1
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Thesbjerg MN, Sundekilde UK, Poulsen NA, Larsen LB, Nielsen SDH. A novel proteomic approach for the identification and relative quantification of disulfide-bridges in the human milk proteome. J Proteomics 2024; 301:105194. [PMID: 38723850 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2024.105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the disulfide bridges present in the human milk proteome by a novel approach permitting both positional identification and relative quantification of the disulfide bridges. Human milk from six donors was subjected to trypsin digestion without reduction. The digested human milk proteins were analyzed by nanoLC-timsTOF Pro combined with data analysis using xiSEARCH. A total of 85 unique disulfide bridges were identified in 25 different human milk proteins. The total relative abundance of disulfide bridge-containing peptides constituted approximately 5% of the total amount of tryptic-peptides. Seven inter-molecular disulfide bridges were identified between either α-lactalbumin and lactotransferrin (5) or αS1-casein and κ-casein (2). All cysteines involved in the observed disulfide bridges of α-lactalbumin and lactotransferrin were mapped onto protein models using AlphaFold2 Multimer to estimate the length of the observed disulfide bridges. The lengths of the disulfide bridges of lactotransferrin indicate a potential for multi- or poly-merization of lactotransferrin. The high number of intramolecular lactotransferrin disulfide bridges identified, suggests that these are more heterogeneous than previously presumed. SIGNIFICANCE: Disulfide-bridges in the human milk proteome are an often overseen post-transaltional modification. Thus, mapping the disulfide-bridges, their positions and relative abundance, are valuable new knowledge needed for an improved understanding of human milk protein behaviour. Although glycosylation and phosphorylation have been described, even less information is available on the disulfide bridges and the disulfide-bridge derived protein complexes. This is important for future work in precision fermentation for recombinant production of human milk proteins, as this will highlight which disulfide-bridges are naturally occouring in human milk proteins. Further, this knowledge would be of value for the infant formula industry as it provides more information on how to humanize bovine-milk based infant formula. The novel method developed here can be broadly applied in other biological systems as the disulfid-brigdes are important for the structure and functionality of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Nørmark Thesbjerg
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark; Sino-Danish College (SDC), University of Chinese Academy of Science, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, China.
| | | | - Nina Aagaard Poulsen
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lotte Bach Larsen
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Agro Food Park 48, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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2
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Vishwanath-Deutsch R, Dallas DC, Besada-Lombana P, Katz L, Conze D, Kruger C, Clark AJ, Peterson R, Malinczak CA. A review of the safety evidence on recombinant human lactoferrin for use as a food ingredient. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 189:114727. [PMID: 38735359 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114727] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Published studies on the glycosylation, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and safety outcomes of orally ingested recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) were reviewed in the context of unanswered safety questions, including alloimmunization, allergenicity, and immunotoxicity potential of rhLF during repeated exposure. The primary objective was to summarize current safety data of rhLF produced in transgenic host expression systems. Overall, results from animal and human studies showed that rhLF was well tolerated and safe. Animal data showed no significant toxicity-related outcomes among any safety or tolerability endpoints. The no observed adverse effect levels (NOAEL) were at the highest level tested in both iron-desaturated and -saturated forms of rhLF. Although one study reported outcomes of rhLF on immune parameters, no animal studies directly assessed immunogenicity or immunotoxicity from a safety perspective. Data from human studies were primarily reported as adverse events (AE). They showed no or fewer rhLF-related AE compared to control and no evidence of toxicity, dose-limiting toxicities, or changes in iron status in various subpopulations. However, no human studies evaluated the immunomodulatory potential of rhLF as a measure of safety. Following this review, a roadmap outlining preclinical and clinical studies with relevant safety endpoints was developed to address the unanswered safety questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David C Dallas
- Nutrition Program, School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, and Department of Food Science and Technology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
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3
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Nijhawan HP, Prabhakar B, Misra A, Yadav KS. Fragmented antibodies in non-small cell lung cancer: A novel nano-engineered delivery system for detection and treatment of cancer. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103701. [PMID: 37453459 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a long history of defying traditional cytotoxic treatment. Significant advancements in biotechnology, cancer biology, and immunotherapy have provided new insights that have altered the landscape for the management of NSCLC, clearing the way for a new era of pharmaceuticals in the form of monoclonal antibodies and their fragments. Antibody fragments are superior to monoclonal antibodies because of their small size, which allows them to penetrate cells and tissues effectively. When combined with functional nanocarriers, antibody fragments can target cancer cells while offering improved efficacy and fewer off-target effects. We discuss current topics of interest including anti-CTLA-4 mAbs, Talactoferrin alfa (TLF), and the CYFRA 21-1 biomarker, with brief insights into its novel detection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh P Nijhawan
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS Deemed to be University, Vile-Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Bala Prabhakar
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS Deemed to be University, Vile-Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Ambikanandan Misra
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS Deemed to be University, Vile-Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India
| | - Khushwant S Yadav
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM's NMIMS Deemed to be University, Vile-Parle (W), Mumbai 400056, India.
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4
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Wu J, Zang M, Wang S, Qiao X, Zhao B, Bai J, Zhao Y, Shi Y. Lactoferricin, an antimicrobial motif derived from lactoferrin with food preservation potential. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37158176 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2207650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The growth of bacteria and fungi may cause disease inf human or spoilage of food. New antimicrobial substances need to be discovered. Lactoferricin (LFcin) is a group of antimicrobial peptides derived from the N-terminal region of the milk protein lactoferrin (LF). LFcin has antimicrobial ability against a variety of microorganisms, which is significantly better than that of its parent version. Here, we review the sequences, structures, and antimicrobial activities of this family and elucidated the motifs of structural and functional significance, as well as its application in food. Using sequence and structural similarity searches, we identified 43 new LFcins from the mammalian LFs deposited in the protein databases, which are grouped into six families according to their origins (Primates, Rodentia, Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Pholidota, and Carnivora). This work expands the LFcin family and will facilitate further characterization of novel peptides with antimicrobial potential. Considering the antimicrobial effect of LFcin on foodborne pathogens, we describe the application of these peptides from the prospective of food preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Wu
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mingwu Zang
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shouwei Wang
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Qiao
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Bai
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxuan Shi
- China Meat Research Center, Beijing Academy of Food Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Meat Processing Technology, Beijing, China
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5
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Qin R, Guo Y, Ren H, Liu Y, Su H, Chu X, Jin Y, Lu F, Wang B, Yang P. Instant Adhesion of Amyloid-like Nanofilms with Wet Surfaces. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2022; 8:705-717. [PMID: 35756378 PMCID: PMC9228557 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The adhesion and modification of wet surfaces by an interfacial adlayer remain a key challenge in chemistry and materials science. Herein, we report a transparent and biocompatible amyloid-like nanofilm that breaks through the hydration layer of a wet surface and achieves strong adhesion with a hydrogel/tissue surface within 2 s. This process is facilitated by fast amyloid-like protein aggregation at the air/water interface and the resultant exposure of hydrophobic groups. The resultant protein nanofilm adhered to a hydrogel surface presents an adhesion strength that is 20 times higher than the maximum friction force between the upper eyelid and eyeball. In addition, the nanofilm exhibits controllable tunability to encapsulate and release functional molecules without significant activity loss. As a result, therapeutic contact lenses (CLs) could be fabricated by adhering the functionalized nanofilm (carrying drug) on the CL surface. These therapeutic CLs display excellent therapeutic efficacy, showing an increase in cyclosporin A (CsA) bioavailability of at least 82% when compared to the commercial pharmacologic treatment for dry eye syndrome. Thus, this work underlines the finding that the bioinspired amyloid-like aggregation of proteins at interfaces drives instant adhesion onto a wet surface, enabling the active loading and controllable release of functional building blocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Qin
- Key
Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yishun Guo
- School
of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Hao Ren
- Key
Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Yongchun Liu
- Key
Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Hao Su
- Key
Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
| | - Xiaoying Chu
- School
of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yingying Jin
- School
of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Fan Lu
- School
of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Bailiang Wang
- School
of Ophthalmology & Optometry, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Peng Yang
- Key
Laboratory of Applied Surface and Colloid Chemistry, Ministry of Education,
School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an 710119, China
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6
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Binding of ruthenium and osmium at non‑iron sites of transferrin accounts for their iron-independent cellular uptake. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 234:111885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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7
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Hettinga K, Bijl E. Can recombinant milk proteins replace those produced by animals? Curr Opin Biotechnol 2022; 75:102690. [PMID: 35104717 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2022.102690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of animal proteins in general, and dairy proteins in particular, is associated with sustainability and animal welfare issues. Recombinant synthesis of milk proteins is therefore receiving increasing interest, with several studies showing synthesis of milk proteins using a wide range of expression systems. Achieving a high yield and purity is essential for economic production. Besides the synthesis, also the construction of the specific structure in which milk proteins are present in animal milks, casein micelles, is needed. Looking at the current state-of-the-art, the steps to produce recombinant dairy products are technically feasible, but whether it can be implemented at low cost, with the process being environmentally friendly, remains to be seen in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper Hettinga
- Dairy Science & Technology, Food Quality and Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708WG Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Etske Bijl
- Dairy Science & Technology, Food Quality and Design Group, Wageningen University & Research, 6708WG Wageningen, The Netherlands
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8
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Sakajiri T, Nakatsuji M, Teraoka Y, Furuta K, Ikuta K, Shibusa K, Sugano E, Tomita H, Inui T, Yamamura T. Zinc mediates the interaction between ceruloplasmin and apo-transferrin for the efficient transfer of Fe(III) ions. Metallomics 2021; 13:6427378. [PMID: 34791391 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab065] [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: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Fe(II) exported from cells is oxidized to Fe(III), possibly by a multi-copper ferroxidase (MCF) such as ceruloplasmin (CP), to efficiently bind with the plasma iron transport protein transferrin (TF). As unbound Fe(III) is highly insoluble and reactive, its release into the blood during the transfer from MCF to TF must be prevented. A likely mechanism for preventing the release of unbound Fe(III) is via direct interaction between MCF and TF; however, the occurrence of this phenomenon remains controversial. This study aimed to reveal the interaction between these proteins, possibly mediated by zinc. Using spectrophotometric, isothermal titration calorimetric, and surface plasmon resonance methods, we found that Zn(II)-bound CP bound to iron-free TF (apo-TF) with a Kd of 4.2 μM and a stoichiometry CP:TF of ∼2:1. Computational modeling of the complex between CP and apo-TF predicted that each of the three Zn(II) ions that bind to CP further binds to acidic amino acid residues of apo-TF to play a role as a cross-linker connecting both proteins. Domain 4 of one CP molecule and domain 6 of the other CP molecule fit tightly into the clefts in the N- and C-lobes of apo-TF, respectively. Upon the binding of two Fe(III) ions to apo-TF, the resulting diferric TF [Fe(III)2TF] dissociated from CP by conformational changes in TF. In human blood plasma, zinc deficiency reduced the production of Fe(III)2TF and concomitantly increased the production of non-TF-bound iron. Our findings suggest that zinc may be involved in the transfer of iron between CP and TF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Sakajiri
- Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan.,Faculty of Nutritional Sciences, the University of Morioka, 808 Sunakomi, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0694, Japan.,Qualtec Co. Ltd., 4-230 Sambo-cho, Sakai, Osaka 590-0906, Japan.,Department of Nutrition, Kyushu Nutrition Welfare University, 5-1-1 Shimoitozu, Kitakyushu Kokurakita-ku, Fukuoka 803-0846, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nakatsuji
- Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Teraoka
- Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Kosuke Furuta
- Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Katsuya Ikuta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, 2-1-1-1 Midorigaoka-Higashi, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan.,Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido Blood Center, 2-1 Nijuyonken, Nishi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 063-0802, Japan
| | - Kotoe Shibusa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, 2-1-1-1 Midorigaoka-Higashi, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan.,Hokkaido System Science Co., Ltd., 2-1 Shinkawa Nishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0932, Japan
| | - Eriko Sugano
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8551, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tomita
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8551, Japan
| | - Takashi Inui
- Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan
| | - Takaki Yamamura
- Laboratory of Biological Macromolecules, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan.,Faculty of Nutritional Sciences, the University of Morioka, 808 Sunakomi, Takizawa, Iwate 020-0694, Japan
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9
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Campione E, Lanna C, Cosio T, Rosa L, Conte MP, Iacovelli F, Romeo A, Falconi M, Del Vecchio C, Franchin E, Lia MS, Minieri M, Chiaramonte C, Ciotti M, Nuccetelli M, Terrinoni A, Iannuzzi I, Coppeda L, Magrini A, Bernardini S, Sabatini S, Rosapepe F, Bartoletti PL, Moricca N, Di Lorenzo A, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Miani A, Piscitelli P, Valenti P, Bianchi L. Lactoferrin Against SARS-CoV-2: In Vitro and In Silico Evidences. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:666600. [PMID: 34220505 PMCID: PMC8242182 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.666600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is a cationic glycoprotein synthetized by exocrine glands and is present in all human secretions. It is also secreted by neutrophils in infection and inflammation sites. This glycoprotein possesses antimicrobial activity due to its capability to chelate two ferric ions per molecule, as well as to interact with bacterial and viral anionic surface components. The cationic features of Lf bind to cells, protecting the host from bacterial and viral injuries. Its anti-inflammatory activity is mediated by the ability to enter inside the nucleus of host cells, thus inhibiting the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokine genes. In particular, Lf down-regulates the synthesis of IL-6, which is involved in iron homeostasis disorders and leads to intracellular iron overload, favoring viral replication and infection. The well-known antiviral activity of Lf has been demonstrated against DNA, RNA, and enveloped and naked viruses and, therefore, Lf could be efficient in counteracting also SARS-CoV-2 infection. For this purpose, we performed in vitro assays, proving that Lf exerts an antiviral activity against SARS-COV-2 through direct attachment to both SARS-CoV-2 and cell surface components. This activity varied according to concentration (100/500 μg/ml), multiplicity of infection (0.1/0.01), and cell type (Vero E6/Caco-2 cells). Interestingly, the in silico results strongly supported the hypothesis of a direct recognition between Lf and the spike S glycoprotein, which can thus hinder viral entry into the cells. These in vitro observations led us to speculate a potential supplementary role of Lf in the management of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Lanna
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Terenzio Cosio
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Conte
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Iacovelli
- Department of Biology, Structural Bioinformatics Group, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Romeo
- Department of Biology, Structural Bioinformatics Group, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Falconi
- Department of Biology, Structural Bioinformatics Group, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Franchin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Lia
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Minieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Chiaramonte
- Department of Statistics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Virology Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Nuccetelli
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Terrinoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Iannuzzi
- Occupational Medicine Department, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Coppeda
- Occupational Medicine Department, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Magrini
- Occupational Medicine Department, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Laboratory Medicine, Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea Di Lorenzo
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Miani
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Prisco Piscitelli
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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10
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Romeo I, Mesiti F, Lupia A, Alcaro S. Current Updates on Naturally Occurring Compounds Recognizing SARS-CoV-2 Druggable Targets. Molecules 2021; 26:632. [PMID: 33530467 PMCID: PMC7865633 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified in China as the etiologic agent of the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Due to its high transmissibility, this virus quickly spread throughout the world, causing considerable health issues. The scientific community exerted noteworthy efforts to obtain therapeutic solutions for COVID-19, and new scientific networks were constituted. No certified drugs to efficiently inhibit the virus were identified, and the development of de-novo medicines requires approximately ten years of research. Therefore, the repurposing of natural products could be an effective strategy to handle SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review aims to update on current status of the natural occurring compounds recognizing SARS-CoV-2 druggable targets. Among the clinical trials actually recruited, some natural compounds are ongoing to examine their potential role to prevent and to treat the COVID-19 infection. Many natural scaffolds, including alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, and benzoquinones, were investigated by in-silico, in-vitro, and in-vivo approaches. Despite the large data set obtained by a computational approach, experimental evidences in most cases are not available. To fill this gap, further efforts to validate these results are required. We believe that an accurate investigation of naturally occurring compounds may provide insights for the potential treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Romeo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Francesco Mesiti
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Net4Science Academic Spin-Off, Università “Magna Græcia” di Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.M.); (A.L.)
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11
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Cutone A, Ianiro G, Lepanto MS, Rosa L, Valenti P, Bonaccorsi di Patti MC, Musci G. Lactoferrin in the Prevention and Treatment of Intestinal Inflammatory Pathologies Associated with Colorectal Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3806. [PMID: 33348646 PMCID: PMC7766217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The connection between inflammation and cancer is well-established and supported by genetic, pharmacological and epidemiological data. The inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have been described as important promoters for colorectal cancer development. Risk factors include environmental and food-borne mutagens, dysbalance of intestinal microbiome composition and chronic intestinal inflammation, with loss of intestinal epithelial barrier and enhanced cell proliferation rate. Therapies aimed at shutting down mucosal inflammatory response represent the foundation for IBDs treatment. However, when applied for long periods, they can alter the immune system and promote microbiome dysbiosis and carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is imperative to find new safe substances acting as both potent anti-inflammatory and anti-pathogen agents. Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein essential in innate immunity, is generally recognized as safe and used as food supplement due to its multifunctionality. Lf possesses a wide range of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties against different aseptic and septic inflammatory pathologies, including IBDs. Moreover, Lf exerts anti-adhesive, anti-invasive and anti-survival activities against several microbial pathogens that colonize intestinal mucosa of IBDs patients. This review focuses on those activities of Lf potentially useful for the prevention/treatment of intestinal inflammatory pathologies associated with colorectal cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antimo Cutone
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Giusi Ianiro
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.)
| | - Maria Stefania Lepanto
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | - Luigi Rosa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | - Piera Valenti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.L.); (L.R.); (P.V.)
| | | | - Giovanni Musci
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, 86090 Pesche, Italy; (A.C.); (G.I.)
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Honarparvar B, Kanchi S, Bisetty K. Theoretical insights into the competitive metal bioaffinity of lactoferrin as a metal ion carrier: a DFT study. NEW J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj03786a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Metal–protein complexes, specifically lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein found naturally in milk and several other body fluids play a pivotal role in all living organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Honarparvar
- Department of Chemistry
- Durban University of Technology
- Durban 4000
- South Africa
| | - Suvardhan Kanchi
- Department of Chemistry
- Durban University of Technology
- Durban 4000
- South Africa
| | - Krishna Bisetty
- Department of Chemistry
- Durban University of Technology
- Durban 4000
- South Africa
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Telang S. Lactoferrin: A Critical Player in Neonatal Host Defense. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091228. [PMID: 30181493 PMCID: PMC6165050 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn infants are at a high risk for infection due to an under-developed immune system, and human milk has been shown to exhibit substantial anti-infective properties that serve to bolster neonatal defenses against multiple infections. Lactoferrin is the dominant whey protein in human milk and has been demonstrated to perform a wide array of antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions and play a critical role in protecting the newborn infant from infection. This review summarizes data describing the structure and important functions performed by lactoferrin in protecting the neonate from infection and contributing to the maturation of the newborn innate and adaptive immune systems. We also briefly discuss clinical trials examining the utility of lactoferrin supplementation in the prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn infants. The data reviewed provide rationale for the continuation of studies to examine the effects of lactoferrin administration on the prevention of sepsis in the neonate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sucheta Telang
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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Duca G, Anghel L, Erhan RV. Structural Aspects of Lactoferrin and Serum Transferrin Observed by Ftir Spectroscopy. CHEMISTRY JOURNAL OF MOLDOVA 2018. [DOI: 10.19261/cjm.2018.482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Transition metals at the host-pathogen interface: how Neisseria exploit human metalloproteins for acquiring iron and zinc. Essays Biochem 2017; 61:211-223. [PMID: 28487398 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20160084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transition metals are essential nutrients for all organisms and important players in the host-microbe interaction. During bacterial infection, a tug-of-war between the host and microbe for nutrient metals occurs: the host innate immune system responds to the pathogen by reducing metal availability and the pathogen tries to outmaneuver this response. The outcome of this competition, which involves metal-sequestering host-defense proteins and microbial metal acquisition machinery, is an important determinant for whether infection occurs. One strategy bacterial pathogens employ to overcome metal restriction involves hijacking abundant host metalloproteins. The obligate human pathogens Neisseria meningitidis and N. gonorrhoeae express TonB-dependent transport systems that capture human metalloproteins, extract the bound metal ions, and deliver these nutrients into the bacterial cell. This review highlights structural and mechanistic investigations that provide insights into how Neisseria acquire iron from the Fe(III)-transport protein transferrin (TF), the Fe(III)-chelating host-defense protein lactoferrin (LF), and the oxygen-transport protein hemoglobin (Hb), and obtain zinc from the metal-sequestering antimicrobial protein calprotectin (CP).
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Sill C, Biehl R, Hoffmann B, Radulescu A, Appavou MS, Farago B, Merkel R, Richter D. Structure and domain dynamics of human lactoferrin in solution and the influence of Fe(III)-ion ligand binding. BMC BIOPHYSICS 2016; 9:7. [PMID: 27822363 PMCID: PMC5095980 DOI: 10.1186/s13628-016-0032-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Human lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein of the innate immune system consisting of two connected lobes, each with a binding site located in a cleft. The clefts in each lobe undergo a hinge movement from open to close when Fe3+ is present in the solution and can be bound. The binding mechanism was assumed to relate on thermal domain fluctuations of the cleft domains prior to binding. We used Small Angle Neutron Scattering and Neutron Spin Echo Spectroscopy to determine the lactoferrin structure and domain dynamics in solution. Results When Fe3+ is present in solution interparticle interactions change from repulsive to attractive in conjunction with emerging metas aggregates, which are not observed without Fe3+. The protein form factor shows the expected change due to lobe closing if Fe3+ is present. The dominating motions of internal domain dynamics with relaxation times in the 30–50 ns range show strong bending and stretching modes with a steric suppressed torsion, but are almost independent of the cleft conformation. Thermally driven cleft closing motions of relevant amplitude are not observed if the cleft is open. Conclusion The Fe3+ binding mechanism is not related to thermal equilibrium fluctuations closing the cleft. A likely explanation may be that upon entering the cleft the iron ion first binds weakly which destabilizes and softens the hinge region and enables large fluctuations that then close the cleft resulting in the final formation of the stable iron binding site and, at the same time, stable closed conformation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13628-016-0032-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Sill
- JCNS-1 & ICS-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo-Brandt Strasse, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Ralf Biehl
- JCNS-1 & ICS-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo-Brandt Strasse, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Bernd Hoffmann
- ICS-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo-Brandt Strasse, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Aurel Radulescu
- JCNS-MLZ, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Outstation at MLZ, Lichtenbergstraße, 1 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Marie-Sousai Appavou
- JCNS-MLZ, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Outstation at MLZ, Lichtenbergstraße, 1 85747 Garching, Germany
| | - Bela Farago
- Institute Laue-Langevin, CS 20156, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Rudolf Merkel
- ICS-7, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo-Brandt Strasse, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Dieter Richter
- JCNS-1 & ICS-1, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Leo-Brandt Strasse, 52425 Jülich, Germany
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Talactoferrin in Severe Sepsis: Results From the Phase II/III Oral tAlactoferrin in Severe sepsIS Trial. Crit Care Med 2015; 43:1832-8. [PMID: 26010687 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000001090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Talactoferrin alfa is a recombinant form of the human glycoprotein, lactoferrin, which has been shown to have a wide range of effects on the immune system. This phase II/III clinical trial compared talactoferrin with placebo, in addition to standard of care, in patients with severe sepsis. DESIGN Multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, phase II/III clinical study. SETTING Seventy-seven centers in 10 countries. PATIENTS Adult (> 18 yr) patients admitted to one of the participating centers with severe sepsis who were receiving antimicrobial therapy and able to take liquid medication by mouth or feeding tube. INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive either talactoferrin (1.5 g, 15 mL) or placebo three times a day orally or by another enteral route for 28 days or until ICU discharge. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The study was terminated after 305 patients had been enrolled (153 talactoferrin and 152 placebo) because of futility and safety concerns identified by the Data Safety Monitoring Board. There were no significant differences between groups in baseline characteristics including age, sex, site of infection, and severity scores. Twenty-eight-day mortality was higher in talactoferrin-treated patients although this difference was not statistically significant (24.8% vs 17.8% placebo; p = 0.117). The difference was largely the result of differences in patients with shock (talactoferrin, 33/105 [31.4%] vs placebo, 21/104 [20.2%]; p = 0.064); no mortality difference was seen in patients without shock (talactoferrin, 5/48 [10.4%] vs placebo, 6/48 [12.5%]; p = 0.806). In-hospital (43/153 [28.1%] vs 27/152 [17.8%]; p = 0.037) and 3-month (46/153 [30.1%] vs 31/152 [20.4%]; p = 0.036) mortality rates were significantly higher in talactoferrin-treated patients than in patients in the placebo group. The occurrence of treatment-related adverse or serious adverse events was similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS Administration of oral talactoferrin was not associated with reduced 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and may even be harmful.
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Anghel L. An Investigation of the Protonation States of Human Lactoferrin Iron-Binding Protein. CHEMISTRY JOURNAL OF MOLDOVA 2015. [DOI: 10.19261/cjm.2015.10(1).10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in high concentration in human milk. It is a pleiotropic protein and is involved in diverse bioactivities, such as stimulation of cell proliferation and differentiation, immune competence, antimicrobial activities, anti-infection, and anticancer activities. Lf has been shown to be partly resistant to proteolysis in the gastrointestinal tract and may thus play important roles in the intestine and liver during infancy. Talactoferrin alfa (TLf) is a recombinant human Lf shown to protect against sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis as well as cancer. Because bovine Lf (bLf) and human Lf have different amino acid composition and all 3 Lfs differ in glycosylation, they may have different functions/potency. The objective of the present study was to investigate and compare bioactivities of TLf and Lfs from human and bovine milk and thus to provide a better understanding of the bioactivities of different forms of Lf and their potential applications. METHODS In the present study, Caco-2 and C3A cells were used as intestine and liver models to evaluate internalization of Lfs by intestine and liver cells, effects of Lfs on cell proliferation and differentiation, growth of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 20 (CCL20) secretion, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression. In addition, HT-29 cells were used as a colon cancer cell model to examine the effects of Lfs on apoptosis. RESULTS All Lfs significantly enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, CCL20 secretion, and TGF-β1 expression. They also markedly suppressed growth of EPEC. Compared with bLf, TLf showed stronger effects on suppression of EPEC growth and enhancement of TGF-β1 secretion, whereas bLf exhibited more potent effects on cell differentiation, apoptosis, and CCL20 secretion. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that TLf has several bioactivities similar to human Lf and bLf from milk and may play critical roles in immune and intestinal development in infants as well as having anti-cancer activities in adults. TLf and bLf may be used for different applications owing to their various potencies. TLf may preferentially be used for anti-bacterial applications, whereas bLf may be used for cancer therapy because it exhibits stronger effects on CCL20 secretion, cell differentiation, and apoptosis.
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Sokolov AV, Zakharova ET, Zakahrova ET, Kostevich VA, Samygina VR, Vasilyev VB. Lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, and ceruloplasmin: complementary gearwheels cranking physiological and pathological processes. Biometals 2014; 27:815-28. [PMID: 24966132 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-014-9755-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Copper-containing plasma protein ceruloplasmin (Cp) forms a complex with lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding protein, and with the heme-containing myeloperoxidase (Mpo). In case of inflammation, Lf and Mpo are secreted from neutrophil granules. Among the plasma proteins, Cp seems to be the preferential partner of Lf and Mpo. After an intraperitoneal injection of Lf to rodents, the "Cp-Lf" complex has been shown to appear in their bloodstream. Cp prevents the interaction of Lf with protoplasts of Micrococcus luteus. Upon immunoprecipitation of Cp, the blood plasma becomes depleted of Lf and in a dose-dependent manner loses the capacity to inhibit the peroxidase activity of Mpo, but not the Mpo-catalyzed oxidation of thiocyanate in the (pseudo)halogenating cycle. Antimicrobial effect against E. coli displayed by a synergistic system that includes Lf and Mpo-H2O2-chloride, but not thiocyanate, as the substrate for Mpo is abrogated when Cp is added. Hence, Cp can be regarded as an anti-inflammatory factor that restrains the halogenating cycle and redirects the synergistic system Mpo-H2O2-chloride/thiocyanate to production of hypothiocyanate, which is relatively harmless for the human organism. Structure and functions of the "2Cp-2Lf-Mpo" complex and binary complexes Cp-Lf and 2Cp-Mpo in inflammation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Sokolov
- N-W Branch of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute for Experimental Medicine, Pavlov Street 12, Saint Petersburg, 197376, Russia,
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Lactoferrin for prevention of neonatal sepsis. Biometals 2014; 27:1007-16. [PMID: 24935001 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-014-9754-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Preterm neonates are at risk to acquire infections. In addition to the high mortality associated with sepsis, these patients are at risk for long-term disabilities, particularly neurodevelopment impairment. Several interventions have been evaluated to reduce rates of infections in neonates but have not proven efficacy. Lactoferrin (LF), a milk glycoprotein with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anti-microbial properties, has the potential to prevent infections in young children. We performed a review of current and ongoing clinical trials of LF for prevention of neonatal sepsis, and found eleven registered clinical trials that include more than 6,000 subjects. Few of these trials have finished; despite their small sample size, the preliminary results show a trend towards a positive protective effect of LF on neonatal infections. Larger trials are underway to confirm the findings of these initial studies. This information will help to define LF's role in clinical settings and, if proven effective, would profoundly affect the treatment of low birth weight neonates as a cost-effective intervention worldwide.
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Anghel L, Duca G. A Review of the Biogenesis of Iron Nanoparticles Using Microorganims and Their Applications. CHEMISTRY JOURNAL OF MOLDOVA 2013. [DOI: 10.19261/cjm.2013.08(2).03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Samygina VR, Sokolov AV, Bourenkov G, Petoukhov MV, Pulina MO, Zakharova ET, Vasilyev VB, Bartunik H, Svergun DI. Ceruloplasmin: macromolecular assemblies with iron-containing acute phase proteins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67145. [PMID: 23843990 PMCID: PMC3700992 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Copper-containing ferroxidase ceruloplasmin (Cp) forms binary and ternary complexes with cationic proteins lactoferrin (Lf) and myeloperoxidase (Mpo) during inflammation. We present an X-ray crystal structure of a 2Cp-Mpo complex at 4.7 Å resolution. This structure allows one to identify major protein-protein interaction areas and provides an explanation for a competitive inhibition of Mpo by Cp and for the activation of p-phenylenediamine oxidation by Mpo. Small angle X-ray scattering was employed to construct low-resolution models of the Cp-Lf complex and, for the first time, of the ternary 2Cp-2Lf-Mpo complex in solution. The SAXS-based model of Cp-Lf supports the predicted 1:1 stoichiometry of the complex and demonstrates that both lobes of Lf contact domains 1 and 6 of Cp. The 2Cp-2Lf-Mpo SAXS model reveals the absence of interaction between Mpo and Lf in the ternary complex, so Cp can serve as a mediator of protein interactions in complex architecture. Mpo protects antioxidant properties of Cp by isolating its sensitive loop from proteases. The latter is important for incorporation of Fe(3+) into Lf, which activates ferroxidase activity of Cp and precludes oxidation of Cp substrates. Our models provide the structural basis for possible regulatory role of these complexes in preventing iron-induced oxidative damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya R. Samygina
- Institute of Crystallography RAS, Moscow, Russia
- Structural Biology Unit, CICbioGUNE, Derio, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Maria O. Pulina
- Institute of Experimental Medicine NWB RAMS, St.Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Hans Bartunik
- Research Unit for Structural Molecular Biology, Max-Planck Institute, Hamburg, Germany
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A phase 2 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of talactoferrin in patients with severe sepsis. Crit Care Med 2013; 41:706-16. [PMID: 23425819 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e3182741551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein with anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties found in secretions and immune cells. Talactoferrin alfa, a recombinant form of human lactoferrin, has similar properties and plays an important role in maintaining the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier integrity. In experimental animal models, administration of talactoferrin reduces translocation of bacteria from the gut into the systemic circulation and mortality from sepsis. Our objective was to determine if talactoferrin could reduce 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with severe sepsis and to assess its safety. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 2 trial. SETTING Adult ICUs and emergency departments in the United States. PATIENTS One hundred ninety-four adults within 24 hrs of the onset of severe sepsis. INTERVENTIONS Enterally administered talactoferrin 1.5g or placebo every 8 hrs for up to 28 days or until discharge from the ICU. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Modified intention-to-treat analysis was used to assess the primary (28-day all-cause mortality) and secondary endpoints. The all-cause mortality at 28 days was 26.9% in the placebo group and 14.4% in the talactoferrin group (two-sided p = 0.052), representing a 12.5% absolute and a 46.5% relative reduction in mortality, meeting the protocol-specified primary endpoint. Reduction in all cause mortality was sustained at 6 months (p = 0.039). These reductions in mortality were observed across a wide spectrum of subgroups. The drug was well tolerated with a safety profile similar to that of placebo. CONCLUSIONS Enteral administration of talactoferrin reduced 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with severe sepsis. This reduction in mortality was sustained at 6 months. Talactoferrin was very well tolerated.
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Guo W, Zheng W, Luo Q, Li X, Zhao Y, Xiong S, Wang F. Transferrin serves as a mediator to deliver organometallic ruthenium(II) anticancer complexes into cells. Inorg Chem 2013; 52:5328-38. [PMID: 23586415 DOI: 10.1021/ic4002626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
We report herein a systematic study on interactions of organometallic ruthenium(II) anticancer complex [(η(6)-arene)Ru(en)Cl](+) (arene = p-cymene (1) or biphenyl (2), en = ethylenediamine) with human transferrin (hTf) and the effects of the hTf-ligation on the bioavailability of these complexes with cisplatin as a reference. Incubated with a 5-fold excess of complex 1, 2, or cisplatin, 1 mol of diferric hTf (holo-hTf) attached 0.62 mol of 1, 1.01 mol of 2, or 2.14 mol of cisplatin. Mass spectrometry revealed that both ruthenium complexes coordinated to N-donors His242, His273, His578, and His606, whereas cisplatin bound to O donors Tyr136 and Tyr317 and S-donor Met256 in addition to His273 and His578 on the surface of both apo- and holo-hTf. Moreover, cisplatin could bind to Thr457 within the C-lobe iron binding cleft of apo-hTf. Neither ruthenium nor platinum binding interfered with the recognition of holo-hTf by the transferrin receptor (TfR). The ruthenated/platinated holo-hTf complexes could be internalized via TfR-mediated endocytosis at a similar rate to that of holo-hTf itself. Moreover, the binding to holo-hTf well preserved the bioavailability of the ruthenium complexes, and the hTf-bound 1 and 2 showed a similar cytotoxicity toward the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 to those of the complexes themselves. However, the conjugation with holo-hTf significantly reduced the cellular uptake of cisplatin and the amount of platinated DNA adducts formed intracellularly, leading to dramatic reduction of cisplatin cytotoxicity toward MCF-7. These findings suggest that hTf can serve as a mediator for the targeting delivery of Ru(arene) anticancer complexes while deactivating cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Guo
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Beijing Centre for Mass Spectrometry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
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The transfer of iron between ceruloplasmin and transferrins. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2012; 1820:411-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Parikh PM, Vaid A, Advani SH, Digumarti R, Madhavan J, Nag S, Bapna A, Sekhon JS, Patil S, Ismail PM, Wang Y, Varadhachary A, Zhu J, Malik R. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study of Single-Agent Oral Talactoferrin in Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer That Progressed After Chemotherapy. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29:4129-36. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.34.4127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the activity and safety of oral talactoferrin (TLF) in patients with stages IIIB to IV non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for whom one or two prior lines of systemic anticancer therapy had failed. Patients and Methods Patients (n = 100) were randomly assigned to receive either oral TLF (1.5 g in 15 mL phosphate-based buffer) or placebo (15 mL phosphate-based buffer) twice per day in addition to supportive care. Oral TLF or placebo was administered for a maximum of three 14-week cycles with dosing for 12 consecutive weeks followed by 2 weeks off. The primary objective was overall survival (OS) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) patient population. Secondary objectives included progression-free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and safety. Results TLF was associated with improvement in OS in the ITT patient population, meeting the protocol-specified level of significance of a one-tailed P = .05. Compared with the placebo group, median OS increased by 65% in the TLF group (3.7 to 6.1 months; hazard ratio, 0.68; 90% CI, 0.47 to 0.98; P = .04 with one-tailed log-rank test). Supportive trends were also observed for PFS and DCR. TLF was well tolerated and, generally, there were fewer adverse events (AEs) and grade ≥ 3 AEs reported in the TLF arm. AEs were consistent with those expected in late-stage NSCLC. Conclusion TLF demonstrated an apparent improvement in OS in patients with stages IIIB to IV NSCLC for whom one or two prior lines of systemic anticancer therapy had failed and was well tolerated. These results should be confirmed in a global phase III trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purvish M. Parikh
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Ashok Vaid
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Suresh H. Advani
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Raghunadharao Digumarti
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Jayaprakash Madhavan
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Shona Nag
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Ajay Bapna
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Jagdev S. Sekhon
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Shekhar Patil
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Preeti M. Ismail
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Yenyun Wang
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Atul Varadhachary
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Junming Zhu
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
| | - Rajesh Malik
- Purvish M. Parikh, Tata Memorial Hospital; Suresh H. Advani, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai; Ashok Vaid, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi; Raghunadharao Digumarti, Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad; Jayaprakash Madhavan, Regional Cancer Center, Medical College Campus, Trivandrum; Shona Nag, Jehangir Hospital, Pune; Ajay Bapna, Bhagavan Mahavir Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Jaipur; Jagdev S. Sekhon, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital,
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A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase II study of oral talactoferrin in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in previously untreated locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol 2011; 6:1098-103. [PMID: 21532506 DOI: 10.1097/jto.0b013e3182156250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of the study is to investigate the activity and safety of oral talactoferrin (TLF) plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (C/P) in patients with previously untreated stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS Patients (n = 110) were randomly assigned to receive C/P plus either TLF (C/P/T) or placebo (C/P/P). The primary objective of this exploratory study was assessment of confirmed response rate (RR) in the prospectively defined evaluable population with a one-tailed p = 0.05. Secondary objectives included assessment of progression-free survival (PFS), duration of response, overall survival (OS), and safety. RESULTS The trial met the primary end point of improvement in confirmed RR in the prospectively defined evaluable population. Compared with the C/P/P group, RR increased in the C/P/T group by 18% (29-47%; p = 0.05) and 15% (27-42%; p = 0.08) in the evaluable and intent-to-treat populations, respectively. Compared with the C/P/P group, the C/P/T group had a longer median PFS (4.2 versus 7.0 months), OS (8.5 versus 10.4 months), and duration of response (5.5 versus 7.6 months), although the differences were not statistically significant. Adverse events (AEs) were consistent with C/P therapy. There were fewer total AEs (472 versus 569; two-tailed p = 0.003) and grade 3/4 AEs (78 versus 105; p = 0.05) in the C/P/T group compared with the C/P/P group. CONCLUSION TLF, in combination with C/P, demonstrated an apparent improvement in RR, PFS, and OS in patients with previously untreated stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer and appears to enhance activity without significant additional toxicity. These results need to be confirmed in a phase III trial.
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Physiological roles of ovotransferrin. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2011; 1820:218-25. [PMID: 21854833 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2011] [Revised: 07/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovotransferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein, found in avian egg white and in avian serum, belonging to the family of transferrin iron-binding glycoproteins. All transferrins show high sequence homology. In mammals are presents two different soluble glycoproteins with different functions: i) serum transferrin that is present in plasma and committed to iron transport and iron delivery to cells and ii) lactoferrin that is present in extracellular fluids and in specific granules of polymorphonuclear lymphocytes and committed to the so-called natural immunity. To the contrary, in birds, ovotransferrin remained the only soluble glycoprotein of the transferrin family present both in plasma and egg white. SCOPE OF REVIEW Substantial experimental evidences are summarized, illustrating the multiple physiological roles of ovotransferrin in an attempt to overcome the common belief that ovotransferrin is a protein dedicated only to iron transport and to iron withholding antibacterial activity. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Similarly to the better known family member protein lactoferrin, ovotransferrin appears to be a multi-functional protein with a major role in avian natural immunity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Biotechnological applications of ovotransferrin and ovotransferrin-related peptides could be considered in the near future, stimulating further research on this remarkable protein. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Transferrins: Molecular mechanisms of iron transport and disorders.
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Kelly RJ, Giaccone G. The role of talactoferrin alpha in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 10:1379-86. [PMID: 20684737 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2010.512914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Immunotherapeutic approaches to treating NSCLC via either adoptive transfer of immunity or stimulation of the endogenous immune system have shown increasing promise in recent years. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Talactoferrin alpha is an oral immunomodulatory agent currently in late-stage clinical trials that acts through dendritic cell recruitment and activation in the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Talactoferrin is a recombinant human lactoferrin that is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding glycoproteins. Lactoferrins have multiple known biological activities including cancer protection, cellular growth and differentiation and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This review discusses the proposed mechanism of action of talactoferrin-alpha and outlines the pre-clinical, Phase I and II data in NSCLC. The ongoing Phase III trials are discussed. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The current role of Talactoferrin alpha in the treatment of NSCLC is described and we explore potential future roles for this drug in both early stage and advanced stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan J Kelly
- National Cancer Institute, Medical Oncology, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Kelly RJ, Gulley JL, Giaccone G. Targeting the immune system in non-small-cell lung cancer: bridging the gap between promising concept and therapeutic reality. Clin Lung Cancer 2010; 11:228-37. [PMID: 20630824 DOI: 10.3816/clc.2010.n.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Developing effective immunotherapy for lung cancer is a daunting but hugely attractive challenge. Until recently, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was thought of as a nonimmunogenic tumor, but there is now evidence highlighting the integral role played by both inflammatory and immunologic responses in lung carcinogenesis. Despite recent encouraging preclinical and phase I/II data, there are a paucity of phase III trials showing a clear clinical benefit for vaccines in lung cancer. There are many difficulties to overcome before the development of a successful therapy. Perhaps a measurable immune response may not translate into a clinically meaningful or radiologic response. Patient selection may also be a problem for ongoing clinical studies. The majority of trials for lung cancer vaccines are focused on patients with an advanced stage of the disease; however, the ideal candidates may be patients with a lower tumor burden and stage I or II disease. Selecting the exact antigens to target is also difficult. It will likely require multiple epitopes of a diverse set of genes restricted to multiple haplotypes to generate a truly effective vaccine that is able to overcome the various immunologic escape mechanisms that tumors use. This review discusses the most promising active immunotherapy using protein/peptide vaccines, whole cell vaccines, and dendritic cell vaccines and examines current phase I and II clinical trial data on some novel nonspecific immunomodulating agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan J Kelly
- Medical Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Duchardt F, Ruttekolk IR, Verdurmen WPR, Lortat-Jacob H, Bürck J, Hufnagel H, Fischer R, van den Heuvel M, Löwik DWPM, Vuister GW, Ulrich A, de Waard M, Brock R. A cell-penetrating peptide derived from human lactoferrin with conformation-dependent uptake efficiency. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:36099-36108. [PMID: 19858187 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.036426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular events that contribute to the cellular uptake of cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) are still a matter of intense research. Here, we report on the identification and characterization of a 22-amino acid CPP derived from the human milk protein, lactoferrin. The peptide exhibits a conformation-dependent uptake efficiency that is correlated with efficient binding to heparan sulfate and lipid-induced conformational changes. The peptide contains a disulfide bridge formed by terminal cysteine residues. At concentrations exceeding 10 mum, this peptide undergoes the same rapid entry into the cytoplasm that was described previously for the arginine-rich CPPs nona-arginine and Tat. Cytoplasmic entry strictly depends on the presence of the disulfide bridge. To better understand this conformation dependence, NMR spectroscopy was performed for the free peptide, and CD measurements were performed for free and lipid-bound peptide. In solution, the peptides showed only slight differences in secondary structure, with a predominantly disordered structure both in the presence and absence of the disulfide bridge. In contrast, in complex with large unilamellar vesicles, the conformation of the oxidized and reduced forms of the peptide clearly differed. Moreover, surface plasmon resonance experiments showed that the oxidized form binds to heparan sulfate with a considerably higher affinity than the reduced form. Consistently, membrane binding and cellular uptake of the peptide were reduced when heparan sulfate chains were removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falk Duchardt
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ivo R Ruttekolk
- Department of Biochemistry, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter P R Verdurmen
- Department of Biochemistry, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hugues Lortat-Jacob
- Institut de Biologie Structurale, UMR 5075 CEA-CNRS, Université Joseph Fourier, 41 rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble Cedex 1, France
| | - Jochen Bürck
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, IBG-2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Hufnagel
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maaike van den Heuvel
- Department of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis W P M Löwik
- Department of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Geerten W Vuister
- Department of Protein Biophysics, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Ulrich
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, IBG-2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Michel de Waard
- INSERM U836, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble Neuroscience Institute, Group 3, 38027 Grenoble Cedex 1, France
| | - Roland Brock
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Filamentous fungi for production of food additives and processing aids. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2008. [PMID: 18253709 DOI: 10.1007/10_2007_094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi are metabolically versatile organisms with a very wide distribution in nature. They exist in association with other species, e.g. as lichens or mycorrhiza, as pathogens of animals and plants or as free-living species. Many are regarded as nature's primary degraders because they secrete a wide variety of hydrolytic enzymes that degrade waste organic materials. Many species produce secondary metabolites such as polyketides or peptides and an increasing range of fungal species is exploited commercially as sources of enzymes and metabolites for food or pharmaceutical applications. The recent availability of fungal genome sequences has provided a major opportunity to explore and further exploit fungi as sources of enzymes and metabolites. In this review chapter we focus on the use of fungi in the production of food additives but take a largely pre-genomic, albeit a mainly molecular, view of the topic.
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Sabatucci A, Vachette P, Vasilyev VB, Beltramini M, Sokolov A, Pulina M, Salvato B, Angelucci CB, Maccarrone M, Cozzani I, Dainese E. Structural Characterization of the Ceruloplasmin: Lactoferrin Complex in Solution. J Mol Biol 2007; 371:1038-46. [PMID: 17597152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.05.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2007] [Revised: 05/24/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ceruloplasmin is a copper protein found in vertebrate plasma, which belongs to the family of multicopper oxidases. Like transferrin of the blood plasma, lactoferrin, the iron-containing protein of human milk, saliva, tears, seminal plasma and of neutrophilic leukocytes tightly binds two ferric ions. Human lactoferrin and ceruloplasmin have been previously shown to interact both in vivo and in vitro forming a complex. Here we describe a study of the conformation of the human lactoferrin/ceruloplasmin complex in solution using small angle X-ray scattering. Our ab initio structural analysis shows that the complex has a 1:1 stoichiometry and suggests that complex formation occurs without major conformational rearrangements of either protein. Rigid-body modeling of the mutual arrangement of proteins in the complex essentially yields two families of solutions. Final discrimination is possible when integrating in the modeling process extra information translating into structural constraints on the interaction between the two partners.
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36
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Senkovich O, Cook WJ, Mirza S, Hollingshead SK, Protasevich II, Briles DE, Chattopadhyay D. Structure of a complex of human lactoferrin N-lobe with pneumococcal surface protein a provides insight into microbial defense mechanism. J Mol Biol 2007; 370:701-13. [PMID: 17543335 PMCID: PMC5356469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2007.04.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2007] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/30/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human lactoferrin, a component of the innate immune system, kills a wide variety of microorganisms including the Gram positive bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) efficiently inhibits this bactericidal action. The crystal structure of a complex of the lactoferrin-binding domain of PspA with the N-lobe of human lactoferrin reveals direct and specific interactions between the negatively charged surface of PspA helices and the highly cationic lactoferricin moiety of lactoferrin. Binding of PspA blocks surface accessibility of this bactericidal peptide preventing it from penetrating the bacterial membrane. Results of site-directed mutagenesis, in vitro protein binding assays and isothermal titration calorimetry measurements corroborate that the specific electrostatic interactions observed in the crystal structure represent major associations between PspA and lactoferrin. The structure provides a snapshot of the protective mechanism utilized by pathogens against the host's first line of defense. PspA represents a major virulence factor and a promising vaccine candidate. Insights from the structure of the complex have implications for designing therapeutic strategies for treatment and prevention of pneumococcal diseases that remain a major public health problem worldwide.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Bacterial/chemistry
- Antigens, Bacterial/genetics
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Antigens, Bacterial/metabolism
- Antigens, Surface/chemistry
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/immunology
- Antigens, Surface/metabolism
- Bacterial Proteins/chemistry
- Bacterial Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Bacterial Proteins/metabolism
- Cattle
- Crystallography, X-Ray
- Humans
- Lactoferrin/chemistry
- Lactoferrin/genetics
- Lactoferrin/immunology
- Lactoferrin/metabolism
- Membrane Fusion
- Models, Molecular
- Mutation/genetics
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
- Protein Binding
- Protein Structure, Quaternary
- Streptococcus pneumoniae/chemistry
- Streptococcus pneumoniae/genetics
- Streptococcus pneumoniae/immunology
- Streptococcus pneumoniae/metabolism
- Structural Homology, Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Senkovich
- Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - William J. Cook
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Shaper Mirza
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Irina I. Protasevich
- Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - David E. Briles
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Debasish Chattopadhyay
- Center for Biophysical Sciences and Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Corresponding author:
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Algood HMS, Cover TL. Helicobacter pylori persistence: an overview of interactions between H. pylori and host immune defenses. Clin Microbiol Rev 2006; 19:597-613. [PMID: 17041136 PMCID: PMC1592695 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00006-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative bacterium that persistently colonizes more than half of the global human population. In order to successfully colonize the human stomach, H. pylori must initially overcome multiple innate host defenses. Remarkably, H. pylori can persistently colonize the stomach for decades or an entire lifetime despite development of an acquired immune response. This review focuses on the immune response to H. pylori and the mechanisms by which H. pylori resists immune clearance. Three main sections of the review are devoted to (i) analysis of the immune response to H. pylori in humans, (ii) analysis of interactions of H. pylori with host immune defenses in animal models, and (iii) interactions of H. pylori with immune cells in vitro. The topics addressed in this review are important for understanding how H. pylori resists immune clearance and also are relevant for understanding the pathogenesis of diseases caused by H. pylori (peptic ulcer disease, gastric adenocarcinoma, and gastric lymphoma).
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly M Scott Algood
- Division of Infectious Diseases, A2200 Medical Center North, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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38
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Chan DI, Prenner EJ, Vogel HJ. Tryptophan- and arginine-rich antimicrobial peptides: Structures and mechanisms of action. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2006; 1758:1184-202. [PMID: 16756942 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2006.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 725] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2006] [Revised: 04/03/2006] [Accepted: 04/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides encompass a number of different classes, including those that are rich in a particular amino acid. An important subset are peptides rich in Arg and Trp residues, such as indolicidin and tritrpticin, that have broad and potent antimicrobial activity. The importance of these two amino acids for antimicrobial activity was highlighted through the screening of a complete combinatorial library of hexapeptides. These residues possess some crucial chemical properties that make them suitable components of antimicrobial peptides. Trp has a distinct preference for the interfacial region of lipid bilayers, while Arg residues endow the peptides with cationic charges and hydrogen bonding properties necessary for interaction with the abundant anionic components of bacterial membranes. In combination, these two residues are capable of participating in cation-pi interactions, thereby facilitating enhanced peptide-membrane interactions. Trp sidechains are also implicated in peptide and protein folding in aqueous solution, where they contribute by maintaining native and nonnative hydrophobic contacts. This has been observed for the antimicrobial peptide from human lactoferrin, possibly restraining the peptide structure in a suitable conformation to interact with the bacterial membrane. These unique properties make the Arg- and Trp-rich antimicrobial peptides highly active even at very short peptide lengths. Moreover, they lead to structures for membrane-mimetic bound peptides that go far beyond regular alpha-helices and beta-sheet structures. In this review, the structures of a number of different Trp- and Arg-rich antimicrobial peptides are examined and some of the major mechanistic studies are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- David I Chan
- Structural Biology Research Group, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
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Jedrzejas MJ. Unveiling molecular mechanisms of pneumococcal surface protein A interactions with antibodies and lactoferrin. Clin Chim Acta 2006; 367:1-10. [PMID: 16513101 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2005.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2005] [Revised: 09/27/2005] [Accepted: 09/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterium and a major human pathogen. The organism displays on its surface a variety of molecules that are involved in many essential processes including interactions with the tissues and molecules of its human host. A number of such surface molecules are essential virulence factors in disease processes and pathogenesis during all stages of bacterial life. FOCUS Here we introduce one such surface protein, pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), and show its molecular and structural aspects, and underlying mechanism of function at the atomic level as currently understood. The basis of its anti-complementary properties and functional interactions with its ligand, lactoferrin, is discussed. The PspA antigen binding to lactoferrin prevents the bactericidal effect of this human molecule of many functions. This review is focused on new function characterization studies performed during this century (year 2001 and later). Earlier studies on PspA were reviewed by this author in 2001 and 2004 [Jedrzejas MJ. Pneumococcal virulence factors: structure and function. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev, 2001;65:187-207; Jedrzejas MJ. Extracellular virulence factors of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Front Biosci 2004;9:891-914]. CONCLUSIONS The discovery and understanding of the molecular mechanisms of individual virulence factors, including PspA, are essential to the appreciation of S. pneumoniae function and mechanisms responsible for colonization and invasion of human tissues by this organism. The utilization of a microscopic view at the atomic level provided by structural biology is essential to this process of discovery. The development of new and better cures for the disease might follow as a result of such awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Jedrzejas
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
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Khalaila I, Allardyce CS, Verma CS, Dyson PJ. A Mass Spectrometric and Molecular Modelling Study of Cisplatin Binding to Transferrin. Chembiochem 2005; 6:1788-95. [PMID: 16196027 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.200500067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A combination of mass spectrometry, UV/Vis spectroscopy and molecular modelling techniques have been used to characterise the interaction of cisplatin with human serum transferrin (Tf). Mass spectrometry indicates that cisplatin binds to the hydroxy functional group of threonine 457, which is located in the iron(III)-binding site on the C-terminal lobe of the protein. UV/Vis spectroscopy confirms the stoichiometry of binding and shows that cisplatin and iron(III) binding are competitive. The binding of cisplatin has been modelled by using molecular dynamic simulations and the results suggest that cisplatin can occupy part of both the iron(III)- and carbonate-binding sites in the C-terminal lobe of the protein. Combined, the studies suggest that cisplatin binding sterically restricts iron(III) binding to the C-terminal lobe binding site, whereas the N-terminal lobe binding site appears to be unaffected by the cisplatin interaction, possibly allowing the iron(III)-induced conformational change necessary for binding to a Tf receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isam Khalaila
- Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Noppe W, Vanhoorelbeke K, Galaev IY, Mattiasson B, Deckmyn H. A probe for capture and Fe3+-induced conformational change of lactoferrin selected from phage displayed peptide libraries. J Dairy Sci 2005; 87:3247-55. [PMID: 15377604 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(04)73461-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Linear pentadecamer and cyclic hexamer peptide phage libraries were used to isolate phage clones with binding affinity toward lactoferrins purified from human and bovine milk. Phage clones with high specificity toward lactoferrin were selected with different binding strengths depending on the sequence of the peptide displayed by the phage. Phages coated to a microtiterplate were able to capture lactoferrin from crude milk samples without prior treatment. One of the selected sequences, EGKQRR, failed to bind to lactoferrin. In contrast, a branched tree-peptide bearing 4 EGKQRR sequences did bind to lactoferrin (Kd approximately 29 microM) and was also capable of inhibiting the binding of the phage to lactoferrin (IC(50) approximately 17 microM), indicating that avidity was important. Unexpectedly, the affinity of the phage for lactoferrin was influenced by the amount of bound Fe(3+), with a much lower affinity when lactoferrin was saturated with Fe(3+) as compared with the iron-depleted or partially saturated (natural) lactoferrin. As the phage does not bind to the Fe(3+)-binding site, the difference in binding affinity is due to differences in conformation of lactoferrin induced by Fe(3+). These results demonstrate that avidity or multipoint attachment and Fe(3+)-induced conformational changes play an important role in the binding of the selected phage to lactoferrin. Thus, we could demonstrate that, by the use of selected phage clones, we are able not only to detect lactoferrin, but also to capture lactoferrin from crude milk samples. Furthermore, the extent of phage binding provides additional information about the iron content and the concomitant conformation of lactoferrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Noppe
- Interdisciplinary Research Center, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Campus Kortrijk, E. Sabbelaan 53, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
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Hamilton DH, Turcot I, Stintzi A, Raymond KN. Large cooperativity in the removal of iron from transferrin at physiological temperature and chloride ion concentration. J Biol Inorg Chem 2004; 9:936-44. [PMID: 15517438 DOI: 10.1007/s00775-004-0592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2003] [Accepted: 07/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Iron removal from serum transferrin by various chelators has been studied by gel electrophoresis, which allows direct quantitation of all four forms of transferrin (diferric, C-monoferric, N-monoferric, and apotransferrin). Large cooperativity between the two lobes of serum transferrin is found for iron removal by several different chelators near physiological conditions (pH 7.4, 37 degrees C, 150 mM NaCl, 20 mM NaHCO(3)). This cooperativity is manifested in a dramatic decrease in the rate of iron removal from the N-monoferric transferrin as compared with iron removal from the other forms of ferric transferrin. Cooperativity is diminished as the pH is decreased; it is also very sensitive to changes in chloride ion concentration, with a maximum cooperativity at 150 mM NaCl. A mechanism is proposed that requires closure of the C-lobe before iron removal from the N-lobe can be effected; the "open" conformation of the C-lobe blocks a kinetically significant anion-binding site of the N-lobe, preventing its opening. Physiological implications of this cooperativity are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Hamilton
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley 94720, USA
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Farnaud S, Patel A, Odell EW, Evans RW. Variation in antimicrobial activity of lactoferricin-derived peptides explained by structure modelling. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2004.tb09759.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Varadhachary A, Wolf JS, Petrak K, O'Malley BW, Spadaro M, Curcio C, Forni G, Pericle F. Oral lactoferrin inhibits growth of established tumors and potentiates conventional chemotherapy. Int J Cancer 2004; 111:398-403. [PMID: 15221967 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.20271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we investigated the anticancer activity of orally administered recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) alone and in combination with chemotherapy in tumor-bearing mice. rhLF inhibited the growth of squamous cell carcinoma (O12) tumors in T cell-immunocompromised nu/nu mice by 80% when administered at 1,000 mg/kg (2.9 g/m2) by oral gavage twice daily for 8 days (p < 0.001). Similar activity was observed in syngeneic, immunocompetent BALB/c mice, where orally administered rhLF (1,000 mg/kg, 2.9 g/m2 once daily) halted the growth of mammary adenocarcinoma TUBO. Oral rhLF (200 mg/kg, 0.57 g/m2) was also used alone and in combination with cis-platinum (5 mg/kg) to treat head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma in a syngeneic murine model. Monotherapy with oral rhLF or cis-platinum caused 61% or 66% tumor growth inhibition over placebo, respectively. Mice receiving both therapies showed 79% growth inhibition, a statistically significant improvement over each drug alone. We then demonstrated that administration of oral rhLF (300 mg/kg, 0.86 g/m2) to tumor-bearing or naive mice resulted in (i) significantly increased production of IL-18 in the intestinal tract, (ii) systemic NK cell activation and (iii) circulating CD8+ T-cell expansion. These data suggest that oral rhLF is an immunomodulatory agent active against cancer as a single agent and in combination chemotherapy, exerting its systemic effect through stimulation of IL-18 and other cytokines in the gut enterocytes. rhLF has been administered orally to 211 people without a single serious drug-related adverse event. Thus, rhLF shows promise as a safe and well-tolerated novel immunomodulatory anticancer agent.
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Thakurta PG, Choudhury D, Dasgupta R, Dattagupta JK. Tertiary structural changes associated with iron binding and release in hen serum transferrin: a crystallographic and spectroscopic study. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 316:1124-31. [PMID: 15044101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.02.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The iron binding and release of serum transferrin are pH-dependent and accompanied by a conformational change between the iron-bound (holo-) and iron-free (apo-) forms. We have determined the crystal structure of apo-hen serum transferrin (hAST) at 3.5A resolution, which is the first reported structure to date of any full molecule of an apo-serum transferrin and studied its pH-dependent iron release by UV-vis absorption and near UV-CD spectroscopy. The crystal structure of hAST shows that both the lobes adopt an open conformation and the relative orientations of the domains are different from those of apo-human serum transferrin and human apolactoferrin but similar to that of hen apo-ovotransferrin. Spectroscopic analysis reveals that in hen serum transferrin, release of the first iron starts at a pH approximately 6.5 and continues over a broad pH range (6.5-5.2). The complete release of the iron, however, occurs at pH approximately 4.0. The near UV-CD spectra show alterations in the microenvironment of the aromatic residues surrounding the iron-binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyali Guha Thakurta
- Crystallography and Molecular Biology Division, Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, 1/AF Bidhannagar, Kolkata 700 064, India
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Abstract
Milk contains a variety of substances, which inhibit the infection of pathogens. This is of benefit to the mother, safeguarding the integrity of the lactating mammary gland, but also of huge importance for protection of the suckling offspring. The antimicrobial substances in milk can be classified into two categories. First, nonspecific, broad-spectrum defense substances, which have evolved over long periods of time, and secondly, substances like antibodies, which are specifically directed against particular pathogens and have developed during the mother's lifetime. Substances in both categories may be targets for biological intervention and manipulation with the goal of improving the antimicrobial properties of milk. These alterations of milk composition have applications in human as well as in animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Kolb
- Hannah Research Institute, Mauchline Road, Ayr, KA6 5HL, UK.
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Troost FJ, Saris WHM, Brummer RJM. Orally ingested human lactoferrin is digested and secreted in the upper gastrointestinal tract in vivo in women with ileostomies. J Nutr 2002; 132:2597-600. [PMID: 12221215 DOI: 10.1093/jn/132.9.2597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactoferrin (LF), a glycoprotein present in milk and other secretions, may provide a nutritional ingredient for the treatment of intestinal disorders associated with hyperpermeability, oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of the study was to determine the survival rate of orally administered recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and in the small intestine in vivo in humans. Female ileostomy patients [n = 8; median age 44 (43-57) y] ingested a test beverage containing 5 g rhLF and collected full ileostomy output for 24 h. The passage of the test beverage was monitored using radio-opaque markers. Intact LF in ileal effluent was quantified by ELISA. The entire test beverage passed the small bowel during the 24-h ileal effluent collection period. LF was excreted at a low but constant rate [0.35 (0.28-0.47) micro g LF/2 h]. Gastrointestinal passage of the test beverage and LF excretion over time in the ileal effluent were not correlated. In total, a median of 4 micro g LF was excreted over the 24-h collection period, whereas 5 g rhLF was ingested. Hence, dietary rhLF is digested in the upper GI tract and does not reach the colon. Intact LF appearing in ileostomy effluent is likely to originate from an endogenous source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddy J Troost
- Department of Human Biology, Nutrition and Toxicology Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Edde L, Hipolito RB, Hwang FF, Headon DR, Shalwitz RA, Sherman MP. Lactoferrin protects neonatal rats from gut-related systemic infection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2001; 281:G1140-50. [PMID: 11668022 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.281.5.g1140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Lactoferrin is a milk protein that reportedly protects infants from gut-related, systemic infection. Proof for this concept is limited and was addressed during in vivo and in vitro studies. Neonatal rats pretreated orally with recombinant human lactoferrin (rh-LF) had less bacteremia and lower disease severity scores (P < 0.001) after intestinal infection with Escherichia coli. Control animals had 1,000-fold more colony-forming units of E. coli per milliliter of blood than treated animals (P < 0.001). Liver cultures from control animals had a twofold increase in bacterial counts compared with cultures from rh-LF-treated pups (P < 0.02). Oral therapy with rh-LF + FeSO(4) did not alter the protective effect. In vitro studies confirmed that rh-LF interacted with the infecting bacterium and rat macrophages. An in vitro assay showed that rh-LF did not kill E. coli, but a combination of rh-LF + lysozyme was microbicidal. In vitro studies showed that rat macrophages released escalating amounts of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha when stimulated with increasing concentrations of rh-LF. The in vitro studies suggest that rh-LF may act with other "natural peptide antibiotics" or may prime macrophages to kill E. coli in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Edde
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arizona, Tucson, 85724, USA
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Mizutani K, Mikami B, Hirose M. Domain closure mechanism in transferrins: new viewpoints about the hinge structure and motion as deduced from high resolution crystal structures of ovotransferrin N-lobe. J Mol Biol 2001; 309:937-47. [PMID: 11399070 DOI: 10.1006/jmbi.2001.4719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The crystal structure of holo hen ovotransferrin N-lobe refined at 1.65 A resolution has been obtained. The final model gave an R-factor of 0.173 in the resolution range between 10.0 and 1.65 A. The comparison of the structure with previous high-resolution apo and Fe(3+)-loaded, domain-opened intermediate structures provides new viewpoints on the domain closure mechanism upon Fe(3+) uptake in ovotransferrin N-lobe. Overall, conformational transition follows the common mechanism that has been first demonstrated for lactoferrin N-lobe; the domains 1 and 2 rotate 49.7 degrees as rigid bodies with a translation of 2.1 A around a screw-axis that passes through the two interdomain beta-strands (89-94 and 244-249). It is generally believed that the two strands display a hinge-like motion. Here, the latter strand indeed displays an ideal hinge nature: the segments 244-246 and 248-249 behave as a part of the rigid body of domain 2 and that of domain 1, respectively, and a sharp bend upon the domain closure is largely accounted for by the changes in the torsion angles phi and psi of Val247. We find, however, that the mode of the conformational change in the first beta-strand is much more complex. Two of the five inter beta-strand hydrogen bonds undergo crucial exchanges: from Ser91-N...Val247-O and Thr89-O...Ala249-N in the open apo and intermediate structures into Tyr92-N...Val247-O and Thr90-O...Ala249-N in the closed holo structure. These exchanges, which may be triggered in the intermediate state by modulation in the topological relation between the Fe(3+)-ligated hinge residue Tyr92-OH and the anion anchor residues of helix 5, are accompanied by a large conformational change and extensive hydrogen bonding rearrangements in a long stretch of segment of Glu82 to Tyr92. Such structural transition would work as a driving force for the domain closure, which highlights a "door closer"-like role, in addition to the canonical-hinge role, for the interdomain polypeptide segment pair. As an alternative hinge that secures the correct domain motion by being placed on a significant distance from the beta-strand hinge, we point out the participation of the van der Waals contacts formed between domain 1 residue of Met331 and domain 2 residues of Trp125, Ile129 and Trp140.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mizutani
- The Research Institute for Food Science, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 6110011, Japan
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