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Mehmood S, Thirup SS, Ahmed S, Bashir N, Saeed A, Rafiq M, Saeed Q, Najam-ul-Haq M, Khaliq B, Ibrahim M, Alonazi WB, Akrem A. Crystal structure of Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor: Entomotoxic effect of native and encapsulated protein targeting gut trypsin of Tribolium castaneum Herbst. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:3132-3142. [PMID: 39229336 PMCID: PMC11369452 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.07.023] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Trypsin inhibitors are known to act against insect pests by inhibiting proteases of the digestive tract. In this study, we report structural and functional characterization of ∼ 19 kDa Albizia procera Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor (ApKTI) protein with potential bio-insecticidal applications. Crystal structure of ApKTI protein has been refined to 1.42 Å and molecular structure (8HNR) showed highly beta sheeted conformation including 12 beta sheets, 15 loops and two small alpha helices. Docking between predicted model of Tribolium castaneum trypsin (TcPT) and 8HNR produced a stable complex (-11.3 kcal/mol) which reflects the inhibitory potential of ApKTI against insect gut trypsin. Significant mortality was observed in all life stages of T. castaneum including egg, larvae, pupae and adults with a 3.0 mg native ApKTI treatment in comparison to negative control. Although standard trypsin inhibitor (Glycine max trypsin inhibitors; GmKTI; 3.0 mg) produced maximum reduction against all above life stages; however, a non-significant mortality difference was observed in comparison to 3.0 mg native ApKTI. The study further explores the synthesis and characterization of Graphene (GNPs) and Zinc oxide (ZnONPs) nanoparticles, followed by the optimization of ApKTI and GmKTI loading on both nanoparticles to evaluate their enhanced insecticidal effectiveness. Encapsulated proteins showed significant mortality against T. castaneum across all concentrations, with GNPs proving more effective than ZnONPs. Additionally, encapsulated GmKTI produced significant mortality of eggs compared to loaded ApKTI treatments while other life stages were non-significantly affected by two proteins. This research highlights the importance of encapsulated ApKTI protein for eco-friendly pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaib Mehmood
- Institute of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Soren Skou Thirup
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Centre for Structural Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus 8000, Denmark
| | - Sarah Ahmed
- Department of Entomology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800 Pakistan
| | - Nabila Bashir
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800 Pakistan
| | - Ahsan Saeed
- Institute of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Maria Rafiq
- Institute of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Qamar Saeed
- Department of Entomology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800 Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Najam-ul-Haq
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800 Pakistan
| | - Binish Khaliq
- Botany Department, University of Okara, Okara 56300, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ibrahim
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (Sahiwal Campus), Sahiwal 57000, Pakistan
| | - Wadi Brak Alonazi
- Health Administration Department, College of Business Administration, King Saud University, P. O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Akrem
- Institute of Botany, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
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Parisi MG, Ozón B, Vera González SM, García-Pardo J, Obregón WD. Plant Protease Inhibitors as Emerging Antimicrobial Peptide Agents: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:582. [PMID: 38794245 PMCID: PMC11125377 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050582] [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: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important mediator molecules of the innate defense mechanisms in a wide range of living organisms, including bacteria, mammals, and plants. Among them, peptide protease inhibitors (PPIs) from plants play a central role in their defense mechanisms by directly attacking pathogens or by modulating the plant's defense response. The growing prevalence of microbial resistance to currently available antibiotics has intensified the interest concerning these molecules as novel antimicrobial agents. In this scenario, PPIs isolated from a variety of plants have shown potential in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, protozoans, and fungal strains, either by interfering with essential biochemical or physiological processes or by altering the permeability of biological membranes of invading organisms. Moreover, these molecules are active inhibitors of a range of proteases, including aspartic, serine, and cysteine types, with some showing particular efficacy as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential of plant-derived PPIs as novel antimicrobial molecules, highlighting their broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, specificity, and minimal toxicity. These natural compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms of action and often multifunctionality, positioning them as promising molecular scaffolds for developing new therapeutic antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G. Parisi
- Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES, CONICET-UNLu) and Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y Avenida Constitución, Luján B6700, Buenos Aires, Argentina;
| | - Brenda Ozón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
| | - Sofía M. Vera González
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Walter David Obregón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
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Gujjarlapudi M, Kotarya B, Mohanraj SS, Gupta D, Prasad ER, Kalle AM, Jaba J, Ponnusamy D, Padmasree K. Development of a rapid process for purification of Bowman-Birk and Kunitz inhibitors from legume seeds, and evaluation of their biophysical, insecticidal, and antimicrobial properties. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124050. [PMID: 36933601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124050] [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: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI ~10 kDa) and Kunitz inhibitor (KI ~20 kDa) are serine protease/proteinase inhibitor(s) [PI(s)] ubiquitously found in several Leguminous plant species with insecticidal and therapeutic properties. Due to narrow molecular mass differences, the separation of these inhibitors from a single seed variety is tedious. The present study is aimed to develop a rapid protocol (<24 h) for purifying BBI and KI from legume seeds using mild trichloroacetic acid (TCA) extraction followed by trypsin-affinity chromatography. The mature seeds of Vigna radiata and Cajanus platycarpus are used as a model to purify BBI and KI using this protocol. The BBI and KI purified from the seeds of V. radiata are labeled as VrBBI & VrKI, and C. platycarpus are labeled as CpBBI & CpKI, respectively. These PIs are confirmed by immunodetection and MALDI-TOF studies and further characterized for their structural (CD & fluorescence spectroscopy) and functional properties (temperature & DTT stability). BBI(s) purified using the above process are effective in the management of castor semi-looper 'Achaea janata', while KI(s) are effective in the management of pod borer 'Helicoverpa armigera'. Besides, both BBI(s) and KI(s) have significant potential in controlling the growth of methicillin-sensitive 'Staphylococcus aureus', a gram-positive pathogenic bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariyamma Gujjarlapudi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India
| | - Bharti Kotarya
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India
| | | | - Deepali Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India
| | - Elaprolu R Prasad
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India
| | - Arunasree M Kalle
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India
| | - Jagdish Jaba
- Entomology, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad 502 324, India
| | - Duraimurugan Ponnusamy
- Crop Protection Section, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad 500 030, India
| | - Kollipara Padmasree
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad 500 046, India.
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Nallasamy V, Seshiah M. Energy Profile Bayes and Thompson Optimized Convolutional Neural Network protein structure prediction. Neural Comput Appl 2023; 35:1983-2006. [PMID: 36245797 PMCID: PMC9542649 DOI: 10.1007/s00521-022-07868-0] [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: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In living organisms, proteins are considered as the executants of biological functions. Owing to its pivotal role played in protein folding patterns, comprehension of protein structure is a challenging issue. Moreover, owing to numerous protein sequence exploration in protein data banks and complication of protein structures, experimental methods are found to be inadequate for protein structural class prediction. Hence, it is very much advantageous to design a reliable computational method to predict protein structural classes from protein sequences. In the recent few years there has been an elevated interest in using deep learning to assist protein structure prediction as protein structure prediction models can be utilized to screen a large number of novel sequences. In this regard, we propose a model employing Energy Profile for atom pairs in conjunction with the Legion-Class Bayes function called Energy Profile Legion-Class Bayes Protein Structure Identification model. Followed by this, we use a Thompson Optimized convolutional neural network to extract features between amino acids and then the Thompson Optimized SoftMax function is employed to extract associations between protein sequences for predicting secondary protein structure. The proposed Energy Profile Bayes and Thompson Optimized Convolutional Neural Network (EPB-OCNN) method tested distinct unique protein data and was compared to the state-of-the-art methods, the Template-Based Modeling, Protein Design using Deep Graph Neural Networks, a deep learning-based S-glutathionylation sites prediction tool called a Computational Framework, the Deep Learning and a distance-based protein structure prediction using deep learning. The results obtained when applied with the Biopython tool with respect to protein structure prediction time, protein structure prediction accuracy, specificity, recall, F-measure, and precision, respectively, are measured. The proposed EPB-OCNN method outperformed the state-of-the-art methods, thereby corroborating the objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varanavasi Nallasamy
- Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt. Ltd, CHIL SEZ IT Park, Keeranatham, Saravanam Patti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035 India
| | - Malarvizhi Seshiah
- Department of Computer Science, Thiruvalluvar Government Arts College, Rasipuram, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu India
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de Souza Nascimento AM, de Oliveira Segundo VH, Felipe Camelo Aguiar AJ, Piuvezam G, Souza Passos T, Florentino da Silva Chaves Damasceno KSFDS, de Araújo Morais AH. Antibacterial action mechanisms and mode of trypsin inhibitors: a systematic review. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2022; 37:749-759. [PMID: 35168466 PMCID: PMC8856033 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2039918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review (SR) aimed to gather studies describing the antibacterial action mechanisms and mode of trypsin inhibitors. The review protocol was registered (PROSPERO: CRD42020189069). Original articles resulting from studies in animal models, in bacterial culture, and using cells that describe antibacterial action of trypsin inhibitor-type peptides or proteins were selected in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, BVS, and EMBASE. The methodological quality assessment was performed using the PRISMA and OHAT tool. 2382 articles were retrieved, 17 of which were eligible. Four studies demonstrated the action mechanism directly on the bacterial membrane, and the fifth study on endogenous proteases extracted from the bacteria themselves. The antibacterial action mode was presented in the other studies, which can generate bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects without describing the mechanisms. This study generated information to enable new preclinical or clinical studies with molecules contributing to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Júlia Felipe Camelo Aguiar
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Postgraduate Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Grasiela Piuvezam
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Department of Public Health, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Thaís Souza Passos
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Heloneida de Araújo Morais
- Nutrition Postgraduate Program, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Postgraduate Program, Biosciences Center, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Department of Nutrition, Center for Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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Urease and α-Chymotrypsin Inhibitory Activities and Molecular Docking Studies of Alkaloids Isolated from Medicinal Plant Isatis minima Bunge. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1904874. [PMID: 35754682 PMCID: PMC9217576 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1904874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phytochemical studies on the alkaloids fraction of the entire plant of Isatis minima Bunge resulted in the alkaloids 1–4 isolation, which were first time isolated from this species. The 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data were used to identify their structures, and there was satisfactory compatibility of the data compared to those which were previously published. In the examined compounds 1–4, Isaindigotidione (3) and Isaindigotone (4) were shown as an effective urease inhibitor in such a concentration-dependent way against Jack bean and Bacillus pasteurii urease, with IC50 values 29.03 ± 0.04, 20.04 ± 0.09 and 34.03 ± 0.07, 26.13 ± 0.08 μM, respectively. Compounds 3 and 4 were likewise shown to be an effective inhibitor against α-chymotrypsin, exhibiting IC50 values 16.09 ± 0.07 and 22.01 ± 0.06 μM, correspondingly. The program MOE-Dock was used to perform a molecular docking analysis to confirm probable binding modes of the active complexes of the isolated compounds 1–4 and the crystal structure of urease and α-chymotrypsin enzymes. Compound 3 was the most active, having the highest docking scores against Bacillus pasteurii urease, α-chymotrypsin, and Jack bean (−8.6876), (−7.6647), and (−13.1927) μM, respectively. All four alkaloids (1–4) showed significant urease and protease inhibitory potential and further these activities were confirmed with the help of molecular docking study.
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Ateeq M, Adeel MM, Kanwal A, Tahir ul Qamar M, Saeed A, Khaliq B, Saeed Q, Atiq MN, Bilal M, Alharbi M, Alshammari A, Akrem A. In Silico Analysis and Functional Characterization of Antimicrobial and Insecticidal Vicilin from Moth Bean ( Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal) Seeds. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27103251. [PMID: 35630727 PMCID: PMC9145308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Vicilin has nutraceutical potential and different noteworthy medicative health-promoting biotic diversions, and it is remarkable against pathogenic microorganisms and insects. In this study, Vigna aconitifolia vicilin (VacV) has been identified and characterized from the seed of Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal (Moth beans). LC-MS/MS analysis of VacV provided seven random fragmented sequences comprising 238 residues, showing significant homology with already reported Vigna radiata vicilin (VraV). VacV was purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation (60%) followed by size exclusion chromatography on Hi-Load 16/60 Superdex 200 pg column and anion-exchange chromatography (Hi trap Q FF column). Purified VacV showed a major ~50 kDa band and multiple lower bands on 12% sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) under both reduced and non-reduced conditions. After all, a three-dimensional molecular structure of VacV was predicted, which showed β-sheeted molecular conformation similar to crystallographic structure of VraV. All Vicilins from V. aconitifolia and other plants were divided into six sub-groups by phylogenetic analysis, and VacV shared a high degree of similarity with vicilins of Vigna radiata, Pisum sativum, Lupinus albus, Cicer arietinum and Glycine max. Additionally, VacV (20 μg) has significant growth inhibition against different pathogenic bacteria along strong antifungal activity (50 μg). Likewise, VacV (3.0 mg) produced significant growth reduction in Rice Weevil Sitophilus oryzae larvae after 9 days compared with control. Furthermore, by using MMT assay, the cytotoxicity effect of VacV on the growth of HepG2 liver cancerous cells was tested. VacV showed cytotoxicity against the HepG-2 line and the acquired value was 180 µg after 48 h. Finally, we performed molecular docking against caspase-3 protein (PDB ID: 3DEI) for VacV bioactive receptor interface residues. Hence, our results reveal that VacV, has nutraceutical potential and moth beans can be used as a rich resource of functional foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ateeq
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology-Ministry of Education, College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Muzammal Adeel
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Bioinformatics, College of Informatics, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ayesha Kanwal
- College of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China;
| | - Muhammad Tahir ul Qamar
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahsan Saeed
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Binish Khaliq
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Life Science, University of Okara, Okara 56300, Pakistan;
| | - Qamar Saeed
- Department of Entomology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Muhammad Nauman Atiq
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China;
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, 87-West Canal Road Thokar Niaz Baig, Lahore 53700, Pakistan;
| | - Metab Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (M.T.u.Q.); (A.A.)
| | - Abdulrahman Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P. O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (M.T.u.Q.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Akrem
- Botany Division, Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (A.A.)
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Plant Kunitz Inhibitors and Their Interaction with Proteases: Current and Potential Pharmacological Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094742. [PMID: 35563133 PMCID: PMC9100506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The action of proteases can be controlled by several mechanisms, including regulation through gene expression; post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation; zymogen activation; targeting specific compartments, such as lysosomes and mitochondria; and blocking proteolysis using endogenous inhibitors. Protease inhibitors are important molecules to be explored for the control of proteolytic processes in organisms because of their ability to act on several proteases. In this context, plants synthesize numerous proteins that contribute to protection against attacks by microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) and/or invertebrates (insects and nematodes) through the inhibition of proteases in these organisms. These proteins are widely distributed in the plant kingdom, and are present in higher concentrations in legume seeds (compared to other organs and other botanical families), motivating studies on their inhibitory effects in various organisms, including humans. In most cases, the biological roles of these proteins have been assigned based mostly on their in vitro action, as is the case with enzyme inhibitors. This review highlights the structural evolution, function, and wide variety of effects of plant Kunitz protease inhibitors, and their potential for pharmaceutical application based on their interactions with different proteases.
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do Amaral M, Freitas ACO, Santos AS, Dos Santos EC, Ferreira MM, da Silva Gesteira A, Gramacho KP, Marinho-Prado JS, Pirovani CP. TcTI, a Kunitz-type trypsin inhibitor from cocoa associated with defense against pathogens. Sci Rep 2022; 12:698. [PMID: 35027639 PMCID: PMC8758671 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04700-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Protease inhibitors (PIs) are important biotechnological tools of interest in agriculture. Usually they are the first proteins to be activated in plant-induced resistance against pathogens. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize a Theobroma cacao trypsin inhibitor called TcTI. The ORF has 740 bp encoding a protein with 219 amino acids, molecular weight of approximately 23 kDa. rTcTI was expressed in the soluble fraction of Escherichia coli strain Rosetta [DE3]. The purified His-Tag rTcTI showed inhibitory activity against commercial porcine trypsin. The kinetic model demonstrated that rTcTI is a competitive inhibitor, with a Ki value of 4.08 × 10-7 mol L-1. The thermostability analysis of rTcTI showed that 100% inhibitory activity was retained up to 60 °C and that at 70-80 °C, inhibitory activity remained above 50%. Circular dichroism analysis indicated that the protein is rich in loop structures and β-conformations. Furthermore, in vivo assays against Helicoverpa armigera larvae were also performed with rTcTI in 0.1 mg mL-1 spray solutions on leaf surfaces, which reduced larval growth by 70% compared to the control treatment. Trials with cocoa plants infected with Mp showed a greater accumulation of TcTI in resistant varieties of T. cacao, so this regulation may be associated with different isoforms of TcTI. This inhibitor has biochemical characteristics suitable for biotechnological applications as well as in resistance studies of T. cacao and other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena do Amaral
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, UESC, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km - 16, Ilhéus, BA, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Camila Oliveira Freitas
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, UESC, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km - 16, Ilhéus, BA, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | - Ariana Silva Santos
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, UESC, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km - 16, Ilhéus, BA, CEP 45662-900, Brazil.
| | - Everton Cruz Dos Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20230-130, Brazil
| | - Monaliza Macêdo Ferreira
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, UESC, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km - 16, Ilhéus, BA, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
| | | | - Karina Peres Gramacho
- Centro de Pesquisa do Cacau [CEPEC/CEPLAC] Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, Km 22 Rod. Ilhéus-Itabuna, Ilhéus, Bahia, 45600-970, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Priminho Pirovani
- Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, UESC, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna, Km - 16, Ilhéus, BA, CEP 45662-900, Brazil
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Chen Y, Xi X, Ma C, Zhou M, Chen X, Ye Z, Ge L, Wu Q, Chen T, Wang L, Kwok HF. Structure-Activity Relationship and Molecular Docking of a Kunitz-Like Trypsin Inhibitor, Kunitzin-AH, from the Skin Secretion of Amolops hainanensis. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13070966. [PMID: 34206897 PMCID: PMC8309051 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13070966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Kunitz-like trypsin inhibitors are one of the most noteworthy research objects owing to their significance in pharmacological studies, including anticarcinogenic activity, obesity regulation and anticoagulation. In the current study, a novel Kunitz-like trypsin inhibitor, Kunitzin-AH, was isolated from the skin secretion of Amolops hainanensis. The novel peptide displayed a modest trypsin inhibitory activity with the inhibitor constant (Ki) value of 1.18 ± 0.08 µM without inducing damage to healthy horse erythrocytes. Then, a series of shortened variants of Kunitzin-AH were designed by truncating a peptide loop and site mutation inside the loop to illustrate the structure–activity relationship of the trypsin inhibition function. Among the variants, a significant decrease was observed for the Cys-Cys loop domain, while the extension of an Arg at N-terminus (RCKAAFC) retained the inhibitory activity, indicating that the -RCK-motif is essential in forming the reactive domain for exerting the inhibitory activity. Furthermore, substitutions of Ala by hydrophobic or hydrophilic residues decreased the activity, indicating suitable steric hindrance provides convenience for the combination of trypsin. Additionally, the conformational simulation of the analogues processed with Chimera and Gromacs and further combination simulations between the peptides and trypsin conducted with HDOCK offered a potential opportunity for the natural trypsin inhibitory drug design. The truncated sequence, AH-798, may be a good replacement for the full-length peptide, and can be optimized via cyclization for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Xinping Xi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (H.F.K.)
| | - Chengbang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Mei Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Zhuming Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Lilin Ge
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Q.W.)
| | - Qinan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; (L.G.); (Q.W.)
| | - Tianbao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (Y.C.); (C.M.); (M.Z.); (X.C.); (Z.Y.); (T.C.); (L.W.)
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China
- Correspondence: (X.X.); (H.F.K.)
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