnids, with regard to the benefits of immune priming measured as improved survival. Here, we investigated immune priming in two arachnids: the wolf spider Lycosa cerrofloresiana and the scorpion Centruroides granosus. We injected a third of the individuals with lipopolysaccharides of Escherichia coli (LPS, an immune elicitor), another third were injected with the control solution (PBS) and the other third were kept naive. Four days after the first inoculations, we challenged half of the individuals of each group with an injection of a high dose of E. coli and the other half was treated with the control solution. For scorpions, individuals that were initially injected with PBS or LPS did not differ in their survival rates against the bacterial challenge. Individuals injected with LPS showed higher survival than that of naive individuals as evidence of immune priming. Individuals injected with PBS tended to show higher survival rates than naive individuals, but the difference was not significant—perhaps suggesting a general immune upregulation caused by the wounding done by the needle. For spiders, we did not observe evidence of priming, the bacterial challenge reduced the survival of naive, PBS and LPS individuals at similar rates. Moreover; for scorpions, we performed antibacterial assays of hemolymph samples from the three priming treatments (LPS, PBS and naive) and found that the three treatments reduced bacterial growth but without differences among treatments. As non-model organisms, with some unique differences in their immunological mechanisms as compared to the most studied arthropods (insects), arachnids provide an unexplored field to elucidate the evolution of immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumas Gálvez
- Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama, Panama.,COIBA AIP, Panama, Panama
| | - Yostin Añino
- Museo de Invertebrados G.B. Fairchild, Universidad de Panamá, Panama, Panama
| | - Carlos Vega
- Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Panamá, Panama, Panama
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15
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Yacoub T, Rima M, Karam M, Sabatier JM, Fajloun Z. Antimicrobials from Venomous Animals: An Overview. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25102402. [PMID: 32455792 PMCID: PMC7287856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate or excessive use of antimicrobial agents caused an emerging public health problem due to the resulting resistance developed by microbes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective antimicrobial strategies relying on natural agents with different mechanisms of action. Nature has been known to offer many bioactive compounds, in the form of animal venoms, algae, and plant extracts that were used for decades in traditional medicine. Animal venoms and secretions have been deeply studied for their wealth in pharmaceutically promising molecules. As such, they were reported to exhibit many biological activities of interest, such as antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the antimicrobial activities of crude animal venoms/secretions, and describe the peptides that are responsible of these activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Yacoub
- Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, P.O. box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon; (T.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Mohamad Rima
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), INSERM U964, CNRS U7104, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - Marc Karam
- Department of Biology, University of Balamand, Kalhat, Al-Kurah, P.O. box 100 Tripoli, Lebanon; (T.Y.); (M.K.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Université Aix-Marseille, Institut de NeuroPhysiopathologie, UMR 7051, Faculté de Médecine Secteur Nord, 51, Boulevard Pierre Dramard-CS80011, 13344-Marseille CEDEX 15, France
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.)
| | - Ziad Fajloun
- Faculty of Sciences 3, Lebanese University, Michel Slayman Tripoli Campus, Ras Maska 1352, Lebanon
- Laboratory of Applied Biotechnology (LBA3B), Azm Center for Research in Biotechnology and its Applications, Doctoral School for Sciences and Technology, Lebanese University, El Mittein Street, 1300 Tripoli, Lebanon
- Correspondence: (J.-M.S.); (Z.F.)
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16
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Cunningham M, Laino A, Romero S, Fernando Garcia C. Arachnid Hemocyanins. Subcell Biochem 2020; 94:219-231. [PMID: 32189301 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-41769-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hemocyanin (Hc), a copper-containing extracellular multimeric protein, is the major protein component of hemolymph in different arachnid groups. Hc possesses 7 or 8 very well-characterized types of monomers with molecular weights ranging from 70 to 85 kDa, organized in hexamers or multiple of hexamers. The present chapter compiles the existing data with relation to the function of this protein in the arachnids. Hc has as main function the reversible transport of O2, but it shows many secondary though not less important functions. With reference to this, it has been described that Hc can transport hydrophobic molecules (lipid-derived hormones and lipids) to the different organs, having a key role in the lipid transport system. In arachnids, like in other arthropods and invertebrates, Hc has phenoloxidase function which is related to different metabolic processes such as melanin formation and defense against pathogens. In addition, Hc has additional defensive functions since it can serve as precursor for the production of antimicrobial peptides. In short, the evolution of this protein has led to the development of multiple functions essential for organisms possessing this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Cunningham
- INIBIOLP (CONICET-UNLP) - Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, Calles 60 y 120, 1900, La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Aldana Laino
- INIBIOLP (CONICET-UNLP) - Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, Calles 60 y 120, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Sofia Romero
- INIBIOLP (CONICET-UNLP) - Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, Calles 60 y 120, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - C Fernando Garcia
- INIBIOLP (CONICET-UNLP) - Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, UNLP, Calles 60 y 120, 1900, La Plata, Argentina
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17
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Meng L, Zhao Y, Qu D, Xie Z, Guo X, Zhu Z, Chen Z, Zhang L, Li W, Cao Z, Tian C, Wu Y. Ion channel modulation by scorpion hemolymph and its defensin ingredients highlights origin of neurotoxins in telson formed in Paleozoic scorpions. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 148:351-363. [PMID: 31954123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.01.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of scorpion fossils indicate that the venomous telson developed from the sharp telson in sea scorpions into the extant scorpion-like telson in aquatic scorpions in the Paleozoic Era and then further evolved into the fetal venom system. This hypothesis led us to evaluate the inhibition of scorpion venom-sensitive potassium channels by hemolymph from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. Scorpion hemolymph diluted 1:10 inhibited Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3 and SK3 potassium channel currents by 76.4%, 90.2%, 85.8%, and 52.8%, respectively. These discoveries encouraged us to investigate the functional similarity between the more ancient defensin ingredients in hemolymph and the evolved neurotoxins in the venom. In addition to the expression of the representative defensin BmKDfsin3 and BmKDfsin5 in both venomous and non-venomous tissues, NMR analysis revealed structural similarities between scorpion defensin and neurotoxin. Functional experiments further indicated that scorpion defensin used the same mechanism as classical neurotoxin to block the neurotoxin-sensitive Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.3 and SK3 channels. These findings emphasize the likelihood that scorpion defensins evolved into neurotoxins that were adapted to the emergence of the scorpion telson from the sharp telson of sea scorpions into the extant scorpion-like telson in aquatic scorpions in the Paleozoic Era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxia Meng
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yonghui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Daliang Qu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Zili Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xingchen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhanyong Zhu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zongyun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Longhua Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Changlin Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China; Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China.
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18
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Dilem Doğan Ş, Buran S, Gözde Gündüz M, Özkul C, Siva Krishna V, Sriram D. Synthesis of Disulfide-Bridged N-Phenyl-N'-(alkyl/aryl/heteroaryl)urea Derivatives and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Activities. Chem Biodivers 2019; 16:e1900461. [PMID: 31557406 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201900461] [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: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of new antimicrobial agents is extremely needed to overcome multidrug-resistant bacterial and tuberculosis infections. In the present study, eight novel substituted urea derivatives (10a-10h) containing disulfide bond were designed, synthesized and screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities on standard strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as on Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to the obtained results, antibacterial effects of the compounds were found to be considerably better than their antimycobacterial activities along with their weak cytotoxic effects. Molecular docking studies were performed to gain insights into the antibacterial activity mechanism of the synthesized compounds. The interactions and the orientation of compound 10a (1,1'-((disulfanediylbis(methylene))bis(2,1-phenylene))bis(3-phenylurea)) were found to be highly similar to the original ligand within the binding pocket E. faecalis β-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein synthase III (FabH). Finally, a theoretical study was established to predict the physicochemical properties of the compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şengül Dilem Doğan
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Sümeyye Buran
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Erciyes University, 38039, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Miyase Gözde Gündüz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ceren Özkul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Sıhhiye, 06100, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Vagolu Siva Krishna
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, 500078, Hyderabad, India
| | - Dharmarajan Sriram
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science-Pilani, 500078, Hyderabad, India
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19
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Deplazes E, Chin YKY, King GF, Mancera RL. The unusual conformation of cross-strand disulfide bonds is critical to the stability of β-hairpin peptides. Proteins 2019; 88:485-502. [PMID: 31589791 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The cross-strand disulfides (CSDs) found in β-hairpin antimicrobial peptides (β-AMPs) show a unique disulfide geometry that is characterized by unusual torsion angles and a short Cα-Cα distance. While the sequence and disulfide bond connectivity of disulfide-rich peptides is well studied, much less is known about the disulfide geometry found in CSDs and their role in the stability of β-AMPs. To address this, we solved the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure of the β-AMP gomesin (Gm) at 278, 298, and 310 K, examined the disulfide bond geometry of over 800 disulfide-rich peptides, and carried out extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the peptides Gm and protegrin. The NMR data suggests Cα-Cα distances characteristic for CSDs are independent of temperature. Analysis of disulfide-rich peptides from the Protein Data Bank revealed that right-handed and left-handed rotamers are equally likely in CSDs. The previously reported preference for right-handed rotamers was likely biased by restricting the analysis to peptides and proteins solved using X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, data from MD simulations showed that the short Cα-Cα distance is critical for the stability of these peptides. The unique disulfide geometry of CSDs poses a challenge to biomolecular force fields and to retain the stability of β-hairpin fold over long simulation times, restraints on the torsion angles might be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Deplazes
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Yanni K-Y Chin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ricardo L Mancera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute and Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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20
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de Jesus Oliveira T, Oliveira UCD, da Silva Junior PI. Serrulin: A Glycine-Rich Bioactive Peptide from the Hemolymph of the Yellow Tityus serrulatus Scorpion. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090517. [PMID: 31489876 PMCID: PMC6784228 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small molecules, which have a potential use as antibiotic or pharmacological tools. In chelicerate organisms, such as scorpions, these molecules constitute an alternative defense system against microorganisms. The aim of this work was to identify AMPs in the hemolymph of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion. Fractions of plasma and hemocytes were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and then analyzed to determine their activity in inhibiting microbial growth. One of the fractions from the hemocytes presents antimicrobial activity against microorganisms, such as Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, fungi, and yeast. These fractions were analyzed by mass spectrometry, and a fragment of 3564 Da. was identified. The peptide was called serrulin, because it is derived from the species T. serrulatus. A comparison of the amino acid sequence of serrulin with databases shows that it has a similarity to the glycine-rich peptides described in Cupienius salai and Acanthoscurria gomesiana (spiders). Furthermore, serrulin has no hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. While the presence of AMPs in T. serrulatus venom has been described in other works, this is the first work to characterize the presence of these molecules in the hemolymph (hemocytes) of this species and show its potential use as an alternative to conventional antibiotics against different species of microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago de Jesus Oliveira
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Ursula Castro de Oliveira
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Butantan Institute, São Paulo CEP 05503-900, SP, Brazil.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo CEP 05508-900, SP, Brazil.
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21
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Dal Mas C, Rossato L, Shimizu T, Oliveira EB, da Silva Junior PI, Meis JF, Colombo AL, Hayashi MAF. Effects of the Natural Peptide Crotamine from a South American Rattlesnake on Candida auris, an Emergent Multidrug Antifungal Resistant Human Pathogen. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9060205. [PMID: 31141959 PMCID: PMC6627186 DOI: 10.3390/biom9060205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive Candida infections are an important growing medical concern and treatment options are limited to a few antifungal drug classes, with limited efficacies depending on the infecting organism. In this scenario, invasive infections caused by multiresistant Candida auris are emerging in several places around the world as important healthcare-associated infections. As antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exert their activities primarily through mechanisms involving membrane disruption, they have a lower chance of inducing drug resistance than general chemical antimicrobials. Interestingly, we previously described the potent candicidal effect of a rattlesnake AMP, crotamine, against standard and treatment-resistant clinical isolates, with no hemolytic activity. We evaluated the antifungal susceptibility of several Candida spp. strains cultured from different patients by using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) microdilution assay, and the antifungal activity of native crotamine was evaluated by a microbial growth inhibition microdilution assay. Although all Candida isolates evaluated here showed resistance to amphotericin B and fluconazole, crotamine (40–80 µM) exhibited in vitro activity against most isolates tested. We suggest that this native polypeptide from the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus has potential as a structural model for the generation of a new class of antimicrobial compounds with the power to fight against multiresistant Candida spp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Dal Mas
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo SP 04038-032, Brazil.
| | - Luana Rossato
- Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo SP 04038-032, Brazil.
| | - Thaís Shimizu
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo SP 04038-032, Brazil.
| | - Eduardo B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP-RP), Ribeirão Preto SP 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Pedro I da Silva Junior
- Special Laboratory for Applied Toxinology (LETA), Center of Toxins, Immune-Response and Cell Signaling (CeTICS), Butantan Institute, São Paulo SP 05503-900, Brazil.
| | - Jacques F Meis
- Center of Expertise in Mycology Radboudumc/CWZ, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Canisius-Wilhelmina Hospital (CWZ), 6532 Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
- Departamento de Medicina, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo SP 04038-032, Brazil.
| | - Mirian A F Hayashi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo SP 04038-032, Brazil.
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22
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Zerouti K, Khemili D, Laraba-Djebari F, Hammoudi-Triki D. Nontoxic fraction of scorpion venom reduces bacterial growth and inflammatory response in a mouse model of infection. TOXIN REV 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2019.1614064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Zerouti
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Dalila Khemili
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Fatima Laraba-Djebari
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
| | - Djelila Hammoudi-Triki
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, USTHB, Algiers, Algeria
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23
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Liang LM, Zou CG, Xu J, Zhang KQ. Signal pathways involved in microbe-nematode interactions provide new insights into the biocontrol of plant-parasitic nematodes. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20180317. [PMID: 30967028 PMCID: PMC6367146 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) cause severe damage to agricultural crops worldwide. As most chemical nematicides have negative environmental side effects, there is a pressing need for developing efficient biocontrol methods. Nematophagous microbes, the natural enemies of nematodes, are potential biocontrol agents against PPNs. These natural enemies include both bacteria and fungi and they use diverse methods to infect and kill nematodes. For instance, nematode-trapping fungi can sense host signals and produce special trapping devices to capture nematodes, whereas endo-parasitic fungi can kill nematodes by spore adhesion and invasive growth to break the nematode cuticle. By contrast, nematophagous bacteria can secrete virulence factors to kill nematodes. In addition, some bacteria can mobilize nematode-trapping fungi to kill nematodes. In response, nematodes can also sense and defend against the microbial pathogens using strategies such as producing anti-microbial peptides regulated by the innate immunity system. Recent progresses in our understanding of the signal pathways involved in microbe-nematode interactions are providing new insights in developing efficient biological control strategies against PPNs. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest management'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian-Ming Liang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Gang Zou
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, CanadaL8S 4K1
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and The Key Laboratory for Southwest Microbial Diversity of the Ministry of Education, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, People's Republic of China
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24
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Alajmi R, Al-ghamdi S, Barakat I, Mahmoud A, Abdon N, Al-Ahidib M, Abdel-Gaber R. Antimicrobial Activity of Two Novel Venoms from Saudi Arabian Scorpions (Leiurus quinquestriatus and Androctonus crassicauda). Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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25
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Loxosceles gaucho Spider Venom: An Untapped Source of Antimicrobial Agents. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10120522. [PMID: 30563217 PMCID: PMC6316817 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10120522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The remarkable ability of microorganisms to develop resistance to conventional antibiotics is one of the biggest challenges that the pharmaceutical industry currently faces. Recent studies suggest that antimicrobial peptides discovered in spider venoms may be useful resources for the design of structurally new anti-infective agents effective against drug-resistant microorganisms. In this work, we found an anionic antibacterial peptide named U1-SCRTX-Lg1a in the venom of the spider Loxosceles gaucho. The peptide was purified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), its antimicrobial activity was tested through liquid growth inhibition assays, and its chemical properties were characterized using mass spectrometry. U1-SCRTX-Lg1a was found to show a monoisotopic mass of 1695.75 Da, activity against Gram-negative bacteria, a lack of hemolytic effects against human red blood cells, and a lack of cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa). Besides this, the sequence of the peptide exhibited great similarity to specific regions of phospholipases D from different species of Loxosceles spiders, leading to the hypothesis that U1-SCRTX-Lg1a may have originated from a limited proteolytic cleavage. Our data suggest that U1-SCRTX-Lg1a is a promising candidate for the development of new antibiotics that could help fight bacterial infections and represents an exciting discovery for Loxosceles spiders.
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26
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Malkawi R, Iyer A, Parmar A, Lloyd DG, Leng Goh ET, Taylor EJ, Sarmad S, Madder A, Lakshminarayanan R, Singh I. Cysteines and Disulfide-Bridged Macrocyclic Mimics of Teixobactin Analogues and Their Antibacterial Activity Evaluation against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Pharmaceutics 2018; 10:pharmaceutics10040183. [PMID: 30314324 PMCID: PMC6321233 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics10040183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Teixobactin is a highly potent cyclic depsipeptide which kills a broad range of multi-drug resistant, Gram-positive bacteria, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) without detectable resistance. In this work, we describe the design and rapid synthesis of novel teixobactin analogues containing two cysteine moieties, and the corresponding disulfide-bridged cyclic analogues. These analogues differ from previously reported analogues, such as an Arg10-teixobactin, in terms of their macrocyclic ring size, and feature a disulfide bridge instead of an ester linkage. The new teixobactin analogues were screened against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, one teixobactin analogue containing all l-amino acid building blocks showed antibacterial activity against MRSA for the first time. Our data indicates that macrocyclisation of teixobactin analogues with disulfide bridging is important for improved antibacterial activity. In our work, we have demonstrated the unprecedented use of a disulfide bridge in constructing the macrocyclic ring of teixobactin analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruba Malkawi
- School of Pharmacy, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
| | - Abhishek Iyer
- School of Pharmacy, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S4), B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Anish Parmar
- School of Pharmacy, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
| | - Daniel G Lloyd
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
| | - Eunice Tze Leng Goh
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Discovery Tower Level 6, 20 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
| | - Edward J Taylor
- School of Life Sciences, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
| | - Sarir Sarmad
- School of Chemistry, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
| | - Annemieke Madder
- Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S4), B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Discovery Tower Level 6, 20 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore.
| | - Ishwar Singh
- School of Pharmacy, Joseph Banks Laboratories, University of Lincoln, Green Lane, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK.
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27
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The diversity of venom components of the scorpion species Paravaejovis schwenkmeyeri (Scorpiones: Vaejovidae) revealed by transcriptome and proteome analyses. Toxicon 2018; 151:47-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2018.06.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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Kim CH, Go HJ, Oh HY, Park JB, Lee TK, Seo JK, Elphick MR, Park NG. Identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the sea star Patiria pectinifera. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 86:203-213. [PMID: 29733880 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.05.002] [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: 12/26/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are components of innate immunity found in many forms of life. However, there have been no reports of AMPs in sea star (Phylum Echinodermata). Here we report the isolation and characterization of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the coelomic epithelium extract of the sea star Patiria pectinifera. The isolated peptide comprises 38 amino acid residues, is cationic (pI 9.2), has four cysteine residues that form two disulfide bonds (C1-C3 and C2-C4), is amidated at the C-terminus, and is designated P. pectinifera cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide (PpCrAMP). Synthetic PpCrAMP identical to the native peptide exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity compared to analogs with different disulfide bond configurations. Expression analysis of PpCrAMP precursor transcripts revealed constitutive expression in the coelomic epithelium and tube feet of P. pectinifera. Analysis of genomic DNA and cDNA encoding the PpCrAMP precursor protein revealed that an intron splits the coding region of the mature peptide into a positively charged N-terminal domain and a C-terminal domain harboring four cysteine residues and a glycine for C-terminal amidation. No significant homology with other known AMPs was observed, while orthologs of PpCrAMP were found in other echinoderm species. These findings indicate that PpCrAMP is the prototype of a family a novel cysteine-rich AMPs that participate in mechanisms of innate immunity in echinoderms. Furthermore, the discovery of PpCrAMP may lead to the identification of related AMPs in vertebrates and protostome invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Hee Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Go
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Hye Young Oh
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Ji Been Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Tae Kwan Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Jung-Kil Seo
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan, 54150, South Korea
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK
| | - Nam Gyu Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Fisheries Sciences, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea.
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Zhang S, Gao B, Wang X, Zhu S. Loop Replacement Enhances the Ancestral Antibacterial Function of a Bifunctional Scorpion Toxin. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10060227. [PMID: 29867003 PMCID: PMC6024585 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10060227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
On the basis of the evolutionary relationship between scorpion toxins targeting K+ channels (KTxs) and antibacterial defensins (Zhu S., Peigneur S., Gao B., Umetsu Y., Ohki S., Tytgat J. Experimental conversion of a defensin into a neurotoxin: Implications for origin of toxic function. Mol. Biol. Evol. 2014, 31, 546–559), we performed protein engineering experiments to modify a bifunctional KTx (i.e., weak inhibitory activities on both K+ channels and bacteria) via substituting its carboxyl loop with the structurally equivalent loop of contemporary defensins. As expected, the engineered peptide (named MeuTXKα3-KFGGI) remarkably improved the antibacterial activity, particularly on some Gram-positive bacteria, including several antibiotic-resistant opportunistic pathogens. Compared with the unmodified toxin, its antibacterial spectrum also enlarged. Our work provides a new method to enhance the antibacterial activity of bifunctional scorpion venom peptides, which might be useful in engineering other proteins with an ancestral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangfei Zhang
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xueli Wang
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
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Parente AMS, Daniele-Silva A, Furtado AA, Melo MA, Lacerda AF, Queiroz M, Moreno C, Santos E, Rocha HAO, Barbosa EG, Carvalho E, Silva-Júnior AA, Silva MS, Fernandes-Pedrosa MDF. Analogs of the Scorpion Venom Peptide Stigmurin: Structural Assessment, Toxicity, and Increased Antimicrobial Activity. Toxins (Basel) 2018; 10:toxins10040161. [PMID: 29670004 PMCID: PMC5923327 DOI: 10.3390/toxins10040161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom is a rich source of biologically active components and various peptides with high-potential therapeutic use that have been characterized for their antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities. Stigmurin is a peptide identified from the Tityus stigmurus venom gland with high antibacterial and antiproliferative activities and low toxicity. Amino acid substitutions in peptides without a disulfide bridge sequence have been made with the aim of reducing their toxicity and increasing their biological activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the structural conformation and structural stability, as well as antimicrobial, antiproliferative, and hemolytic activities of two peptide analogs to Stigmurin, denominated StigA6 and StigA16. In silico analysis revealed the α-helix structure for both analog peptides, which was confirmed by circular dichroism. Data showed that the net charge and hydrophobic moment of the analog peptides were higher than those for Stigmurin, which can explain the increase in antimicrobial activity presented by them. Both analog peptides exhibited activity on cancerous cells similar to the native peptide; however, they were less toxic when tested on the normal cell line. These results reveal a potential biotechnological application of the analog peptides StigA6 and StigA16 as prototypes to new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana M S Parente
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Daniele-Silva
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
| | - Allanny A Furtado
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Menilla A Melo
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Ariane F Lacerda
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Moacir Queiroz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Cláudia Moreno
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Elizabeth Santos
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Hugo A O Rocha
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Euzébio G Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | | | - Arnobio A Silva-Júnior
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
| | - Marcelo S Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Matheus de F Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratório de Tecnologia e Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59010-115, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte 59072-970, Brazil.
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Gao B, Zhu S. Mesobuthus Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides Possess Intrinsic Multifunctionality and Differential Potential as Drugs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:320. [PMID: 29599756 PMCID: PMC5863496 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal venoms are a mixture of peptides and proteins that serve two basic biological functions: predation and defense against both predators and microbes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a common component extensively present in various scorpion venoms (herein abbreviated as svAMPs). However, their roles in predation and defense against predators and potential as drugs are poorly understood. Here, we report five new venom peptides with antimicrobial activity from two Mesobuthus scorpion species. These α-helical linear peptides displayed highly bactericidal activity toward all the Gram-positive bacteria used here but differential activity against Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. In addition to the antibiotic activity, these AMPs displayed lethality to houseflies and hemotoxin-like toxicity on mice by causing hemolysis, tissue damage and inducing inflammatory pain. Unlike AMPs from other origins, these venom-derived AMPs seem to be unsuitable as anti-infective drugs due to their high hemolysis and low serum stability. However, MeuTXKβ1, a known two-domain Mesobuthus AMP, is an exception since it exhibits high activity toward antibiotic resistant Staphylococci clinical isolates with low hemolysis and high serum stability. The findings that the classical AMPs play predatory and defensive roles indicate that the multifunctionality of scorpion venom components is an intrinsic feature likely evolved by natural selection from microbes, prey and predators of scorpions. This definitely provides an excellent system in which one can study how a protein adaptively evolves novel functions in a new environment. Meantimes, new strategies are needed to remove the toxicity of svAMPs on eukaryotic cells when they are used as leads for anti-infective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Gao
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shunyi Zhu
- Group of Peptide Biology and Evolution, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Molecular characterization and expression analysis of CSαβ defensin genes from the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20171282. [PMID: 29162666 PMCID: PMC6435467 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20171282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Defensins are important components of innate host defence system against bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Here, we predicted six potential defensin genes from the genome of the scorpion Mesobuthus martensii and then validated four genes from them via the combination of PCR and genomic sequence analysis. These four scorpion defensin genes share the same gene organization and structure of two exons and one phase-I intron with the GT-AG rule. Conserved motif and phylogenetic analysis showed that they belonged to the members of the invertebrate cysteine-stabilized α-helix/β-sheet motif defensin (CSαβ) defensin family. All these four CSαβ defensin genes have the expression feature of constitutive transcription (CON) by the whole scorpion infection model, promoter sequence analysis and dual luciferase assays. Further evolution and comparison analysis found that the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes from most of arachnids and mollusks appear to share the expression pattern of CON, but those from insects and lower invertebrates (nematodes, annelids, cnidarians and sponges) seem to have identical inducible transcription (IND) after being challenged by microorganisms. Together, we identified four scorpion CSαβ defensin genes with the expression feature of CON, and characterized the diversified expression patterns of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes, which will shed insights into the evolution of the invertebrate CSαβ defensin genes and their expression patterns.
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Dal Mas C, Pinheiro D, Campeiro J, Mattei B, Oliveira V, Oliveira E, Miranda A, Perez K, Hayashi M. Biophysical and biological properties of small linear peptides derived from crotamine, a cationic antimicrobial/antitumoral toxin with cell penetrating and cargo delivery abilities. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:2340-2349. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Torres MDT, Pedron CN, da Silva Lima JA, da Silva PI, da Silva FD, Oliveira VX. Antimicrobial activity of leucine-substituted decoralin analogs with lower hemolytic activity. J Pept Sci 2017; 23:818-823. [PMID: 28795464 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Linear cationic α-helical antimicrobial peptides are promising chemotherapeutics. Most of them act by different mechanisms, making it difficult to microorganisms acquiring resistance. Decoralin is an example of antimicrobial peptide; it was described by Konno et al. and presented activity against microorganisms, but with pronounced hemolytic activity. We synthesized leucine-substituted decoralin analogs designed based on important physicochemical properties, which depend on the maintenance of the amphiphilic α-helical tendency of the native molecule. Peptides were synthesized, purified, and characterized, and the conformational studies were performed. The results indicated that the analogs presented both higher therapeutic indexes, but with antagonistic behavior. While [Leu]10 -Dec-NH2 analog showed similar activity against different microorganisms (c.a. 0.4-0.8 μmol L-1 ), helical structuration, and some hemolytic activity, [Leu]8 -Dec-NH2 analog did not tend to helical structure and presented antimicrobial activities two orders higher than the other two peptides analyzed. On the other hand, this analog showed to be the less hemolytic (MHC value = 50.0 μmol L-1 ). This approach provided insight for understanding the effects of the leucine substitution in the amphiphilic balance. They led to changes on the conformational tendency, which showed to be important for the mechanism of action and affecting antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Fernanda Dias da Silva
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Vani Xavier Oliveira
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP, Brazil
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Perumal Samy R, Stiles BG, Franco OL, Sethi G, Lim LH. Animal venoms as antimicrobial agents. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 134:127-138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Wang X, Wang G. Insights into Antimicrobial Peptides from Spiders and Scorpions. Protein Pept Lett 2017; 23:707-21. [PMID: 27165405 DOI: 10.2174/0929866523666160511151320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The venoms of spiders and scorpions contain a variety of chemical compounds. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from these organisms were first discovered in the 1990s. As of May 2015, there were 42 spider's and 63 scorpion's AMPs in the Antimicrobial Peptide Database (http://aps.unmc.edu/AP). These peptides have demonstrated broad or narrow-spectrum activities against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. In addition, they can be toxic to cancer cells, insects and erythrocytes. To provide insight into such an activity spectrum, this article discusses the discovery, classification, structure and activity relationships, bioinformatics analysis, and potential applications of spider and scorpion AMPs. Our analysis reveals that, in the case of linear peptides, spiders use both glycine-rich and helical peptide models for defense, whereas scorpions use two distinct helical peptide models with different amino acid compositions to exert the observed antimicrobial activities and hemolytic toxicity. Our structural bioinformatics study improves the knowledge in the field and can be used to design more selective peptides to combat tumors, parasites, and viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-6495, USA.
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Abstract
AIM Toxicity arising from hemolytic activity of peptides hinders its further progress as drug candidates. MATERIALS & METHODS This study describes a sequence-based predictor based on a random forest classifier using amino acid composition, dipeptide composition and physicochemical descriptors (named HemoPred). RESULTS This approach could outperform previously reported method and typical classification methods (e.g., support vector machine and decision tree) verified by fivefold cross-validation and external validation with accuracy and Matthews correlation coefficient in excess of 95% and 0.91, respectively. Results revealed the importance of hydrophobic and Cys residues on α-helix and β-sheet, respectively, on the hemolytic activity. CONCLUSION A sequence-based predictor which is publicly available as the web service of HemoPred, is proposed to predict and analyze the hemolytic activity of peptides.
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Sayegh RSR, Batista IDFC, de Melo RL, Riske KA, Daffre S, Montich G, da Silva Junior PI. Longipin: An Amyloid Antimicrobial Peptide from the Harvestman Acutisoma longipes (Arachnida: Opiliones) with Preferential Affinity for Anionic Vesicles. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0167953. [PMID: 27997568 PMCID: PMC5172563 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to vertebrate immune systems, invertebrates lack an adaptive response and rely solely on innate immunity in which antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) play an essential role. Most of them are membrane active molecules that are typically unstructured in solution and adopt secondary/tertiary structures upon binding to phospholipid bilayers. This work presents the first characterization of a constitutive AMP from the hemolymph of an Opiliones order animal: the harvestman Acutisoma longipes. This peptide was named longipin. It presents 18 aminoacid residues (SGYLPGKEYVYKYKGKVF) and a positive net charge at neutral pH. No similarity with other AMPs was observed. However, high sequence similarity with heme-lipoproteins from ticks suggested that longipin might be a protein fragment. The synthetic peptide showed enhanced antifungal activity against Candida guilliermondii and C. tropicalis yeasts (MIC: 3.8–7.5 μM) and did not interfered with VERO cells line viability at all concentrations tested (200–0.1 μM). This selectivity against microbial cells is related to the highest affinity of longipin for anionic charged vesicles (POPG:POPC) compared to zwitterionic ones (POPC), once microbial plasma membrane are generally more negatively charged compared to mammalian cells membrane. Dye leakage from carboxyfluorescein-loaded POPG:POPC vesicles suggested that longipin is a membrane active antimicrobial peptide and FT-IR spectroscopy showed that the peptide chain is mainly unstructured in solution or in the presence of POPC vesicles. However, upon binding to POPG:POPC vesicles, the FT-IR spectrum showed bands related to β-sheet and amyloid-like fibril conformations in agreement with thioflavin-T binding assays, indicating that longipin is an amyloid antimicrobial peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Santa Rosa Sayegh
- Programa Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: (RSSS); (PISJ)
| | - Isabel de Fátima Correia Batista
- Unidade de Sequenciamento de Proteínas e Peptídeos, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robson Lopes de Melo
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin A. Riske
- Departamento de Biofísica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sirlei Daffre
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guillermo Montich
- Centro de Investigaciones en Quimica Biológica de Córdoba (CIQUIBIC, UNC-CONICET), Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pedro Ismael da Silva Junior
- Programa Interunidades em Biotecnologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
- * E-mail: (RSSS); (PISJ)
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Chaparro E, da Silva P. Lacrain: the first antimicrobial peptide from the body extract of the Brazilian centipede Scolopendra viridicornis. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2016; 48:277-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Balandin SV, Ovchinnikova TV. Antimicrobial peptides of invertebrates. Part 1. structure, biosynthesis, and evolution. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Goyffon M, Saul F, Faure G. [Relationships between venomous function and innate immune function]. Biol Aujourdhui 2016; 209:195-210. [PMID: 26820828 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2015018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Venomous function is investigated in relation to innate immune function in two cases selected from scorpion venom and serpent venom. In the first case, structural analysis of scorpion toxins and defensins reveals a close interrelation between both functions (toxic and innate immune system function). In the second case, structural and functional studies of natural inhibitors of toxic snake venom phospholipases A2 reveal homology with components of the innate immune system, leading to a similar conclusion. Although there is a clear functional distinction between neurotoxins, which act by targeting membrane ion channels, and the circulating defensins which protect the organism from pathogens, the scorpion short toxins and defensins share a common protein folding scaffold with a conserved cysteine-stabilized alpha-beta motif of three disulfide bridges linking a short alpha helix and an antiparallel beta sheet. Genomic analysis suggests that these proteins share a common ancestor (long venom toxins were separated from an early gene family which gave rise to separate short toxin and defensin families). Furthermore, a scorpion toxin has been experimentally synthetized from an insect defensin, and an antibacterial scorpion peptide, androctonin (whose structure is similar to that of a cone snail venom toxin), was shown to have a similar high affinity for the postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor of Torpedo sp. Natural inhibitors of phospholipase A2 found in the blood of snakes are associated with the resistance of venomous snakes to their own highly neurotoxic venom proteins. Three classes of phospholipases A2 inhibitors (PLI-α, PLI-β, PLI-γ) have been identified. These inhibitors display diverse structural motifs related to innate immune proteins including carbohydrate recognition domains (CRD), leucine rich repeat domains (found in Toll-like receptors) and three finger domains, which clearly differentiate them from components of the adaptive immune system. Thus, in structure, function and phylogeny, venomous function in both vertebrates and invertebrates are clearly interrelated with innate immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Goyffon
- UMR CNRS 7245, Département RDDM, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Frederick Saul
- Institut Pasteur, Plate-forme de Cristallographie, CNRS-UMR 3528, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Grazyna Faure
- Institut Pasteur, Unité Récepteurs-Canaux, CNRS-UMR 3571, 25 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France
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Meng L, Xie Z, Zhang Q, Li Y, Yang F, Chen Z, Li W, Cao Z, Wu Y. Scorpion Potassium Channel-blocking Defensin Highlights a Functional Link with Neurotoxin. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:7097-106. [PMID: 26817841 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.680611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural similarity between defensins and scorpion neurotoxins suggests that they might have evolved from a common ancestor. However, there is no direct experimental evidence demonstrating a functional link between scorpion neurotoxins and defensins. The scorpion defensin BmKDfsin4 from Mesobuthus martensiiKarsch contains 37 amino acid residues and a conserved cystine-stabilized α/β structural fold. The recombinant BmKDfsin4, a classical defensin, has been found to have inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Micrococcus luteusas well as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Interestingly, electrophysiological experiments showed that BmKDfsin4,like scorpion potassium channel neurotoxins, could effectively inhibit Kv1.1, Kv1.2, and Kv1.3 channel currents, and its IC50value for the Kv1.3 channel was 510.2 nm Similar to the structure-function relationships of classical scorpion potassium channel-blocking toxins, basic residues (Lys-13 and Arg-19) of BmKDfsin4 play critical roles in peptide-Kv1.3 channel interactions. Furthermore, mutagenesis and electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that the channel extracellular pore region is the binding site of BmKDfsin4, indicating that BmKDfsin4 adopts the same mechanism for blocking potassium channel currents as classical scorpion toxins. Taken together, our work identifies scorpion BmKDfsin4 as the first invertebrate defensin to block potassium channels. These findings not only demonstrate that defensins from invertebrate animals are a novel type of potassium channel blockers but also provide evidence of a functional link between defensins and neurotoxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxia Meng
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and
| | - Zili Xie
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and
| | - Qian Zhang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and
| | - Yang Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and
| | - Fan Yang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and
| | - Zongyun Chen
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and
| | - Wenxin Li
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhijian Cao
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yingliang Wu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences and Center for BioDrug Research, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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43
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Giansanti F, Leboffe L, Angelucci F, Antonini G. The Nutraceutical Properties of Ovotransferrin and Its Potential Utilization as a Functional Food. Nutrients 2015; 7:9105-15. [PMID: 26556366 PMCID: PMC4663581 DOI: 10.3390/nu7115453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovotransferrin or conalbumin belong to the transferrin protein family and is endowed with both iron-transfer and protective activities. In addition to its well-known antibacterial properties, ovotransferrin displays other protective roles similar to those already ascertained for the homologous mammalian lactoferrin. These additional functions, in many cases not directly related to iron binding, are also displayed by the peptides derived from partial hydrolysis of ovotransferrin, suggesting a direct relationship between egg consumption and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila I-67100, Italy.
- Interuniversity Consortium INBB Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Rome I-00136, Italy.
| | - Loris Leboffe
- Interuniversity Consortium INBB Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Rome I-00136, Italy.
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome I-00146, Italy.
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila I-67100, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- Interuniversity Consortium INBB Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute, Rome I-00136, Italy.
- Department of Sciences, Roma Tre University, Rome I-00146, Italy.
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Zhang L, Shi W, Zeng XC, Ge F, Yang M, Nie Y, Bao A, Wu S, E G. Unique diversity of the venom peptides from the scorpion Androctonus bicolor revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. J Proteomics 2015; 128:231-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gerdol M, Puillandre N, De Moro G, Guarnaccia C, Lucafò M, Benincasa M, Zlatev V, Manfrin C, Torboli V, Giulianini PG, Sava G, Venier P, Pallavicini A. Identification and Characterization of a Novel Family of Cysteine-Rich Peptides (MgCRP-I) from Mytilus galloprovincialis. Genome Biol Evol 2015. [PMID: 26201648 PMCID: PMC4558851 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evv133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the identification of a novel gene family (named MgCRP-I) encoding short secreted cysteine-rich peptides in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. These peptides display a highly conserved pre-pro region and a hypervariable mature peptide comprising six invariant cysteine residues arranged in three intramolecular disulfide bridges. Although their cysteine pattern is similar to cysteines-rich neurotoxic peptides of distantly related protostomes such as cone snails and arachnids, the different organization of the disulfide bridges observed in synthetic peptides and phylogenetic analyses revealed MgCRP-I as a novel protein family. Genome- and transcriptome-wide searches for orthologous sequences in other bivalve species indicated the unique presence of this gene family in Mytilus spp. Like many antimicrobial peptides and neurotoxins, MgCRP-I peptides are produced as pre-propeptides, usually have a net positive charge and likely derive from similar evolutionary mechanisms, that is, gene duplication and positive selection within the mature peptide region; however, synthetic MgCRP-I peptides did not display significant toxicity in cultured mammalian cells, insecticidal, antimicrobial, or antifungal activities. The functional role of MgCRP-I peptides in mussel physiology still remains puzzling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gerdol
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicolas Puillandre
- Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Département Systématique et Evolution, ISyEB Institut (UMR 7205 CNRS/UPMC/MNHN/EPHE), Paris, France
| | | | - Corrado Guarnaccia
- Protein Structure and Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Ventislav Zlatev
- Protein Structure and Bioinformatics Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Trieste, Italy
| | - Chiara Manfrin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | | | | | - Gianni Sava
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - Paola Venier
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Italy
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46
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Lipkin RB, Lazaridis T. Implicit Membrane Investigation of the Stability of Antimicrobial Peptide β-Barrels and Arcs. J Membr Biol 2014; 248:469-86. [PMID: 25430621 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9759-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous simulations showed that the β-hairpin antimicrobial peptide (AMP) protegrin-1 can form stable octameric β-barrels and tetrameric arcs (half barrels) in both implicit and explicit membranes. Here, we extend this investigation to several AMPs of similar structure: tachyplesin, androctonin, polyphemusin, gomesin, and the retrocyclin θ-defensin. These peptides form short β-hairpins stabilized by 2-3 disulfide bonds. We also examine synthetic β-sheet peptides selected from a combinatorial library for their ability or inability to form pores in lipid membranes. When heptameric, octameric, and decameric β-barrels and tetrameric arcs of these peptides were embedded in pre-formed neutral or anionic lipid pores (i.e., pores in neutral or anionic membranes, respectively), a variety of behaviors and membrane binding energies were observed. Due to the cationic charge of the peptides, more favorable transfer energies and more stable binding were observed in anionic than neutral pores. The synthetic peptides bound very strongly and formed stable barrels and arcs in both neutral and anionic pores. The natural AMPs exhibited unfavorable or marginally favorable binding energy and kinetic stability in neutral pores, consistent with the lower hemolytic activity of some of them compared with protegrin-1. Binding to anionic pores was more favorable, but significant distortions of the barrel or arc structures were sometimes noted. These results are discussed in light of the available experimental data. The diversity of behaviors obtained makes it unlikely that the barrel and arc mechanisms are valid for the entire family of β-hairpin AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Lipkin
- Department of Chemistry, City College of the City University of New York, 160 Convent Ave., New York, NY, 10031, USA
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Bandyopadhyay S, Junjie RL, Lim B, Sanjeev R, Xin WY, Yee CK, Hui Melodies SM, Yow N, Sivaraman J, Chatterjee C. Solution structures and model membrane interactions of Ctriporin, an anti-methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusPeptide from Scorpion Venom. Biopolymers 2014; 101:1143-53. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.22519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Brendan Lim
- School of Applied Science; Republic Polytechnic Singapore
| | - R. Sanjeev
- School of Applied Science; Republic Polytechnic Singapore
| | - Woon Yong Xin
- School of Applied Science; Republic Polytechnic Singapore
| | - Chong Kok Yee
- School of Applied Science; Republic Polytechnic Singapore
| | | | - Nicole Yow
- School of Applied Science; Republic Polytechnic Singapore
| | - J. Sivaraman
- Department of Biological Sciences; National University of Singapore; Singapore
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Chemical synthesis, structure-activity relationship, and properties of shepherin I: a fungicidal peptide enriched in glycine-glycine-histidine motifs. Amino Acids 2014; 46:2573-86. [PMID: 25106507 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-014-1811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Although glycine-rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are found in animals and plants, very little has been reported on their chemistry, structure activity-relationship, and properties. We investigated those topics for Shepherin I (Shep I), a glycine-rich AMP with the unique amino acid sequence G(1)YGGHGGHGGHGGHGGHGGHGHGGGGHG(28). Shep I and analogues were synthesized by the solid-phase method at 60 °C using conventional heating. Purification followed by chemical characterization confirmed the products' identities and high purity. Amino acid analysis provided their peptide contents. All peptides were active against the clinically important Candida species, but ineffective against bacteria and mycelia fungi. Truncation of the N- or C-terminal portion reduced Shep I antifungal activity, the latter being more pronounced. Carboxyamidation of Shep I did not affect the activity against C. albicans or C. tropicalis, but increased activity against S. cerevisiae. Carboxyamidated analogues Shep I (3-28)a and Shep I (6-28)a were equipotent to Shep I and Shep Ia against Candida species. As with most cationic AMPs, all peptides had their activity significantly reduced in high-salt concentrations, a disadvantage that is defeated if 10 µM ZnCl2 is present. At 100 µM, the peptides were practically not hemolytic. Shep Ia also killed C. albicans MDM8 and ATCC 90028 cells. Fluo-Shep Ia, an analogue labeled with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, was rapidly internalized by C. albicans MDM8 cells, a salt-sensitive process dependent on metabolic energy and temperature. Altogether, such results shed light on the chemistry, structural requirements for activity, and other properties of candidacidal glycine-rich peptides. Furthermore, they show that Shep Ia may have strong potential for use in topical application.
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49
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Zhang C, He X, Gu Y, Zhou H, Cao J, Gao Q. Recombinant scorpine produced using SUMO fusion partner in Escherichia coli has the activities against clinically isolated bacteria and inhibits the Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia in vitro. PLoS One 2014; 9:e103456. [PMID: 25068263 PMCID: PMC4113386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0103456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpine, a small cationic peptide from the venom of Pandinus imperator, which has been shown to have anti-bacterial and anti-plasmodial activities, has potential important applications in the pharmaceutical industries. However, the isolation of scorpine from natural sources is inefficient and time-consuming. Here, we first report the expression and purification of recombinant scorpine in Escherichia coli, using small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) fusion partner. The fusion protein was expressed in soluble form in E. coli, and expression was verified by SDS-PAGE and western blotting analysis. The fusion protein was purified to 90% purity by nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni2+-NTA) resin chromatography. After the SUMO-scorpine fusion protein was cleaved by the SUMO protease, the cleaved sample was reapplied to a Ni2+-NTA column. Tricine/SDS-PAGE gel results indicated that Scorpine had been purified successfully to more than 95% purity. The recombinantly expressed Scorpine showed anti-bacterial activity against two standard bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606, and clinically isolated bacteria including S. aureus S, S. aureus R, A. baumannii S, and A. baumannii R. It also produced 100% reduction in Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia in vitro. Thus, the expression strategy presented in this study allowed convenient high yield and easy purification of recombinant Scorpine for pharmaceutical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical and Biological Sciences, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention (Ministry of Health), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Parasite Molecular Biology, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinlong He
- The Third People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaping Gu
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention (Ministry of Health), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Parasite Molecular Biology, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huayun Zhou
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention (Ministry of Health), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Parasite Molecular Biology, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Cao
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention (Ministry of Health), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Parasite Molecular Biology, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qi Gao
- School of Basic Medical and Biological Sciences, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention (Ministry of Health), Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Parasite Molecular Biology, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
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50
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Goyffon M, Tournier JN. Scorpions: a presentation. Toxins (Basel) 2014; 6:2137-48. [PMID: 25133517 PMCID: PMC4113747 DOI: 10.3390/toxins6072137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Scorpions, at least the species of the family Buthidæ whose venoms are better known, appear as animals that have evolved very little over time. The composition of their venoms is relatively simple as most toxins have a common structural motif that is found in other venoms from primitive species. Moreover, all the scorpion venom toxins principally act on membrane ionic channels of excitable cells. The results of recent works lead to the conclusion that in scorpions there is a close relationship between venomous function and innate immune function both remarkably efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Goyffon
- Department RDDM, National Museum of Natural History, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France.
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