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Shaban S, Patel M, Ahmad A. Antifungal activity of human antimicrobial peptides targeting apoptosis in Candida auris. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73. [PMID: 38743468 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001835] [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] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction. Innovative antifungal therapies are of crucial importance to combat the potentially life-threatening infections linked to the multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris. Induction of regulated cell death, apoptosis, could provide an outline for future therapeutics. Human antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), well-known antifungal compounds, have shown the ability to induce apoptosis in pathogenic fungi.Hypothesis/Gap Statement . Although it is known that AMPs possess antifungal activity against C. auris, their ability to induce apoptosis requires further investigations.Aim. This study evaluated the effects of AMPs on the induction of apoptosis in C. auris.Methods. Human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1), human β-Defensins-3 (hBD-3) and human salivary histatin 5 (His 5) were assessed against two clinical C. auris isolates. Apoptosis hallmarks were examined using FITC-Annexin V/PI double labelling assay and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxynucleotidyl transferase nick-end labelling (TUNEL) to detect phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, respectively. Then, several intracellular triggers were studied using JC-10 staining, spectrophotometric assay and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome-c release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, respectively.Results and conclusion. FITC-Annexin V/PI staining and TUNEL analysis revealed that exposure of C. auris cells to HNP-1 and hBD-3 triggered both early and late apoptosis, while His 5 caused significant necrosis. Furthermore, HNP-1 and hBD-3 induced significant mitochondrial membrane depolarization, which resulted in substantial cytochrome c release. In contrast to His 5, which showed minimal mitochondrial depolarization and no cytochrome c release. At last, all peptides significantly increased ROS production, which is related to both types of cell death. Therefore, these peptides represent promising and effective antifungal agents for treating invasive infections caused by multidrug-resistant C. auris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siham Shaban
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Mrudula Patel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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2
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Anooja VV, Archana K, Athira PP, Anju MV, Neelima S, Muhammed Musthafa S, Dhaneesha M, Sajeevan TP, Singh ISB, Philip R. Antibacterial activity and modes of action of a novel hepcidin isoform from the shrimp scad, Alepes djedaba (Forsskål, 1775). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 146:109406. [PMID: 38278338 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepcidin, initially identified in human blood ultrafiltrate as cysteine rich Liver Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide (LEAP-1), is a core molecular conduit between iron trafficking and immune response. Though a great share of studies has been focused on the iron regulatory function of hepcidins, investigations on the antimicrobial aspects are relatively less. The present study is aimed at identification of hepcidin from a teleost fish, Alepes djedaba followed by its recombinant expression, testing antibacterial property, stability and evaluation of cytotoxicity. Modes of action on bacterial pathogens were also examined. A novel hepcidin isoform, Ad-Hep belonging to the HAMP1 (Hepcidin antimicrobial peptide 1) group of hepcidins was identified from the shrimp scad, Alepes djedaba. Ad-Hep with 2.9 kDa size was found to be a cysteine rich, cationic peptide (+4) with antiparallel beta sheet conformation, a furin cleavage site (RXXR) and 'ATCUN' motif. It was heterologously expressed in E. coli Rosettagami B(DE3)PLysS cells and the recombinant peptide, rAd-Hep was found to have significant antibacterial activity, especially against Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Escherichia coli. Membrane depolarization followed by membrane permeabilization and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production were found to be the modes of action of rAd-Hep on bacterial cells. Ad-Hep was found to be non-haemolytic to hRBC and non-cytotoxic in mammalian cell line. Stability of the peptide at varying temperature, pH and metal salts qualify them for applications in vivo. With significant bactericidal activity coupled with direct killing mechanisms, the rAd-Hep can be a promising drug candidate for therapeutic applications in medicine and fish culture systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Anooja
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - K Archana
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - P P Athira
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - M V Anju
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - S Neelima
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - S Muhammed Musthafa
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - M Dhaneesha
- National Center for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - T P Sajeevan
- National Center for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - I S Bright Singh
- National Center for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India
| | - Rosamma Philip
- Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Kochi, 682016, Kerala, India.
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Shui Y, Wang H, Chen Y, Hao Y, Li S, Zhang W, Deng B, Li W, Wu P, Li Z. Antifungal efficacy of scorpion derived peptide K1K8 against Candida albicans in vitro and in vivo. Toxicon 2024; 238:107593. [PMID: 38163461 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
As an alternative class of antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention. In this study, K1K8, a scorpion AMP derivative, showed effective activity against Candida albicans including clinically resistant strains. K1K8 killed C. albicans cells mainly by damaging the cell membrane and inducing necrosis via an ROS-related pathway. K1K8 could also interact with DNA after damaging the nuclear envelope. Moreover, K1K8 inhibited hyphal development and biofilm formation of C. albicans in a dose-dependent manner. In the mouse skin infection model, K1K8 significantly decreased the counts of C. albicans cells in the infection area. Overall, K1K8 is a potential anti-infective agent against skin infections caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingbin Shui
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Huayi Wang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yunqi Chen
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yixuan Hao
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Shasha Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Bo Deng
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wanwu Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- College of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
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Płonka D, Wiśniewska MD, Ziemska-Legięcka J, Grynberg M, Bal W. The Cu(II) affinity constant and reactivity of Hepcidin-25, the main iron regulator in human blood. J Inorg Biochem 2023; 248:112364. [PMID: 37689037 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2023.112364] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepcidin is an iron regulatory hormone that does not bind iron directly. Instead, its mature 25-peptide form (H25) contains a binding site for other metals, the so-called ATCUN/NTS (amino-terminal Cu/Ni binding site). The Cu(II)-hepcidin complex was previously studied, but due to poor solubility and difficult handling of the peptide the definitive account on the binding equilibrium was not obtained reliably. In this study we performed a series of fluorescence competition experiments between H25 and its model peptides containing the same ATCUN/NTS site and determined the Cu(II) conditional binding constant of the CuH25 complex at pH 7.4, CK7.4 = 4 ± 2 × 1014 M-1. This complex was found to be very inert in exchange reactions and poorly reactive in the ascorbate consumption test. The consequences of these findings for the putative role of Cu(II) interactions with H25 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawid Płonka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Marta D Wiśniewska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Joanna Ziemska-Legięcka
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Marcin Grynberg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland
| | - Wojciech Bal
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, Warsaw 02-106, Poland.
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5
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Azemin WA, Alias N, Ali AM, Shamsir MS. Structural and functional characterisation of HepTH1-5 peptide as a potential hepcidin replacement. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:681-704. [PMID: 34870559 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.2011415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepcidin is a principal regulator of iron homeostasis and its dysregulation has been recognised as a causative factor in cancers and iron disorders. The strategy of manipulating the presence of hepcidin peptide has been used for cancer treatment. However, this has demonstrated poor efficiency and has been short-lived in patients. Many studies reported using minihepcidin therapy as an alternative way to treat hepcidin dysregulation, but this was only applied to non-cancer patients. Highly conserved fish hepcidin protein, HepTH1-5, was investigated to determine its potential use in developing a hepcidin replacement for human hepcidin (Hepc25) and as a therapeutic agent by targeting the tumour suppressor protein, p53, through structure-function analysis. The authors found that HepTH1-5 is stably bound to ferroportin, compared to Hepc25, by triggering the ferroportin internalisation via Lys42 and Lys270 ubiquitination, in a similar manner to the Hepc25 activity. Moreover, the residues Ile24 and Gly24, along with copper and zinc ligands, interacted with similar residues, Lys24 and Asp1 of Hepc25, respectively, showing that those molecules are crucial to the hepcidin replacement strategy. HepTH1-5 interacts with p53 and activates its function through phosphorylation. This finding shows that HepTH1-5 might be involved in the apoptosis signalling pathway upon a DNA damage response. This study will be very helpful for understanding the mechanism of the hepcidin replacement and providing insights into the HepTH1-5 peptide as a new target for hepcidin and cancer therapeutics.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Atirah Azemin
- School of Agriculture Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia.,Bioinformatics Research Group (BIRG), Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Nadiawati Alias
- School of Agriculture Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Manaf Ali
- School of Agriculture Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Shahir Shamsir
- Bioinformatics Research Group (BIRG), Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Pagoh Higher Education Hub, Muar, Johor, Malaysia
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Guevara-Lora I, Bras G, Juszczak M, Karkowska-Kuleta J, Gorecki A, Manrique-Moreno M, Dymek J, Pyza E, Kozik A, Rapala-Kozik M. Cecropin D-derived synthetic peptides in the fight against Candida albicans cell filamentation and biofilm formation. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1045984. [PMID: 36713201 PMCID: PMC9880178 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1045984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent progressive increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, makes the search for new therapies crucial in the face of the growing drug resistance of prevalent nosocomial yeast strains. The latest research focuses on the active compounds of natural origin, inhibiting fungal growth, and preventing the formation of fungal biofilms. Antimicrobial peptides are currently the subject of numerous studies concerning effective antifungal therapy. In the present study, the antifungal properties of two synthetic peptides (ΔM3, ΔM4) derived from an insect antimicrobial peptide - cecropin D - were investigated. The fungicidal activity of both compounds was demonstrated against the yeast forms of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida parapsilosis, reaching a MFC99.9 in the micromolar range, while Candida glabrata showed greater resistance to these peptides. The scanning electron microscopy revealed a destabilization of the yeast cell walls upon treatment with both peptides; however, their effectiveness was strongly modified by the presence of salt or plasma in the yeast environment. The transition of C. albicans cells from yeast to filamentous form, as well as the formation of biofilms, was effectively reduced by ΔM4. Mature biofilm viability was inhibited by a higher concentration of this peptide and was accompanied by increased ROS production, activation of the GPX3 and SOD5 genes, and finally, increased membrane permeability. Furthermore, both peptides showed a synergistic effect with caspofungin in inhibiting the metabolic activity of C. albicans cells, and an additive effect was also observed for the mixtures of peptides with amphotericin B. The results indicate the possible potential of the tested peptides in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibeth Guevara-Lora
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Bras
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Juszczak
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Karkowska-Kuleta
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Gorecki
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Chemistry Institute, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Jakub Dymek
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kozik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Maria Rapala-Kozik
- Department of Comparative Biochemistry and Bioanalytics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland,*Correspondence: Maria Rapala-Kozik,
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Kakar A, Sastré-Velásquez LE, Hess M, Galgóczy L, Papp C, Holzknecht J, Romanelli A, Váradi G, Malanovic N, Marx F. The Membrane Activity of the Amphibian Temporin B Peptide Analog TB_KKG6K Sheds Light on the Mechanism That Kills Candida albicans. mSphere 2022; 7:e0029022. [PMID: 35972132 PMCID: PMC9599520 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00290-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporin B (TB) is a 13-amino-acid-long, cationic peptide secreted by the granular glands of the European frog Rana temporaria. We recently showed that the modified TB peptide analog TB_KKG6K rapidly killed planktonic and sessile Candida albicans at low micromolar concentrations and was neither hemolytic nor cytotoxic to mammalian cells in vitro. The present study aimed to shed light into its mechanism of action, with a focus on its fungal cell membrane activity. We utilized different fluorescent dyes to prove that it rapidly induces membrane depolarization and permeabilization. Studies on model membrane systems revealed that the TB analog undergoes hydrophobic and electrostatic membrane interactions, showing a preference for anionic lipids, and identified phosphatidylinositol and cardiolipin as possible peptide targets. Fluorescence microscopy using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TB_KKG6K in the presence of the lipophilic dye FM4-64 indicated that the peptide compromises membrane integrity and rapidly enters C. albicans cells in an energy-independent manner. Peptide-treated cells analyzed by cryo-based electron microscopy exhibited no signs of cell lysis; however, subcellular structures had disintegrated, suggesting that intracellular activity may form part of the killing mechanism of the peptide. Taken together, this study proved that TB_KKG6K compromises C. albicans membrane function, which explains the previously observed rapid, fungicidal mode of action and supports its great potential as a future anti-Candida therapeutic. IMPORTANCE Fungal infections with the opportunistic human pathogen C. albicans are associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. This is partly due to the yeast's ability to rapidly develop resistance toward currently available antifungals. Small, cationic, membrane-active peptides are promising compounds to fight against resistance development, as many of them effectuate rapid fungal cell death. This fast killing is believed to hamper the development of resistance, as the fungi do not have sufficient time to adapt to the antifungal compound. We previously reported that the synthetic variant of the amphibian TB peptide, TB_KKG6K, rapidly kills C. albicans. In the current study, the mechanism of action of the TB analog was investigated. We show that this TB analog is membrane-active and impairs cell membrane function, highlighting its potential to be developed as an attractive alternative anti-C. albicans therapeutic that may hinder the development of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anant Kakar
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Michael Hess
- Institute for Histology and Embryology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - László Galgóczy
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Centre, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Jeanett Holzknecht
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Györgyi Váradi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nermina Malanovic
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Field of Excellence BioHealth, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Florentine Marx
- Biocenter, Institute of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Li Z, Jing X, Yuan Y, Shui Y, Li S, Zhao Z, Deng B, Zhang W. In vitro and in vivo Activity of Phibilin Against Candida albicans. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:862834. [PMID: 35633688 PMCID: PMC9130856 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.862834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increase in the occurrence of antifungal-resistant Candida albicans infections necessitates more research to explore alternative effective and safe agents against this fungus. In this work, Phibilin, a new antimicrobial peptide obtained from Philomycus bilineatus and used in traditional Chinese medicine, effectively inhibits the growth and activities of C. albicans, including the clinical resistant strains. Phibilin is a fungicidal antimicrobial peptide that exhibited its antimicrobial effect against C. albicans mainly by disrupting the membrane and interacting with the DNA of the fungi. In particular, Phibilin induces the necrosis of C. albicans via the ROS-related pathway. Moreover, this antifungal compound inhibited the biofilm formation of C. albicans by preventing the development of hyphae in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Phibilin and clotrimazole displayed a synergistic effect in inhibiting the growth of the fungi. In the mouse cutaneous infection model, Phibilin significantly inhibited the formation of skin abscesses and decreased the counts of C. albicans cells in the infected area. Overall, Phibilin is potentially an effective agent against skin infections caused by C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Jing
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yaping Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Yingbin Shui
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Shasha Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Zhuoran Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Bo Deng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Wenlu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
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Wang Q, Pan L, Han Y, Zhou Z. Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Enterocin CHQS Against Candida albicans. Curr Microbiol 2022; 79:191. [PMID: 35552837 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-022-02878-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen in hospital-acquired infections, which is extremely harmful to health. The increasing fungal infections is requiring the rapid development of novel antifungal agents. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of CHQS, an enterocin isolated from Enterococcus faecalis TG2 against C. albicans was confirmed by the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration, and time-kill curve. Aniline blue and calcofluor white staining methods showed that CHQS remarkably affected β-1,3-glucan and chitin cell wall components and made cell wall more vulnerable. The C. albicans cell wall rupture and intracellular vacuolation were observed by TEM and SEM. Moreover, CHQS induced the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. These results suggested that CHQS might have a complex multi-target antimicrobial mechanism against C. albicans. In addition, the use of CHQS combined with amphotericin B showed synergistic antimicrobial effects against C. albicans. In conclusion, enterocin CHQS, a natural product with antimicrobial effect, might has a bright future for the development of new antifungal drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Lei Pan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ye Han
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Zhijiang Zhou
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Park SC, Kim JY, Lee JK, Lim HS, Son H, Yoo SH, Mun SE, Jang MK, Lee JR. Antifungal Mechanism of Vip3Aa, a Vegetative Insecticidal Protein, against Pathogenic Fungal Strains. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10121558. [PMID: 34943770 PMCID: PMC8698955 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10121558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovering new antifungal agents is difficult, since, unlike bacteria, mammalian and fungal cells are both eukaryotes. An efficient strategy is to consider new antimicrobial proteins that have variety of action mechanisms. In this study, a cDNA encoding Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa protein, a vegetative insecticidal protein, was obtained at the vegetative growth stage; its antifungal activity and mechanism were evaluated using a bacterially expressed recombinant Vip3Aa protein. The Vip3Aa protein demonstrated various concentration- and time-dependent antifungal activities, with inhibitory concentrations against yeast and filamentous fungi ranging from 62.5 to 125 µg/mL and 250 to 500 µg/mL, respectively. The uptake of propidium iodide and cellular distributions of rhodamine-labeled Vip3Aa into fungal cells indicate that its growth inhibition mechanism involves its penetration within cells and subsequent intracellular damage. Furthermore, we discovered that the death of Candida albicans cells was caused by the induction of apoptosis via the generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and binding to nucleic acids. The presence of significantly enlarged Vip3Aa-treated fungal cells indicates that this protein causes intracellular damage. Our findings suggest that Vip3Aa protein has potential applications in the development of natural antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Cheol Park
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Jong-Kook Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
| | - Hye Song Lim
- LMO Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea; (H.S.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
| | - Hyosuk Son
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, 101-75 Jangsan-ro, Janghang-eup, Seocheon-gun 33662, Korea
| | - Su-Hyang Yoo
- LMO Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea; (H.S.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
| | - Seong-Eun Mun
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea;
| | - Mi-Kyeong Jang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea; (S.-C.P.); (J.-Y.K.); (J.-K.L.); (H.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.-K.J.); (J.R.L.); Tel.: +82-62-750-3567 (M.-K.J.); +82-41-950-5820 (J.R.L.)
| | - Jung Ro Lee
- LMO Research Team, National Institute of Ecology, 1210 Geumgang-ro, Maseo-myeon, Seocheon-gun 33657, Korea; (H.S.L.); (S.-H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (M.-K.J.); (J.R.L.); Tel.: +82-62-750-3567 (M.-K.J.); +82-41-950-5820 (J.R.L.)
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Liang J, Sun D, Yang Y, Li M, Li H, Chen L. Discovery of metal-based complexes as promising antimicrobial agents. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113696. [PMID: 34274828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an intractable problem for the world. Metal ions are essential for the cell process and biological function in microorganisms. Many metal-based complexes with the potential for releasing ions are more likely to be absorbed for their higher lipid solubility. Hence, this review highlights the clinical potential of organometallic compounds for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria or fungi in recent five years. The common scaffolds, including antimicrobial peptides, N-heterocyclic carbenes, Schiff bases, photosensitive-grand-cycle skeleton structures, aliphatic amines-based ligands, and special metal-based complexes are summarized here. We also discuss their therapeutic targets and the risks that should be paid attention to in the future studies, aiming to provide information for researchers on metal-based complexes as antimicrobial agents and inspire the design and synthesis of new antimicrobial drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Dejuan Sun
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yueying Yang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Mingxue Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Hua Li
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Natural Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Lixia Chen
- Wuya College of Innovation, Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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12
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Chang CK, Kao MC, Lan CY. Antimicrobial Activity of the Peptide LfcinB15 against Candida albicans. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7070519. [PMID: 34209722 PMCID: PMC8306953 DOI: 10.3390/jof7070519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactoferricin (Lfcin) is an amphipathic, cationic peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of the N-lobe of lactoferrin (Lf). Lfcin and its derivatives possess broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities. However, unlike their antibacterial functions, the modes of action of Lfcin and its derivatives against pathogenic fungi are less well understood. In this study, the mechanisms of LfcinB15, a derivative of bovine Lfcin, against Candida albicans were, therefore, extensively investigated. LfcinB15 exhibited inhibitory activity against planktonic cells, biofilm cells, and clinical isolates of C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species. We further demonstrated that LfcinB15 is localized on the cell surface and vacuoles of C. albicans cells. Moreover, LfcinB15 uses several different methods to kill C. albicans, including disturbing the cell membrane, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and causing mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, the Hog1 and Mkc1 mitogen-activated protein kinases were both activated in C. albicans cells in response to LfcinB15. These findings help us to obtain more insight into the complex mechanisms used by LfcinB15 and other Lfcin-derived peptides to fight fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Kang Chang
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Mou-Chieh Kao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.K.); ; (C.-Y.L.); Tel.: +886-3-5742473 (M.-C.K.); +886-3-5742472 (C.-Y.L.)
| | - Chung-Yu Lan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-C.K.); ; (C.-Y.L.); Tel.: +886-3-5742473 (M.-C.K.); +886-3-5742472 (C.-Y.L.)
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13
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Reactive oxygen mediated apoptosis as a therapeutic approach against opportunistic Candida albicans. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2021; 125:25-49. [PMID: 33931141 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans are polymorphic fungal species commonly occurs in a symbiotic association with the host's usual microflora. Certain specific changes in its usual microenvironment can lead to diseases ranging from external mucosal to severally lethal systemic infections like invasive candidiasis hospital-acquired fatal infection caused by different species of Candida. The patient acquired with this infection has a high mortality and morbidity rate, ranging from 40% to 60%. This is an ill-posed problem by its very nature. Hence, early diagnosis and management is a crucial part. Antifungal drug resistance against the first and second generation of antifungal drugs has made it difficult to treat such fatal diseases. After a few dormant years, recently, there has been a rapid turnover of identifying novel drugs with low toxicity to limit the problem of drug resistance. After an initial overview of related work, we examine specific prior work on how a change in oxidative stress can facilitate apoptosis in C. albicans. Subsequently, it was investigated that Candida spp. suppresses the production of ROS mediated host defense system. Here, we have reviewed possibly all the small molecule inhibitors, natural products, antimicrobial peptide, and some naturally derived semi-synthetic compounds which are known to influence oxidative stress, to generate a proper apoptotic response in C. albicans and thus might be a novel therapeutic approach to augment the current treatment options.
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Bouraguba M, Glattard E, Naudé M, Pelletier R, Aisenbrey C, Bechinger B, Raibaut L, Lebrun V, Faller P. Copper-binding motifs Xxx-His or Xxx-Zzz-His (ATCUN) linked to an antimicrobial peptide: Cu-binding, antimicrobial activity and ROS production. J Inorg Biochem 2020; 213:111255. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2020.111255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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