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Brakel A, Grochow T, Fritsche S, Knappe D, Krizsan A, Fietz SA, Alber G, Hoffmann R, Müller U. Evaluation of proline-rich antimicrobial peptides as potential lead structures for novel antimycotics against Cryptococcus neoformans. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1328890. [PMID: 38260890 PMCID: PMC10800876 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1328890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptococcosis and cryptococcal meningitis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans infections, lead to approximately 180,000 deaths per year, primarily in developing countries. Individuals with compromised immune systems, e.g., due to HIV infection (AIDS) or chemotherapy, are particularly vulnerable. Conventional treatment options are often limited and can cause severe side effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the antifungal effect of insect-derived proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) against C. neoformans. These peptides are known for their low toxicity and their high efficacy in murine infection models, making them a promising alternative for treatment. Results A preliminary screening of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 20 AMPs, including the well-known PrAMPs Onc112, Api137, and Chex1Arg20 as well as the cathelicidin CRAMP against the C. neoformans strains 1841, H99, and KN99α revealed promising results, with MICs as low as 1.6 μmol/L. Subsequent investigations of selected peptides, determining their influence on fungal colony-forming units, confirmed their strong activity. The antifungal activity was affected by factors such as peptide net charge and sequence, with stronger effects at higher net charges probably due to better intracellular uptake confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Inactive scrambled peptides suggest a specific intracellular target, although scanning electron microscopy showed that PrAMPs also damaged the cell exterior for a low proportion of the cells. Possible pore formation could facilitate entry into the cytosol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Brakel
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Grochow
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fritsche
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Immunology/Molecular Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Daniel Knappe
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andor Krizsan
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Simone A. Fietz
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gottfried Alber
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Immunology/Molecular Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ralf Hoffmann
- Institute of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Mineralogy, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uwe Müller
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Immunology/Molecular Pathogenesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
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Tang Z, Jiang W, Li S, Huang X, Yang Y, Chen X, Qiu J, Xiao C, Xie Y, Zhang X, Li J, Verma CS, He Y, Yang A. Design and evaluation of tadpole-like conformational antimicrobial peptides. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1177. [PMID: 37980400 PMCID: PMC10657444 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05560-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Herein, we report a class of "tadpole-like" peptides consisting of an amphipathic α-helical head and an aromatic tail. A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of "tadpole-like" temporin-SHf and its analogs revealed that increasing the number of aromatic residues in the tail, introducing Arg to the α-helical head and rearranging the peptide topology dramatically increased antimicrobial activity. Through progressive structural optimization, we obtained two peptides, HT2 and RI-HT2, which exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, no hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, and no propensity to induce resistance. NMR and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that both peptides indeed adopted "tadpole-like" conformations. Fluorescence experiments and electron microscopy confirmed the membrane targeting mechanisms of the peptides. Our studies not only lead to the discovery of a series of ultrashort peptides with potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, but also provide a new strategy for rational design of novel "tadpole-like" antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Tang
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Wuqiao Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Shuangli Li
- National Centre for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Xue Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Jingyi Qiu
- Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400714, China
| | - Chuyu Xiao
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Ying Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- National Centre for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Innovation Academy for Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, 169856, Singapore
| | - Chandra Shekhar Verma
- Bioinformatics Institute, A∗STAR, 30 Biopolis Street, Matrix, Singapore, 138671, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore
| | - Yun He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
- BayRay Innovation Center, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, 518132, China.
| | - Aimin Yang
- School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 401331, China.
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Li L, Lin Y, Agyekumwaa Addo K, Yu Y, Liao C. Effect of allyl isothiocyanate on the growth and virulence of Clostridium perfringens and its application on cooked pork. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113110. [PMID: 37689877 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the antibacterial action modes and virulence-inhibitory effects of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) against Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AITC against vegetative cells of Cp 13124 was 0.1 μL/mL, and the time-kill kinetics analysis revealed that AITC could significantly suppress the growth of Cp 13124. According to the results from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence microscopy, and UV absorbance substance detection, the cell membrane of Cp 13124 was damaged upon AITC treatment, causing a loss of integrity and the release of intracellular substances. Meanwhile, the fluorescence quenching experiment indicated the interaction of AIT-C with membrane proteins, which caused changes in the conformation of membrane proteins. Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that AITC could induce apoptosis through oxidative stress. The formation of Cp 13124 biofilms was inhibited by AITC using the crystalline violet method, which was possibly related to the inhibition of sliding motility. Finally, low concentrations of AITC could be used as an antibacterial agent to inhibit the outgrowth of Cp 13124 in cooked pork, suggesting that AITC is a promising candidate for novel preservatives in the meat business.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linying Li
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yilin Lin
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Keren Agyekumwaa Addo
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Yigang Yu
- Research Center of Food Safety and Detection, College of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China.
| | - Caihu Liao
- Yingdong Food Science and Engineering Institute, Shaoguan University, Shaoguan 512005, China; Provincial Key Laboratory for Utilization and Conservation of Food and Medicinal Resourcesin Northern Guangdong, Shaoguan 512005, China.
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Yu L, Yang M, Jiang D, Jin H, Jin Z, Chu X, Zhao M, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Antibacterial peptides from Monochamus alternatus induced oxidative stress and reproductive defects in pine wood nematode through the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105511. [PMID: 37532327 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Pine wilt disease is a devastating disease of pine caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Long-term use of chemical nematicides leads to the development of resistance in nematodes and harms the environment. Evaluations for green environmental protection agents, identified the antibacterial peptide, MaltDef1, from Monochamus alternatus which had nematicidal effect. We studied its nematicidal activity and action against PWN. In this study, the antibacterial peptide S-defensin was synthesized from M. alternatus. The results showed that S-defensin caused mortality to the PWN, causing shrinkage, pore, cell membrane dissolution and muscle atrophy. In addition, PWN reproduction was also affected by S-defensin; it decreased in a concentration dependent manner with increasing treatment concentration. By contrast, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo increased in a concentration-dependent manner. We applied transcriptome to analyze the changes in gene expressions in S-defensin treated PWN, and found that the most significantly enriched pathway was the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. RNAi was used to validate the functions of four differential genes (Let-23, Let-60, Mek-2 and Lin-1) in this pathway. The results showed that knockdown of these genes significantly decreased the survival rate and reproductive yield of, and also increased ROS in PWN. The antibacterial peptide S-defensin had a significant inhibitory effect on the survival and reproduction of PWN, shown by cell membrane damage and intracellular biological oxidative stress via regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. This indicates that S-defensin has a target in B. xylophilus, against which new green target pesticides can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Meijiao Yang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haole Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zehong Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mingzhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Huang J, Lei J, Ge A, Xiao W, Xin C, Song Z, Zhang J. Antifungal Effect of Vitamin D 3 against Cryptococcus neoformans Coincides with Reduced Biofilm Formation, Compromised Cell Wall Integrity, and Increased Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:772. [PMID: 37504760 PMCID: PMC10381739 DOI: 10.3390/jof9070772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an invasive fungus that causes both acute and chronic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Owing to the increase in the prevalence of drug-resistant pathogenic fungi and the limitations of current treatment strategies, drug repositioning has become a feasible strategy to accelerate the development of new drugs. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration of vitamin D3 (VD3) against C. neoformans was found to be 0.4 mg/mL by broth microdilution assay. The antifungal activities of VD3 were further verified by solid dilution assays and "time-kill" curves. The results showed that VD3 reduced fungal cell adhesion and hydrophobicity and inhibited biofilm formation at various developmental stages, as confirmed by crystal violet staining and the 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide assay. Fluorescence staining of cellular components and a stress susceptibility assay indicated that VD3 compromised cell integrity. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR demonstrated that VD3 treatment upregulated the expression of fungal genes related to cell wall synthesis (i.e., CDA3, CHS3, FKS1, and AGS1). Moreover, VD3 enhanced cell membrane permeability and caused the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Finally, VD3 significantly reduced the tissue fungal burden and prolonged the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with C. neoformans. These results showed that VD3 could exert significant antifungal activities both in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating its potential application in the treatment of cryptococcal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Huang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Junwen Lei
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Anni Ge
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Caiyan Xin
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Zhangyong Song
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Jinping Zhang
- Public Center of Experimental Technology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
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Zhou Y, Meng X, Chen F, Xiong M, Zhang W, Wang KJ. Newly Discovered Antimicrobial Peptide Scyampcin 44-63 from Scylla paramamosain Exhibits a Multitargeted Candidacidal Mechanism In Vitro and Is Effective in a Murine Model of Vaginal Candidiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0002223. [PMID: 37162345 PMCID: PMC10269043 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00022-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of azole-resistant and biofilm-forming Candida spp. contributes to the constantly increasing incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis. It is imperative to explore new antifungal drugs or potential substituents, such as antimicrobial peptides, to alleviate the serious crisis caused by resistant fungi. In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide named Scyampcin44-63 was identified in the mud crab Scylla paramamosain. Scyampcin44-63 exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi, was particularly effective against planktonic and biofilm cells of Candida albicans, and exhibited no cytotoxicity to mammalian cells (HaCaT and RAW264.7) or mouse erythrocytes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed four potential candidacidal modes of Scyampcin44-63, including promotion of apoptosis and autophagy and inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis and the cell cycle. Further study showed that Scyampcin44-63 caused damage to the plasma membrane and induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M in C. albicans. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that Scyampcin44-63-treated C. albicans cells were deformed with vacuolar expansion and destruction of organelles. In addition, C. albicans cells pretreated with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine significantly delayed the candidacidal effect of Scyampcin44-63, suggesting that Scyampcin44-63 might contribute to autophagic cell death. In a murine model of vulvovaginal candidiasis, the fungal burden of vaginal lavage was significantly decreased after treatment with Scyampcin44-63.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ming Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Weibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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7
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Tran NT, Chen L, Zhou Y, Zhang M, Wang Y, Li S. SpTNF regulates apoptosis and antimicrobial peptide synthesis in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) during white spot syndrome virus infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023:108881. [PMID: 37279830 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is an inflammatory cytokine that is important in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and death. However, the functions of TNF in the immune responses of invertebrates have been less studied. In this study, SpTNF was cloned and characterized from mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) for the first time. SpTNF contains an open reading frame of 354 bp encoding 117 deduced amino acids, with a conserved C-terminal TNF homology domain (THD) domain. RNAi knockdown of SpTNF reduced hemocyte apoptosis and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) synthesis. Expression of SpTNF was initially down-regulated but subsequently up-regulated after 48 h in hemocytes of mud crabs after WSSV infection. Results of RNAi knockdown and overexpression showed that SpTNF inhibits the WSSV infection through activating apoptosis, NF-κB pathway, and AMP synthesis. Furthermore, the lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor (SpLITAF) can regulate the expression of SpTNF, induction of apoptosis, and activation of the NF-κB pathway and AMP synthesis. The expression and nuclear translocation of SpLITAF were regulated by WSSV infection. SpLITAF knockdown increased the WSSV copy number and VP28 gene expression. Taken together, these results proved the protective function of SpTNF, which is regulated by SpLITAF, in the immune response of mud crabs against WSSV through the regulation of apoptosis and activation of AMP synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Tuan Tran
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Lianjie Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Yanlian Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China
| | - Yilei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Healthy Mariculture for the East China Sea, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries College, Jimei University, Xiamen, 361021, China
| | - Shengkang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biology, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China; Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, 515063, China.
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Aguiar TKB, Mesquita FP, Neto NAS, Gomes FÍR, Freitas CDT, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Alencar LMR, Santos-Oliveira R, Oliveira JTA, Souza PFN. No Chance to Survive: Mo-CBP 3-PepII Synthetic Peptide Acts on Cryptococcus neoformans by Multiple Mechanisms of Action. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020378. [PMID: 36830289 PMCID: PMC9952340 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast causing a high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. Recently, the synthetic peptide Mo-CBP3-PepII emerged as a potent anticryptococcal molecule with an MIC50 at low concentration. Here, the mechanisms of action of Mo-CBP3-PepII were deeply analyzed to provide new information about how it led C. neoformans cells to death. Light and fluorescence microscopies, analysis of enzymatic activities, and proteomic analysis were employed to understand the effect of Mo-CBP3-PepII on C. neoformans cells. Light and fluorescence microscopies revealed Mo-CBP3-PepII induced the accumulation of anion superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in C. neoformans cells, in addition to a reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) in the cells treated with Mo-CBP3-PepII. In the presence of ascorbic acid (AsA), no reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected, and Mo-CBP3-PepII lost the inhibitory activity against C. neoformans. However, Mo-CBP3-PepII inhibited the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ergosterol biosynthesis and induced the decoupling of cytochrome c (Cyt c) from the mitochondrial membrane. Proteomic analysis revealed a reduction in the abundance of proteins related to energetic metabolism, DNA and RNA metabolism, pathogenicity, protein metabolism, cytoskeleton, and cell wall organization and division. Our findings indicated that Mo-CBP3-PepII might have multiple mechanisms of action against C. neoformans cells, mitigating the development of resistance and thus being a potent molecule to be employed in the production of new drugs against C. neoformans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Í. R. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F. Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S. Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Luciana M. R. Alencar
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Physics Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21941-906, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
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9
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Liu X, Hu YZ, Pan YR, Liu J, Jiang YB, Zhang YA, Zhang XJ. Comparative study on antibacterial characteristics of the multiple liver expressed antimicrobial peptides (LEAPs) in teleost fish. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1128138. [PMID: 36891317 PMCID: PMC9986249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1128138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are important components of the host innate immune system, forming the first line of defense against infectious microorganisms. Among them, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptides (LEAPs) are a family of antimicrobial peptides that widely exist in vertebrates. LEAPs include two types, named LEAP-1 and LEAP-2, and many teleost fish have two or more LEAP-2s. In this study, LEAP-2C from rainbow trout and grass carp were discovered, both of which are composed of 3 exons and 2 introns. The antibacterial functions of the multiple LEAPs were systematically compared in rainbow trout and grass carp. The gene expression pattern revealed that rainbow trout and grass carp LEAP-1, LEAP-2A, LEAP-2B and/or LEAP-2C were differentially expressed in various tissues/organs, mainly in liver. After bacterial infection, the expression levels of LEAP-1, LEAP-2A, LEAP-2B and/or LEAP-2C in the liver and gut of rainbow trout and grass carp increased to varying degrees. Moreover, the antibacterial assay and bacterial membrane permeability assay showed that rainbow trout and grass carp LEAP-1, LEAP-2A, LEAP-2B and LEAP-2C all have antibacterial activities against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with varying levels through membrane rupture. Furthermore, cell transfection assay showed that only rainbow trout LEAP-1, but not LEAP-2, can lead to the internalization of ferroportin, the only iron exporter on cell surface, indicating that only LEAP-1 possess iron metabolism regulation activity in teleost fish. Taken together, this study systematically compared the antibacterial function of LEAPs in teleost fish and the results suggest that multiple LEAPs can enhance the immunity of teleost fish through different expression patterns and different antibacterial activities to various bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ya-Zhen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi-Ru Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - You-Bo Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong-An Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China.,Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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10
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Chen YC, Qiu W, Zhang W, Zhang J, Chen R, Chen F, Wang KJ. A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Sp-LECin with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity and Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010267. [PMID: 36613722 PMCID: PMC9820466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
New antimicrobial agents are urgently needed to address the increasing emergence and dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria. In the study, a chemically synthesized truncated peptide containing 22-amino acids derived from a C-type lectin homolog SpCTL6 of Scylla paramamosain was screened and found to exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, indicating that it is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP), named Sp-LECin. Sp-LECin possessed the basic characteristics of most cationic AMPs, such as positive charge (+4) and a relatively high hydrophobicity (45%). After treatment with Sp-LECin, the disruption of microbial membrane integrity and even leakage of cellular contents was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, Sp-LECin could bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS), increase the outer and inner membrane permeability and induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, ultimately leading to the death of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, Sp-LECin exhibited potent anti-biofilm activity against P. aeruginosa during both biofilm formation and maturation. Notably, Sp-LECin had no obvious cytotoxicity and could greatly improve the survival of P. aeruginosa-infected zebrafish, by approximately 40% over the control group after 72 h of treatment. This study indicated that Sp-LECin is a promising antibacterial agent with the potential to be used against devastating global pathogen infections such as P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Chao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wanlei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weibin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingrong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Roushi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (K.-J.W.)
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (K.-J.W.)
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11
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Jiang M, Chen R, Zhang J, Chen F, Wang KJ. A Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Spampcin 56-86 from Scylla paramamosain Exerting Rapid Bactericidal and Anti-Biofilm Activity In Vitro and Anti-Infection In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113316. [PMID: 36362111 PMCID: PMC9653689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The abuse of antibiotics leads to the increase of bacterial resistance, which seriously threatens human health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find effective alternatives to antibiotics, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the most promising antibacterial agents and have received extensive attention. In this study, a novel potential AMP was identified from the marine invertebrate Scylla paramamosain and named Spampcin. After bioinformatics analysis and AMP database prediction, four truncated peptides (Spa31, Spa22, Spa20 and Spa14) derived from Spampcin were screened, all of which showed potent antimicrobial activity with different antibacterial spectrum. Among them, Spampcin56-86 (Spa31 for short) exhibited strong bactericidal activity against a variety of clinical pathogens and could rapidly kill the tested bacteria within minutes. Further analysis of the antibacterial mechanism revealed that Spa31 disrupted the integrity of the bacterial membrane (as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy observation, NPN, and PI staining assays), leading to bacterial rupture, leakage of cellular contents (such as elevated extracellular ATP), increased ROS production, and ultimately cell death. Furthermore, Spa31 was found to interact with LPS and effectively inhibit bacterial biofilms. The antibacterial activity of Spa31 had good thermal stability, certain ion tolerance, and no obvious cytotoxicity. It is worth noting that Spa31 could significantly improve the survival rate of zebrafish Danio rerio infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, indicating that Spa31 played an important role in anti-infection in vivo. This study will enrich the database of marine animal AMPs and provide theoretical reference and scientific basis for the application of marine AMPs in medical fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Roushi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jingrong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Fangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (K.-J.W.)
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Fujian Innovation Research Institute for Marine Biological Antimicrobial Peptide Industrial Technology, College of Ocean & Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence: (F.C.); (K.-J.W.)
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12
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Hao Z, Chen R, Chai C, Wang Y, Chen T, Li H, Hu Y, Feng Q, Li J. Antimicrobial peptides for bone tissue engineering: Diversity, effects and applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1030162. [PMID: 36277377 PMCID: PMC9582762 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone tissue engineering has been becoming a promising strategy for surgical bone repair, but the risk of infection during trauma repair remains a problematic health concern worldwide, especially for fracture and infection-caused bone defects. Conventional antibiotics fail to effectively prevent or treat bone infections during bone defect repair because of drug-resistance and recurrence, so novel antibacterial agents with limited resistance are highly needed for bone tissue engineering. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) characterized by cationic, hydrophobic and amphipathic properties show great promise to be used as next-generation antibiotics which rarely induce resistance and show potent antibacterial efficacy. In this review, four common structures of AMPs (helix-based, sheet-based, coil-based and composite) and related modifications are presented to identify AMPs and design novel analogs. Then, potential effects of AMPs for bone infection during bone repair are explored, including bactericidal activity, anti-biofilm, immunomodulation and regenerative properties. Moreover, we present distinctive applications of AMPs for topical bone repair, which can be either used by delivery system (surface immobilization, nanoparticles and hydrogels) or used in gene therapy. Finally, future prospects and ongoing challenges are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuowen Hao
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Renxin Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Chai
- Emergency Center, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Emergency and Resuscitation, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianhong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hanke Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingkun Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinyu Feng
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingfeng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Jingfeng Li,
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13
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Truncated Pleurocidin Derivative with High Pepsin Hydrolysis Resistance to Combat Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102025. [PMID: 36297458 PMCID: PMC9610943 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance calls for the development of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly for these orally available drugs. Structural modifications of the natural antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) provide a straightforward approach to develop potent antimicrobial agents with high specificity and low toxicity. In this study, we truncated 11-amino-acids at the C-terminus of Pleurocidin, an AMP produced by Pleuronectes americanus, and obtained four peptide analogues termed GK-1, GK-2, GK-3 and GK-4. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests showed that GK-1 obtained by direct truncation of Pleurocidin has no antibacterial activity, while GK-2, GK-3 and GK-4 show considerable antibacterial activity with Pleurocidin. Notably, GK-4 displays rapid bacteriostatic activity, great stability and low hemolysis, as well as enhanced hydrolytic resistance to pepsin treatment. Mechanistic studies showed that GK-4 induces membrane damage by interacting with bacterial membrane-specific components, dissipates bacterial membrane potential and promotes the generation of ROS. SEM and CD analysis further confirmed the ability of GK-4 to resist pepsin hydrolysis, which may be attributed to its stable helicity structure. Collectively, our findings reveal that GK-4 is a potential orally available candidate to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.
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