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Zeng P, Wang H, Zhang P, Leung SSY. Unearthing naturally-occurring cyclic antibacterial peptides and their structural optimization strategies. Biotechnol Adv 2024; 73:108371. [PMID: 38704105 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2024.108371] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Natural products with antibacterial activity are highly desired globally to combat against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Antibacterial peptide (ABP), especially cyclic ABP (CABP), is one of the abundant classes. Most of them were isolated from microbes, demonstrating excellent bactericidal effects. With the improved proteolytic stability, CABPs are normally considered to have better druggability than linear peptides. However, most clinically-used CABP-based antibiotics, such as colistin, also face the challenges of drug resistance soon after they reached the market, urgently requiring the development of next-generation succedaneums. We present here a detail review on the novel naturally-occurring CABPs discovered in the past decade and some of them are under clinical trials, exhibiting anticipated application potential. According to their chemical structures, they were broadly classified into five groups, including (i) lactam/lactone-based CABPs, (ii) cyclic lipopeptides, (iii) glycopeptides, (iv) cyclic sulfur-rich peptides and (v) multiple-modified CABPs. Their chemical structures, antibacterial spectrums and proposed mechanisms are discussed. Moreover, engineered analogs of these novel CABPs are also summarized to preliminarily analyze their structure-activity relationship. This review aims to provide a global perspective on research and development of novel CABPs to highlight the effectiveness of derivatives design in identifying promising antibacterial agents. Further research efforts in this area are believed to play important roles in fighting against the multidrug-resistance crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Honglan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Sharon Shui Yee Leung
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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2
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Kumar V, Huang J, Dong Y, Hao GF. Targeting Fks1 proteins for novel antifungal drug discovery. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:366-384. [PMID: 38493014 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.02.007] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Fungal infections are a major threat to human health. The limited availability of antifungal drugs, the emergence of drug resistance, and a growing susceptible population highlight the critical need for novel antifungal agents. The enzymes involved in fungal cell wall synthesis offer potential targets for antifungal drug development. Recent studies have enhanced our focus on the enzyme Fks1, which synthesizes β-1,3-glucan, a critical component of the cell wall. These studies provide a deeper understanding of Fks1's function in cell wall biosynthesis, pathogenicity, structural biology, evolutionary conservation across fungi, and interaction with current antifungal drugs. Here, we discuss the role of Fks1 in the survival and adaptation of fungi, guided by insights from evolutionary and structural analyses. Furthermore, we delve into the dynamics of Fks1 modulation with novel antifungal strategies and assess its potential as an antifungal drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinit Kumar
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; BMLT, Markham College of Commerce, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand 825301, India
| | - Juan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China
| | - Yawen Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China.
| | - Ge-Fei Hao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for Research and Development of Fine Chemicals, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, PR China; National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, PR China.
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3
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Chen P, Ye T, Li C, Praveen P, Hu Z, Li W, Shang C. Embracing the era of antimicrobial peptides with marine organisms. Nat Prod Rep 2024; 41:331-346. [PMID: 37743806 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00031a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Covering: 2018 to Jun of 2023The efficiency of traditional antibiotics has been undermined by the proliferation of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms, necessitating the pursuit of innovative therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are part of host defence peptides found ubiquitously in nature, exhibiting a wide range of activity towards bacteria, fungi, and viruses, offer a highly promising candidate solution. The efficacy of AMPs can frequently be augmented via alterations to their amino acid sequences or structural adjustments. Given the vast reservoir of marine life forms and their distinctive ecosystems, marine AMPs stand as a burgeoning focal point in the quest for alternative peptide templates extracted from natural sources. Advances in identification and characterization techniques have accelerated the discoveries of marine AMPs, thereby stimulating AMP customization, optimization, and synthesis research endeavours. This review presents an overview of recent discoveries related to the intriguing qualities of marine AMPs. Emphasis will be placed upon post-translational modifications (PTMs) of marine AMPs and how they may impact functionality and potency. Additionally, this review considers ways in which marine PTM might support larger-scale, heterologous AMP manufacturing initiatives, providing insights into translational applications of these important biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ting Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Chunyuan Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Praveen Praveen
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Zhangli Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
| | - Wenyi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Chenjing Shang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresource and Eco-Environmental Science, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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4
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Lin Z, Agarwal V, Cong Y, Pomponi SA, Schmidt EW. Short macrocyclic peptides in sponge genomes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2314383121. [PMID: 38442178 PMCID: PMC10945851 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2314383121] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Sponges (Porifera) contain many peptide-specialized metabolites with potent biological activities and significant roles in shaping marine ecology. It is well established that symbiotic bacteria produce bioactive "sponge" peptides, both on the ribosome (RiPPs) and nonribosomally. Here, we demonstrate that sponges themselves also produce many bioactive macrocyclic peptides, such as phakellistatins and related proline-rich macrocyclic peptides (PRMPs). Using the Stylissa carteri sponge transcriptome, methods were developed to find sequences encoding 46 distinct RiPP-type core peptides, of which ten encoded previously identified PRMP sequences. With this basis set, the genome and transcriptome of the sponge Axinella corrugata was interrogated to find 35 PRMP precursor peptides encoding 31 unique core peptide sequences. At least 11 of these produced cyclic peptides that were present in the sponge and could be characterized by mass spectrometry, including stylissamides A-D and seven previously undescribed compounds. Precursor peptides were encoded in the A. corrugata genome, confirming their animal origin. The peptides contained signal peptide sequences and highly repetitive recognition sequence-core peptide elements with up to 25 PRMP copies in a single precursor. In comparison to sponges without PRMPs, PRMP sponges are incredibly enriched in potentially secreted polypeptides, with >23,000 individual signal peptide encoding genes found in a single transcriptome. The similarities between PRMP biosynthetic genes and neuropeptides in terms of their biosynthetic logic suggest a fundamental biology linked to circular peptides, possibly indicating a widespread and underappreciated diversity of signaling peptide post-translational modifications across the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenjian Lin
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Vinayak Agarwal
- School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA30332
| | - Ying Cong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
| | - Shirley A. Pomponi
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Fort Pierce, FL34946
| | - Eric W. Schmidt
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT84112
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5
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Berger T, Alenfelder J, Steinmüller S, Heimann D, Gohain N, Petras D, Wang M, Berger R, Kostenis E, Reher R. A MassQL-Integrated Molecular Networking Approach for the Discovery and Substructure Annotation of Bioactive Cyclic Peptides. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2024. [PMID: 38385767 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.3c00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The marine sponge-derived fungus Stachylidium bicolor 293 K04 is a prolific producer of specialized metabolites, including certain cyclic tetrapeptides called endolides, which are characterized by the presence of the unusual amino acid N-methyl-3-(3-furyl)-alanine. This rare feature can be used as bait to detect new endolide-like analogs through customized fragment pattern searches of tandem mass spectrometry data using the Mass Spec Query Language (MassQL). Here, we integrate endolide-specific MassQL queries with molecular networking to obtain substructural information guiding the targeted isolation and structure elucidation of the new proline-containing endolides E (1) and F (2). We showed that endolide F (but not E) is a moderate antagonist of the arginine vasopressin V1A receptor, a member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Berger
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Philipps-University Marburg, Robert-Koch-Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Judith Alenfelder
- Section of Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Nussallee 6, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sophie Steinmüller
- Section of Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Nussallee 6, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dominik Heimann
- Department of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Namrata Gohain
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Petras
- Interfaculty of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mingxun Wang
- Department of Computer Science, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California 92507, United States
| | - Robert Berger
- Department of Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 4, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Section of Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Nussallee 6, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Raphael Reher
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Philipps-University Marburg, Robert-Koch-Straße 4, 35037 Marburg, Germany
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6
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He J, Ghosh P, Nitsche C. Biocompatible strategies for peptide macrocyclisation. Chem Sci 2024; 15:2300-2322. [PMID: 38362412 PMCID: PMC10866349 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05738k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Peptides are increasingly important drug candidates, offering numerous advantages over conventional small molecules. However, they face significant challenges related to stability, cellular uptake and overall bioavailability. While individual modifications may not address all these challenges, macrocyclisation stands out as a single modification capable of enhancing affinity, selectivity, proteolytic stability and membrane permeability. The recent successes of in situ peptide modifications during screening in combination with genetically encoded peptide libraries have increased the demand for peptide macrocyclisation reactions that can occur under biocompatible conditions. In this perspective, we aim to distinguish biocompatible conditions from those well-known examples that are fully bioorthogonal. We introduce key strategies for biocompatible peptide macrocyclisation and contextualise them within contemporary screening methods, providing an overview of available transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming He
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Pritha Ghosh
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Christoph Nitsche
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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7
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Ribeiro R, Costa L, Pinto E, Sousa E, Fernandes C. Therapeutic Potential of Marine-Derived Cyclic Peptides as Antiparasitic Agents. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:609. [PMID: 38132930 PMCID: PMC10745025 DOI: 10.3390/md21120609] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic diseases still compromise human health. Some of the currently available therapeutic drugs have limitations considering their adverse effects, questionable efficacy, and long treatment, which have encouraged drug resistance. There is an urgent need to find new, safe, effective, and affordable antiparasitic drugs. Marine-derived cyclic peptides have been increasingly screened as candidates for developing new drugs. Therefore, in this review, a systematic analysis of the scientific literature was performed and 25 marine-derived cyclic peptides with antiparasitic activity (1-25) were found. Antimalarial activity is the most reported (51%), followed by antileishmanial (27%) and antitrypanosomal (20%) activities. Some compounds showed promising antiparasitic activity at the nM scale, being active against various parasites. The mechanisms of action and targets for some of the compounds have been investigated, revealing different strategies against parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Lia Costa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
| | - Eugénia Pinto
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
- Laboratório de Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (R.R.); (L.C.); (E.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal;
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8
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Singab ANB, Elkhawas YA, Al-Sayed E, Elissawy AM, Fawzy IM, Mostafa NM. Antimicrobial activities of metabolites isolated from endophytic Aspergillus flavus of Sarcophyton ehrenbergi supported by in-silico study and NMR spectroscopy. Fungal Biol Biotechnol 2023; 10:16. [PMID: 37533082 PMCID: PMC10394880 DOI: 10.1186/s40694-023-00161-2] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endophytic Aspergillus species produce countless valuable bioactive secondary metabolites. In the current study, Aspergillus flavus an endophyte from the soft coral Sarcophyton ehrenbergi was chemically explored and the extracted phytoconstituents were subsequently evaluated for antimicrobial activity. This is accomplished by employing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and computational techniques. Additionally, An in vitro anticancer analysis of A. flavus total extract against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) was investigated. RESULT Six compounds were separated from the crude alcohol extract of the endophytic Aspergillus flavus out of which anhydro-mevalonolactone was reported for the first time. The anti-fungal and anti-Helicobacter pylori properties of two distinct compounds (Scopularides A and B) were assessed. Additionally, computational research was done to identify the binding mechanisms for all compounds. Both the compounds were found to be active against H. pylori with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 7.81 to 15.63 µg/ mL as compared with clarithromycin 1.95 µg/ mL. Scopularides A was potent against both Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger with MIC values ranging from 3.9 to 31.25 µg/ mL, while scopularides B only inhibits Candida albicans with MIC value of 15.63 µg/ mL and weak inhibitory activity against A. niger (MIC = 125 µg/ mL). Furthermore, cytotoxic activity showed a significant effect (IC50: 30.46 mg/mL) against MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION Our findings report that cytotoxic activity and molecular docking support the antimicrobial activity of Aspergillus flavus, which could be a promising alternative source as a potential antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Nasser B Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
- Center of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt.
| | - Yasmin A Elkhawas
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Eman Al-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Elissawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
- Center of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Iten M Fawzy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, 11835, Egypt
| | - Nada M Mostafa
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
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9
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Sousa NSOD, Almeida JDRD, Frickmann H, Lacerda MVG, Souza JVBD. Searching for new antifungals for the treatment of cryptococcosis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:e01212023. [PMID: 37493736 PMCID: PMC10367226 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0121-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a consensus that the antifungal repertoire for the treatment of cryptococcal infections is limited. Standard treatment involves the administration of an antifungal drug derived from natural sources (i.e., amphotericin B) and two other drugs developed synthetically (i.e., flucytosine and fluconazole). Despite treatment, the mortality rates associated with fungal cryptococcosis are high. Amphotericin B and flucytosine are toxic, require intravenous administration, and are usually unavailable in low-income countries because of their high cost. However, fluconazole is cost-effective, widely available, and harmless with regard to its side effects. However, fluconazole is a fungistatic agent that has contributed considerably to the increase in fungal resistance and frequent relapses in patients with cryptococcal meningitis. Therefore, there is an unquestionable need to identify new alternatives or adjuvants to conventional drugs for the treatment of cryptococcosis. A potential antifungal agent should be able to kill cryptococci and "bypass" the virulence mechanism of the yeast. Furthermore, it should have fungicidal action, low toxicity, high selectivity, easily penetrate the central nervous system, and widely available. In this review, we describe cryptococcosis, its conventional therapy, and failures arising from the use of drugs traditionally considered to be the reference standard. Additionally, we present the approaches used for the discovery of new drugs to counteract cryptococcosis, ranging from the conventional screening of natural products to the inclusion of structural modifications to optimize anticryptococcal activity, as well as drug repositioning and combined therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hagen Frickmann
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, Bundeswehr Hospital Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Vinícius Guimarães Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, AM, Brasil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Leônidas & Maria Deane, Fiocruz, Manaus, AM, Brasil
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, USA
| | - João Vicente Braga de Souza
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade e Biotecnologia da Rede BIONORTE, Manaus, AM, Brasil
- Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Manaus, AM, Brasil
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10
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Costa L, Sousa E, Fernandes C. Cyclic Peptides in Pipeline: What Future for These Great Molecules? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:996. [PMID: 37513908 PMCID: PMC10386233 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic peptides are molecules that are already used as drugs in therapies approved for various pharmacological activities, for example, as antibiotics, antifungals, anticancer, and immunosuppressants. Interest in these molecules has been growing due to the improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the cyclic structure over linear peptides and by the evolution of chemical synthesis, computational, and in vitro methods. To date, 53 cyclic peptides have been approved by different regulatory authorities, and many others are in clinical trials for a wide diversity of conditions. In this review, the potential of cyclic peptides is presented, and general aspects of their synthesis and development are discussed. Furthermore, an overview of already approved cyclic peptides is also given, and the cyclic peptides in clinical trials are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Costa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Emília Sousa
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
| | - Carla Fernandes
- Laboratório de Química Orgânica e Farmacêutica, Departamento de Ciências Químicas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4050-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
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11
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García-Beltrán JM, Arizcun M, Chaves-Pozo E. Antimicrobial Peptides from Photosynthetic Marine Organisms with Potential Application in Aquaculture. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21050290. [PMID: 37233484 DOI: 10.3390/md21050290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aquaculture production is at a record level and is estimated to increase in the coming years. However, this production can be negatively affected by infectious diseases produced by viruses, bacteria, and parasites, causing fish mortality and economic losses. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small peptides that may be promising candidates to replace antibiotics because they are the first line of defense in animals against a wide variety of pathogens and have no negative effects; they also show additional activities such as antioxidant or immunoregulatory functions, which makes them powerful alternatives for use in aquaculture. Moreover, AMPs are highly available in natural sources and have already been used in the livestock farming and food industries. Photosynthetic marine organisms can survive under all kinds of environmental conditions and under extremely competitive environments thanks to their flexible metabolism. For this reason, these organisms represent a powerful source of bioactive molecules as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, including AMPs. Therefore, in this study we reviewed the present knowledge about AMPs from photosynthetic marine organism sources and analyzed whether they could be suitable for use in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- José María García-Beltrán
- Immunobiology for Aquaculture Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Campus Regional de Excelencia Internacional "Campus Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Physiology and Welfare of Marine Species Group (PHYSIS), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO), CSIC, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
| | - Marta Arizcun
- Physiology and Welfare of Marine Species Group (PHYSIS), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO), CSIC, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena Chaves-Pozo
- Physiology and Welfare of Marine Species Group (PHYSIS), Centro Oceanográfico de Murcia, Instituto Español de Oceanografía (COMU-IEO), CSIC, Puerto de Mazarrón, 30860 Murcia, Spain
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Martín Sánchez FJ, Martínez-Sellés M, Molero García JM, Moreno Guillén S, Rodríguez-Artalejo FJ, Ruiz-Galiana J, Cantón R, De Lucas Ramos P, García-Botella A, García-Lledó A, Hernández-Sampelayo T, Gómez-Pavón J, González Del Castillo J, Martín-Delgado MC, Bouza E. Insights for COVID-19 in 2023. REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA 2023. [PMID: 36510683 DOI: 10.3701/req/059.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Predictions for a near end of the pandemic by the World Health Organization should be interpreted with caution. Current evidence indicates that the efficacy of a fourth dose of classical mRNA vaccines (BT162b2 or mRNA-1273) is low and short-lived in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in its predominant variant (Omicron). However, its efficacy is high against severe symptomatic infection, hospitalization and death. The new vaccines being introduced are bivalent and active against the Omicron variants. Potential new vaccines to be introduced in the coming year include a vaccine based on a recombinant protein that emulates the receptor binding domain of the Spike protein under development by the Spanish company Hipra, as well as vaccines for nasal or oral administration. Available information suggests that vaccines against COVID-19 can be administered in association with influenza vaccination without particular complications. New drugs against COVID-19, both antiviral and anti-inflammatory, are under investigation, but this does not seem to be the case with monoclonal antibodies. The indication to use masks in some circumstances will be maintained next year in view of the accumulation of scientific data on their efficacy. Finally, the long COVID or Post-COVID syndrome may continue to affect a very high proportion of patients who have had the disease, requiring combined diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - E Bouza
- Servicio de Microbiología Clínica y Enfermedades Infecciosas del Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense. CIBERES. Ciber de Enfermedades Respiratorias. Madrid, Spain.
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Wu K, Li Y, Lin Y, Xu B, Yang J, Mo L, Huang R, Zhang X. Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of an exopolysaccharide from marine-derived Aspergillus versicolor SCAU141. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 227:329-339. [PMID: 36535356 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.127] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Until now, relatively little is known about marine-derived fungal polysaccharides and their activities. Exopolysaccharide AVP141-A was isolated from the broth of marine-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor SCAU141 and purified by Diethylaminoethyl-Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephadex G-100. The structural characteristics of AVP141-A was studied by chemical analysis together with high-performance gel permeation chromatography, ion chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that AVP141-A with the molecular weight of 5.10 kDa was mainly composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, branched by α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ at C-6 positions of the glucan backbone. In particular, sulfate ester (approximately 3.62 %) was found in AVP141-A, which was frequently considered to occur in marine-derived microbial polysaccharides rather than other microbial polysaccharides. Furthermore, AVP141-A significantly enhanced the activity of the inflammatory factors NO, COX-2 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 macrophages by activating the MAPK/p38 and NF-κB/p65 pathways. In addition, metabolomic analysis revealed that most of the pathways with significant changes in RAW264.7 macrophages treated with AVP141-A were amino acid-related pathways, and arginine was the characteristic metabolite. In conclusion, this study identified AVP141-A as a marine fungus-derived sulfated exopolysaccharide with potential for development as an immune activator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyue Wu
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yiyang Li
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Yuqi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Baojun Xu
- Food Science and Technology Program, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University-United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Jiajia Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Li Mo
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Riming Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China.
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Absolute Stereochemistry Determination of Bioactive Marine-Derived Cyclopeptides by Liquid Chromatography Methods: An Update Review (2018-2022). MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 28:molecules28020615. [PMID: 36677673 PMCID: PMC9867211 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28020615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cyclopeptides are considered as one of the most important classes of compounds derived from marine sources, due to their structural diversity and a myriad of their biological and pharmacological activities. Since marine-derived cyclopeptides consist of different amino acids, many of which are non-proteinogenic, they possess various stereogenic centers. In this respect, the structure elucidation of new molecular scaffolds obtained from natural sources, including marine-derived cyclopeptides, can become a very challenging task. The determination of the absolute configurations of the amino acid residues is accomplished, in most cases, by performing acidic hydrolysis, followed by analyses by liquid chromatography (LC). In a continuation with the authors' previous publication, and to analyze the current trends, the present review covers recently published works (from January 2018 to November 2022) regarding new cyclopeptides from marine organisms, with a special focus on their biological/pharmacological activities and the absolute stereochemical assignment of the amino acid residues. Ninety-one unreported marine-derived cyclopeptides were identified during this period, most of which displayed anticancer or antimicrobial activities. Marfey's method, which involves LC, was found to be the most frequently used for this purpose.
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15
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Calabretta LO, Yang J, Raines RT. N α -Methylation of arginine: Implications for cell-penetrating peptides. J Pept Sci 2022; 29:e3468. [PMID: 36494904 PMCID: PMC10073267 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3468] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The field of cell-penetrating peptides is dominated by the use of oligomers of arginine residues. Octanol-water partitioning in the presence of an anionic lipid is a validated proxy for cell-penetrative efficacy. Here, we add one, two, or three N-methyl groups to Ac-Arg-NH2 and examine the effects on octanol-water partitioning. In the absence of an anionic lipid, none of these arginine derivatives can be detected in the octanol layer. In the presence of sodium dodecanoate, however, increasing N-methylation correlates with increasing partitioning into octanol, which is predictive of higher cell-penetrative ability. We then evaluated fully Nα -methylated oligoarginine peptides and observed an increase in their cellular penetration compared with canonical oligoarginine peptides in some contexts. These findings indicate that a simple modification, Nα -methylation, can enhance the performance of cell-penetrating peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey O Calabretta
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jinyi Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ronald T Raines
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Nogrado K, Adisakwattana P, Reamtong O. Antimicrobial peptides: On future antiprotozoal and anthelminthic applications. Acta Trop 2022; 235:106665. [PMID: 36030045 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Control and elimination of parasitic diseases are nowadays further complicated by emergence of drug resistance. Drug resistance is a serious threat as there are not many effective antiparasitic drugs available. Aside from drug resistance, it is also favorable to look for alternative therapeutics that have lesser adverse effects. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were found to address these issues. Some of its desirable traits are they are fast-acting, it has broad action that the pathogen will have difficulty developing resistance to, it has high specificity, and most importantly there are extensive sources such as bacteria; invertebrate and vertebrate animals as well as plants. Aside from this, AMPs are also found to modulate the immune response. This review would like to describe AMPs that have been studied for their antiparasitic activities especially on parasitic diseases that causes high mortality and exhibits drug resistance like malaria and leishmaniasis and to discuss the mechanism of action of these AMPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathyleen Nogrado
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Poom Adisakwattana
- Department of Helminthology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Onrapak Reamtong
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
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Al-Khayri JM, Asghar W, Khan S, Akhtar A, Ayub H, Khalid N, Alessa FM, Al-Mssallem MQ, Rezk AAS, Shehata WF. Therapeutic Potential of Marine Bioactive Peptides against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Recent Evidence, Challenges, and Future Trends. Mar Drugs 2022; 20:md20080477. [PMID: 35892945 PMCID: PMC9394390 DOI: 10.3390/md20080477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic and potentially fatal ailment caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and remains a major health problem worldwide. In recent years, the research focus has shifted to a greater emphasis on complementing treatment regimens involving conventional antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapies with novel lead structures isolated from various marine organisms that have the potential to be utilized as therapeutics for the management of HIV-AIDS. The present review summarizes the recent developments regarding bioactive peptides sourced from various marine organisms. This includes a discussion encompassing the potential of these novel marine bioactive peptides with regard to antiretroviral activities against HIV, preparation, purification, and processing techniques, in addition to insight into the future trends with an emphasis on the potential of exploration and evaluation of novel peptides to be developed into effective antiretroviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Mohammed Al-Khayri
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.-S.R.); (W.F.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Waqas Asghar
- School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.K.); (A.A.); (H.A.)
| | - Sipper Khan
- School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.K.); (A.A.); (H.A.)
| | - Aqsa Akhtar
- School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.K.); (A.A.); (H.A.)
| | - Haris Ayub
- School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.K.); (A.A.); (H.A.)
| | - Nauman Khalid
- School of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Management and Technology, Lahore 54770, Pakistan; (W.A.); (S.K.); (A.A.); (H.A.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.A.-K.); (N.K.)
| | - Fatima Mohammed Alessa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (F.M.A.); (M.Q.A.-M.)
| | - Muneera Qassim Al-Mssallem
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (F.M.A.); (M.Q.A.-M.)
| | - Adel Abdel-Sabour Rezk
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.-S.R.); (W.F.S.)
| | - Wael Fathi Shehata
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia; (A.A.-S.R.); (W.F.S.)
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Wu C, Hoang HN, Hill TA, Lim J, Kok WM, Akondi K, Liu L, Fairlie DP. Helical structure in cyclic peptides: effect of N-methyl amides versus esters. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:12475-12478. [DOI: 10.1039/d2cc05092g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic peptides with esters but not N-methyl amides are the smallest known alpha helices in water and can enter cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongyang Wu
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Huy N. Hoang
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy A. Hill
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Junxian Lim
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - W. Mei Kok
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Kalyani Akondi
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Ligong Liu
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - David P. Fairlie
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
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