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Liu R, Chen X, Li J, Liu X, Shu M. Discovery of novel bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4-BD1) inhibitors combined with 3d-QSAR, molecular docking and molecular dynamics in silico. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38425011 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2321249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Bromine-containing domain protein 4 (BRD4) plays a crucial role in regulating transcription and genome stability. Selective inhibitors of BRD4-BD1 can specifically target specific bromine domains to affect cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. In this work, 43 selective benzoazepinone BRD4-BD1 inhibitors were studied using molecular simulations and three-dimensional quantitative conformation relationships (3D-QSAR). A reliable 3D-QSAR model was established based on COMFA (Q2 = 0.532, R2 = 0.981) and COMSIA (S + E + H (Q2 = 0.536, R2 = 0.979) two different analysis methods. Through 3D-QSAR model prediction and quantum chemical analysis, 15 small molecules with stronger inhibitory activity than the template compounds were constructed, and 5 new compounds with higher predictive activity and binding affinity were screened by molecular docking and ADMET methods. According to the molecular dynamics simulation, the key residues that can interact with BRD4-BD1 protein and molecular docking results are consistent, including ASN140, MET132, GLN85, MET105, ASN135 and TYR97. From the MD trajectory, we calculated and analyzed RMSD, RMSF, free binding energy, FECM, DCCM and PCA, the loop region formed by amino acids VAL45∼PRO62 showed α-helix, β-folding and clustering towards the active center with the extension of simulation time. Further optimization of the structure of active candidate compounds A6, A11, A14, and A15 will provide the necessary theoretical basis for the synthesis and activity evaluation of novel BRD4-BD1 inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodie Chen
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiali Li
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingyun Liu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
| | - Mao Shu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, China
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2
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Mwangi J, Kamau PM, Thuku RC, Lai R. Design methods for antimicrobial peptides with improved performance. Zool Res 2023; 44:1095-1114. [PMID: 37914524 PMCID: PMC10802102 DOI: 10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The recalcitrance of pathogens to traditional antibiotics has made treating and eradicating bacterial infections more difficult. In this regard, developing new antimicrobial agents to combat antibiotic-resistant strains has become a top priority. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), a ubiquitous class of naturally occurring compounds with broad-spectrum antipathogenic activity, hold significant promise as an effective solution to the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Several AMPs have been identified and evaluated for their therapeutic application, with many already in the drug development pipeline. Their distinct properties, such as high target specificity, potency, and ability to bypass microbial resistance mechanisms, make AMPs a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. Nonetheless, several challenges, such as high toxicity, lability to proteolytic degradation, low stability, poor pharmacokinetics, and high production costs, continue to hamper their clinical applicability. Therefore, recent research has focused on optimizing the properties of AMPs to improve their performance. By understanding the physicochemical properties of AMPs that correspond to their activity, such as amphipathicity, hydrophobicity, structural conformation, amino acid distribution, and composition, researchers can design AMPs with desired and improved performance. In this review, we highlight some of the key strategies used to optimize the performance of AMPs, including rational design and de novo synthesis. We also discuss the growing role of predictive computational tools, utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning, in the design and synthesis of highly efficacious lead drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Mwangi
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Peter Muiruri Kamau
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Rebecca Caroline Thuku
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650204, China
| | - Ren Lai
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Engineering Laboratory of Peptides of Chinese Academy of Sciences, KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, National Resource Centre for Non-Human Primates, Kunming Primate Research Centre, National Research Facility for Phenotypic & Genetic Analysis of Model Animals (Primate Facility), Sino-African Joint Research Centre, New Cornerstone Science Institute, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650107, China
- Centre for Evolution and Conservation Biology, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511458, China. E-mail:
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3
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Bui Thi Phuong H, Le Uyen C, Doan Ngan H, Luong Xuan H. Impact of chemical modifications on the antimicrobial and hemolytic activity of helical amphipathic peptide Lasioglossin LL-III. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1531-1544. [PMID: 37737904 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03326-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Insect venom is abundant in potential antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which can serve as novel alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Among them, Lasioglossin III LL-III) is a promising candidate with a broad spectrum against many fungi strains and both types of bacteria, whereas almost non-toxic to red blood cells. Many chemical approaches have been recently applied to improve its pharmacological properties and provide useful information regarding structure-activity relationships. Hence, this review focused on highlighting the lesson learned from each modification and supporting the future design of potent, selective, and metabolically stable AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Le Uyen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam
| | - Hoa Doan Ngan
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam
| | - Huy Luong Xuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam.
- Phenikaa Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), Phenikaa University, Hanoi, 12116, Vietnam.
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4
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Cárdenas-Martínez K, Barragán-Cárdenas AC, de la Rosa-Arbeláez M, Parra-Giraldo CM, Ochoa-Zarzosa A, Lopez-Meza JE, Rivera-Monroy ZJ, Fierro-Medina R, García-Castañeda JE. Evaluating the In Vitro Activity and Safety of Modified LfcinB Peptides as Potential Colon Anticancer Agents: Cell Line Studies and Insect-Based Toxicity Assessments. ACS Omega 2023; 8:37948-37957. [PMID: 37867694 PMCID: PMC10586019 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Anticancer peptides are increasingly being considered as alternative treatments for cancer due to their potency, selectivity, and low toxicity. Previously, the peptide LfcinB (21-25)Pal showed in vitro anticancer effects against the Caco-2 colon cancer cell line (half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50): 86 μM). In this study, we developed modifications to the peptide sequence to increase its anticancer activity. Sequence modifications were made such as the inclusion of amino hexanoic acid (Ahx), N-terminal biotinylation, acetylation, and substitutions of Orn for Arg and/or d-Arg by l-Arg. The molecules were synthesized using manual solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), and their synthetic feasibility (SAScore) ranged from 6.2 to 7.6. The chromatographic purities of the synthesized peptides were greater than 89%. We found that Ahx-RWQWRWQWR and RWQWRWQW-Orn showed activity against both Caco-2 and HT-29 cell lines and decreased IC50 values by approx. 50% in Caco-2 cells (IC50: 40 μM) when compared to the parent peptide RWQWRWQWR. Moreover, the modified peptides demonstrated lower hemolytic effects, with values <10% at 200 μg/mL. Toxicity was assessed using the Galleria mellonella model and the half-maximal lethal dose (LD50) for the best peptides was >100 mg/kg, indicating that their toxicity is classified as moderately toxic or lower. In contrast, cisplatin showed an LD50 of 13 mg/Kg. The designed anticancer peptides presented good in vitro activity and low toxicity, making them promising molecules for future drug development studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen
J. Cárdenas-Martínez
- Department
of Pharmacy, Department of Biotechnology, Deparment of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Andrea C. Barragán-Cárdenas
- Department
of Pharmacy, Department of Biotechnology, Deparment of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Manuela de la Rosa-Arbeláez
- Department
of Pharmacy, Department of Biotechnology, Deparment of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Claudia M. Parra-Giraldo
- Proteomics
and Human Mycosis Unit, Infectious Diseases Research Group, Department
of Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad
Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - Alejandra Ochoa-Zarzosa
- Multidisciplinary
Centre for Studies in Biotechnology, Universidad
Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Km 9.5, Carretera Morelia, Zinapécuaro, Tarímbaro 58880, México
| | - Joel E. Lopez-Meza
- Multidisciplinary
Centre for Studies in Biotechnology, Universidad
Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Km 9.5, Carretera Morelia, Zinapécuaro, Tarímbaro 58880, México
| | - Zuly J. Rivera-Monroy
- Department
of Pharmacy, Department of Biotechnology, Deparment of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Ricardo Fierro-Medina
- Department
of Pharmacy, Department of Biotechnology, Deparment of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Javier E. García-Castañeda
- Department
of Pharmacy, Department of Biotechnology, Deparment of Chemistry, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
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5
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Chen N, Jiang C. Antimicrobial peptides: Structure, mechanism, and modification. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115377. [PMID: 37099837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Cheng Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China.
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6
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Wang G, Cui Y, Liu H, Tian Y, Li S, Fan Y, Sun S, Wu D, Peng C. Antibacterial peptides-loaded bioactive materials for the treatment of bone infection. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 225:113255. [PMID: 36924650 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial bone infection in open fractures is an urgent problem to solve in orthopedics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as a part of innate immune defense, have good biocompatibility. Their antibacterial mechanism and therapeutic application against bacteria have been widely studied. Compared with traditional antibiotics, AMPs do not easily cause bacterial resistance and can be a reliable substitute for antibiotics in the future. Therefore, various physical and chemical strategies have been developed for the combined application of AMPs and bioactive materials to infected sites, which are conducive to maintaining the local stability of AMPs, reducing many complications, and facilitating bone infection resolution. This review explored the molecular structure, function, and direct and indirect antibacterial mechanisms of AMPs, introduced two important AMPs (LL-37 and β-defensins) in bone tissues, and reviewed advanced AMP loading strategies and different bioactive materials. Finally, the latest progress and future development of AMPs-loaded bioactive materials for the promotion of bone infection repair were discussed. This study provided a theoretical basis and application strategy for the treatment of bone infection with AMP-loaded bioactive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan Wang
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yutao Cui
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - He Liu
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yuhang Tian
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shaorong Li
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Yi Fan
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Shouye Sun
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Dankai Wu
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| | - Chuangang Peng
- Orthopaedic Medical Center, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
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7
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Xuan J, Feng W, Wang J, Wang R, Zhang B, Bo L, Chen ZS, Yang H, Sun L. Antimicrobial peptides for combating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 68:100954. [PMID: 36905712 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The problem of drug resistance due to long-term use of antibiotics has been a concern for years. As this problem grows worse, infections caused by multiple bacteria are expanding rapidly and are extremely detrimental to human health. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a good alternative to current antimicrobials with potent antimicrobial activity and unique antimicrobial mechanisms, which have advantages over traditional antibiotics in fighting against drug-resistant bacterial infections. Currently, researchers have conducted clinical investigations on AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections while integrating new technologies in the development of AMPs, such as changing amino acid structure of AMPs and using different delivery methods for AMPs. This article introduces the basic properties of AMPs, deliberates the mechanism of drug resistance in bacteria and the therapeutic mechanism of AMPs. The current disadvantages and advances of AMPs in combating drug-resistant bacterial infections are also discussed. This article provides important insights into the research and clinical application of new AMPs for drug-resistant bacterial infections.
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8
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Abstract
The increasing incidence and rapid spread of bacterial resistance to conventional antibiotics are a serious global threat to public health, highlighting the need to develop new antimicrobial alternatives. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a class of promising natural antibiotic candidates due to their broad-spectrum activity and low tendency to induce resistance. However, the development of AMPs for medical use is hampered by several obstacles, such as moderate activity, lability to proteolytic degradation, and low bioavailability. To date, many researchers have focussed on the optimization or design of novel artificial AMPs with desired properties. Unnatural amino acids (UAAs) are valuable building blocks in the manufacture of a variety of pharmaceuticals, and have been used to develop artificial AMPs with specific structural and physicochemical properties. Rational incorporation of UAAs has become a very promising approach to endow AMPs with strong and long-lasting activity but no toxicity. This review aims to summarize key approaches that have been used to incorporate UAAs to develop novel AMPs with improved properties and better performance. It is anticipated that this review will guide future design considerations for UAA-based antimicrobial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoe Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cosmetic, China National Light Industry, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Demei Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, College of Food Science and Engineering, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin Gasin-DH Preservation Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
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9
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) have received particular attention due to their capacity to kill bacteria. Although much is known about them, peptides are currently being further researched. A large number of AMPs have been discovered, but only a few have been approved for topical use, due to their promiscuity and other challenges, which need to be overcome. AREAS COVERED AMPs are diverse in structure. Consequently, they have varied action mechanisms when targeting microorganisms or eukaryotic cells. Herein, the authors focus on linear peptides, particularly those that are alpha-helical structured, and examine how their charge distribution and hydrophobic amino acids could modulate their biological activity. EXPERT OPINION The world currently needs urgent solutions to the infective problems caused by resistant pathogens. In order to start the race for antimicrobial development from the charge distribution viewpoint, bioinformatic tools will be necessary. Currently, there is no software available that allows to discriminate charge distribution in AMPs and predicts the biological effects of this event. Furthermore, there is no software available that predicts the side-chain length of residues and its role in biological functions. More specialized software is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Morales Duque
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Gisele Rodrigues
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Lucas Souza Santos
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160, Brasília-DF, Brazil
| | - Octávio Luiz Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, PC: (CEP) 70.790-160, Brasília-DF, Brazil.,S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, PC: (CEP) 79117-010, Campo Grande-MS, Brazil
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10
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Abstract
The global increase in antimicrobial drug resistance has dramatically reduced the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. Structurally diverse antibiotics are urgently needed to combat multiple-resistant bacterial infections. As part of innate immunity, antimicrobial peptides have been recognized as the most promising candidates because they comprise diverse sequences and mechanisms of action and have a relatively low induction rate of resistance. However, because of their low chemical stability, susceptibility to proteases, and high hemolytic effect, their usage is subject to many restrictions. Chemical modifications such as D-amino acid substitution, cyclization, and unnatural amino acid modification have been used to improve the stability of antimicrobial peptides for decades. Among them, a side-chain covalent bridge modification, the so-called stapled peptide, has attracted much attention. The stapled side-chain bridge stabilizes the secondary structure, induces protease resistance, and increases cell penetration and biological activity. Recent progress in computer-aided drug design and artificial intelligence methods has also been used in the design of stapled antimicrobial peptides and has led to the successful discovery of many prospective peptides. This article reviews the possible structure-activity relationships of stapled antimicrobial peptides, the physicochemical properties that influence their activity (such as net charge, hydrophobicity, helicity, and dipole moment), and computer-aided methods of stapled peptide design. Antimicrobial peptides under clinical trial: Pexiganan (NCT01594762, 2012-05-07). Omiganan (NCT02576847, 2015-10-13).
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Affiliation(s)
- YuHao You
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - HongYu Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - YouZhuo Zhu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Cardoso P, Appiah Danso S, Hung A, Dekiwadia C, Pradhan N, Strachan J, McDonald B, Firipis K, White JF, Aburto-Medina A, Conn CE, Valéry C. Rational design of potent ultrashort antimicrobial peptides with programmable assembly into nanostructured hydrogels. Front Chem 2023; 10:1009468. [PMID: 36712988 PMCID: PMC9881724 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1009468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial resistance to common antibiotics is threatening to cause the next pandemic crisis. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are receiving increased attention as an alternative approach to the traditional small molecule antibiotics. Here, we report the bi-functional rational design of Fmoc-peptides as both antimicrobial and hydrogelator substances. The tetrapeptide Fmoc-WWRR-NH2-termed Priscilicidin-was rationally designed for antimicrobial activity and molecular self-assembly into nanostructured hydrogels. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted Priscilicidin to assemble in water into small oligomers and nanofibrils, through a balance of aromatic stacking, amphiphilicity and electrostatic repulsion. Antimicrobial activity prediction databases supported a strong antimicrobial motif via sequence analogy. Experimentally, this ultrashort sequence showed a remarkable hydrogel forming capacity, combined to a potent antibacterial and antifungal activity, including against multidrug resistant strains. Using a set of biophysical and microbiology techniques, the peptide was shown to self-assemble into viscoelastic hydrogels, as a result of assembly into nanostructured hexagonal mesophases. To further test the molecular design approach, the Priscilicidin sequence was modified to include a proline turn-Fmoc-WPWRR-NH2, termed P-Priscilicidin-expected to disrupt the supramolecular assembly into nanofibrils, while predicted to retain antimicrobial activity. Experiments showed P-Priscilicidin self-assembly to be effectively hindered by the presence of a proline turn, resulting in liquid samples of low viscosity. However, assembly into small oligomers and nanofibril precursors were evidenced. Our results augur well for fast, adaptable, and cost-efficient antimicrobial peptide design with programmable physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Cardoso
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, NanoBioPharm Research Group, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samuel Appiah Danso
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, NanoBioPharm Research Group, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,Materials Characterisation and Modelling, Manufacturing, CSIRO, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Hung
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility (RMMF), RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nimish Pradhan
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, NanoBioPharm Research Group, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Jamie Strachan
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, NanoBioPharm Research Group, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Brody McDonald
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, NanoBioPharm Research Group, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Kate Firipis
- BioFab3D, Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia,Biomedical and Electrical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jacinta F. White
- Materials Characterisation and Modelling, Manufacturing, CSIRO, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Charlotte E. Conn
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Céline Valéry
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Translational Immunology and Nanotechnology Theme, NanoBioPharm Research Group, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia,*Correspondence: Céline Valéry,
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12
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Liang B, Li R, Li L, Tang M, Li X, Su C, Liao H. Silver-promoted solid-phase guanidinylation enables the first synthesis of arginine glycosylated Samoamide A cyclopeptide analogue. Front Chem 2023; 10:1040216. [PMID: 36688048 PMCID: PMC9846560 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2022.1040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclization and glycosylation serve as effective approaches for enhancing the drug properties of peptides. Distinct from typical glycosylation, atypical arginine N-glycosylation has drawn increasing attention due to its fundamental role in various cellular procedures and signaling pathways. We previously developed a robust strategy for constructing arginine N-glycosylated peptides characterized by silver-promoted solid-phase guanidinylation. Modeled after cyclic octapeptide Samoamide A, an antitumor peptide composed of eight hydrophobic amino acids extracted from cyanobacteria, herein we first performed arginine scanning to determine an optimal position for replacement with arginine. Consequently, the first synthesis of arginine glycosylated Samoamide A cyclopeptide analogue was described combining solid-phase glycosylation with solution-phase cyclization. The resultant SA-HH-TT displayed enhanced water solubility compared with the non-glycosylated SA-HH-TT. Notably, our method provides a universal strategy for synthesizing arginine N-glycosylated cyclopeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingxin Liang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Linji Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiang Li, ; Chunli Su, ; Hongli Liao,
| | - Chunli Su
- School of Public Health, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Xiang Li, ; Chunli Su, ; Hongli Liao,
| | - Hongli Liao
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Xiang Li, ; Chunli Su, ; Hongli Liao,
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13
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Kurpet K, Chwatko G. S100 Proteins as Novel Therapeutic Targets in Psoriasis and Other Autoimmune Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:6640. [PMID: 36235175 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases affecting about 1-3% of the population. One of the characteristic abnormalities in psoriasis is the excessive production of antimicrobial peptides and proteins, which play an essential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Antimicrobial peptides and proteins can be expressed differently in normal and diseased skin, reflecting their usefulness as diagnostic biomarkers. Moreover, due to their very important functions in innate immunity, members of host defense peptides and proteins are currently considered to be promising new therapeutic targets for many inflammatory diseases. Koebnerisin (S100A15) belongs to an S100 family of antimicrobial proteins, which constitute the multigenetic group of calcium-binding proteins involved in ion-dependent cellular functions and regulation of immune mechanisms. S100A15 was first discovered to be overexpressed in 'koebnerized' psoriatic skin, indicating its involvement in the disease phenotype and the same promising potential as a new therapeutic target. This review describes the involvement of antimicrobial peptides and proteins in inflammatory diseases' development and therapy. The discussion focuses on S100 proteins, especially koebnerisin, which may be involved in the underlying mechanism of the Köebner phenomenon in psoriasis, as well as other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases described in the last decade.
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14
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Parchebafi A, Tamanaee F, Ehteram H, Ahmad E, Nikzad H, Haddad Kashani H. The dual interaction of antimicrobial peptides on bacteria and cancer cells; mechanism of action and therapeutic strategies of nanostructures. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:118. [PMID: 35717207 PMCID: PMC9206340 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial infection and cancer are two leading causes of global mortality. Discovering and developing new therapeutics with better specificity having minimal side-effects and no drug resistance are of an immense need. In this regard, cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) with dual antimicrobial and anticancer activities are the ultimate choice. For better efficacy and improved stability, the AMPs available for treatment still required to be modified. There are several strategies in which AMPs can be enhanced through, for instance, nano-carrier application with high selectivity and specificity enables researchers to estimate the rate of drug delivery to a particular tissue. In this review we present the biology and modes of action of AMPs for both anticancer and antimicrobial activities as well as some modification strategies to improve the efficacy and selectivity of these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Parchebafi
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Tamanaee
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hassan Ehteram
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ejaz Ahmad
- Department of Pathology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hossein Nikzad
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Hamed Haddad Kashani
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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15
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Amorim-Carmo B, Parente AMS, Souza ES, Silva-Junior AA, Araújo RM, Fernandes-Pedrosa MF. Antimicrobial Peptide Analogs From Scorpions: Modifications and Structure-Activity. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:887763. [PMID: 35712354 PMCID: PMC9197468 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.887763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of multidrug-resistant pathogens against conventional antibiotics is a global public health problem. The irrational use of antibiotics has promoted therapeutic limitations against different infections, making research of new molecules that can be applied to treat infections necessary. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of promising antibiotic molecules as they present broad action spectrum, potent activity, and do not easily induce resistance. Several AMPs from scorpion venoms have been described as a potential source for the development of new drugs; however, some limitations to their application are also observed. Here, we describe strategies used in several approaches to optimize scorpion AMPs, addressing their primary sequence, biotechnological potential, and characteristics that should be considered when developing an AMP derived from scorpion venoms. In addition, this review may contribute towards improving the understanding of rationally designing new molecules, targeting functional AMPs that may have a therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Amorim-Carmo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Adriana M. S. Parente
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Eden S. Souza
- School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arnóbio A. Silva-Junior
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Renata M. Araújo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
| | - Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do North, Natal, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa,
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16
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Kumari S, Booth V. Antimicrobial Peptide Mechanisms Studied by Whole-Cell Deuterium NMR. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052740. [PMID: 35269882 PMCID: PMC8910884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the work probing antimicrobial peptide (AMP) mechanisms has focussed on how these molecules permeabilize lipid bilayers. However, AMPs must also traverse a variety of non-lipid cell envelope components before they reach the lipid bilayer. Additionally, there is a growing list of AMPs with non-lipid targets inside the cell. It is thus useful to extend the biophysical methods that have been traditionally applied to study AMP mechanisms in liposomes to the full bacteria, where the lipids are present along with the full complexity of the rest of the bacterium. This review focusses on what can be learned about AMP mechanisms from solid-state NMR of AMP-treated intact bacteria. It also touches on flow cytometry as a complementary method for measuring permeabilization of bacterial lipid membranes in whole bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Kumari
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada;
| | - Valerie Booth
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada;
- Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-709-864-4523
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17
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Dennison SR, Reddy SM, Morton LHG, Harris F, Badiani K, Phoenix DA. PEGylation enhances the antibacterial and therapeutic potential of amphibian host defence peptides. Biochim Biophys Acta Biomembr 2022; 1864:183806. [PMID: 34656552 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Aurein 2.1, aurein 2.6 and aurein 3.1 are amphibian host defence peptides that kill bacteria via the use of lytic amphiphilic α-helical structures. The C-terminal PEGylation of these peptides led to decreased antibacterial activity (Minimum Lethal Concentration (MLCs) ↓ circa one and a half to threefold), reduced levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure in solvents (α-helicity ↓ circa 15.0%) and lower surface activity (Δπ ↓ > 1.5 mN m-1). This PEGylation of aureins also led to decreased levels of amphiphilic α-helical structure in the presence of anionic membranes and zwitterionic membranes (α-helicity↓ > 10.0%) as well as reduced levels of penetration (Δπ ↓ > 3.0 mN m-1) and lysis (lysis ↓ > 10.0%) of these membranes. Based on these data, it was proposed that the antibacterial action of PEGylated aureins involved the adoption of α-helical structures that promote the lysis of bacterial membranes, but with lower efficacy than their native counterparts. However, PEGylation also reduced the haemolytic activity of native aureins to negligible levels (haemolysis ↓ from circa 10% to 3% or less) and improved their relative therapeutic indices (RTIs ↑ circa three to sixfold). Based on these data, it is proposed that PEGylated aureins possess the potential for therapeutic development; for example, to combat infections due to multi-drug resistant strains of S. aureus, designated as high priority by the World Health Organization.
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18
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Deshayes C, Arafath MN, Apaire-Marchais V, Roger E. Drug Delivery Systems for the Oral Administration of Antimicrobial Peptides: Promising Tools to Treat Infectious Diseases. Front Med Technol 2022; 3:778645. [PMID: 35146486 PMCID: PMC8821882 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2021.778645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have a great potential to face the global expansion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) associated to the development of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. AMPs are usually composed of 10–50 amino acids with a broad structural diversity and present a range of antimicrobial activities. Unfortunately, even if the oral route is the most convenient one, currently approved therapeutic AMPs are mostly administrated by the intravenous route. Thus, the development of novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) represents a promising opportunity to protect AMPs from chemical and enzymatic degradation through the gastrointestinal tract and to increase intestinal permeability leading to high bioavailability. In this review, the classification and properties as well as mechanisms of the AMPs used in infectiology are first described. Then, the different pharmaceutical forms existing in the market for oral administration are presented. Finally, the formulation technologies, including microparticle- and nanoparticle-based DDSs, used to improve the oral bioavailability of AMPs are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Emilie Roger
- University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, MINT, SFR ICAT, Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Emilie Roger
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19
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Käßer L, Rotter M, Coletta L, Salzig D, Czermak P. Process intensification for the continuous production of an antimicrobial peptide in stably-transformed Sf-9 insect cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1086. [PMID: 35058492 PMCID: PMC8776851 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04931-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The antibiotic resistance crisis has prompted research into alternative candidates such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, the demand for such molecules can only be met by continuous production processes, which achieve high product yields and offer compatibility with the Quality-by-Design initiative by implementing process analytical technologies such as turbidimetry and dielectric spectroscopy. We developed batch and perfusion processes at the 2-L scale for the production of BR033, a cecropin-like AMP from Lucilia sericata, in stably-transformed polyclonal Sf-9 cells. This is the first time that BR033 has been expressed as a recombinant peptide. Process analytical technology facilitated the online monitoring and control of cell growth, viability and concentration. The perfusion process increased productivity by ~ 180% compared to the batch process and achieved a viable cell concentration of 1.1 × 107 cells/mL. Acoustic separation enabled the consistent retention of 98.5–100% of the cells, viability was > 90.5%. The recombinant AMP was recovered from the culture broth by immobilized metal affinity chromatography and gel filtration and was able to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli K12. These results demonstrate a successful, integrated approach for the development and intensification of a process from cloning to activity testing for the production of new biopharmaceutical candidates.
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20
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Luong HX, Ngan HD, Thi Phuong HB, Quoc TN, Tung TT. Multiple roles of ribosomal antimicrobial peptides in tackling global antimicrobial resistance. R Soc Open Sci 2022; 9:211583. [PMID: 35116161 PMCID: PMC8790363 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the last century, conventional antibiotics have played a significant role in global healthcare. Antibiotics support the body in controlling bacterial infection and simultaneously increase the tendency of drug resistance. Consequently, there is a severe concern regarding the regression of the antibiotic era. Despite the use of antibiotics, host defence systems are vital in fighting infectious diseases. In fact, the expression of ribosomal antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) has been crucial in the evolution of innate host defences and has been irreplaceable to date. Therefore, this valuable source is considered to have great potential in tackling the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Furthermore, the possibility of bacterial resistance to AMPs has been intensively investigated. Here, we summarize all aspects related to the multiple applications of ribosomal AMPs and their derivatives in combating AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Xuan Luong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Thang Nguyen Quoc
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Vinmec Healthcare System, Hanoi 10000, Vietnam
| | - Truong Thanh Tung
- Faculty of Pharmacy, PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
- PHENIKAA Institute for Advanced Study (PIAS), PHENIKAA University, Hanoi 12116, Vietnam
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21
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Chen J, Hao D, Mei K, Li X, Li T, Ma C, Xi X, Li L, Wang L, Zhou M, Chen T, Liu J, Wu Q. In Vitro and In Vivo Studies on the Antibacterial Activity and Safety of a New Antimicrobial Peptide Dermaseptin-AC. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0131821. [PMID: 34908502 DOI: 10.1128/Spectrum.01318-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance has been an increasing public health threat in recent years. Antimicrobial peptides are considered as potential drugs against drug-resistant bacteria because they are mainly broad-spectrum and are unlikely to cause resistance. In this study, a novel peptide was obtained from the skin secretion of Agalychnis callidryas using the “shotgun” cloning method. The amino acid sequence, molecular weight, and secondary structure of Dermaseptin-AC were determined. The in vitro antimicrobial activity, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity of Dermaseptin-AC were evaluated. MICs and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of Dermaseptin-AC against seven different bacterial strains ranged between 2 ∼ 4 μM and 2 ∼ 8 μM. The HC50 (50% maximum hemolysis concentration) of Dermaseptin-AC against horse erythrocytes was 76.55 μM. The in vivo anti-MRSA effect was tested on immune-suppressed MRSA pneumonia in mice. Dermaseptin-AC showed anti-MRSA effects similar to the same dose of vancomycin (10 mg/kg body weight). Short-term (7 days of intraperitoneal injection, 10 mg/kg body weight) in vivo safety evaluation of Dermaseptin-AC was tested on mice. The survival rate during the 7-day injection was 80%. Dermaseptin-AC showed no obvious effect on the liver, heart, spleen, kidney, and blood, but did induce slight pulmonary congestion. The skin safety of Dermaseptin-AC was evaluated on wounds on the back skin of a rat, and no irritation was observed. IMPORTANCE In this study, we discovered a new antimicrobial peptide, Dermaseptin-AC, and studied its in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity. These studies provide some data for finding new antimicrobial peptides for overcoming antimicrobial resistance. Dermaseptin-AC showed strong broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and relatively low hemolysis, and was more cytotoxic to cancer cells than to normal cells. Dermaseptin-AC was active in vivo, and its anti-MRSA effect was similar to that of vancomycin when administered by intraperitoneal injection. Safety studies found that continuous injection of Dermaseptin-AC may cause mild pulmonary congestion, while there was no obvious irritation when it was applied to skin wounds. Chronic wounds are often accompanied by high bacterial burdens and, at the same time, antimicrobial resistance is more likely to occur during repeated infections and treatments. Therefore, developing Dermaseptin-AC to treat chronic wound infection may be an attractive choice.
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22
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Mbuayama KR, Taute H, Strӧmstedt AA, Bester MJ, Gaspar ARM. Antifungal activity and mode of action of synthetic peptides derived from the tick OsDef2 defensin. J Pept Sci 2021; 28:e3383. [PMID: 34866278 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Candida albicans is the principal opportunistic fungal pathogen in nosocomial settings and resistance to antifungal drugs is on the rise. Antimicrobial peptides from natural sources are promising novel therapeutics against C. albicans. OsDef2 defensin was previously found to be active against only Gram-positive bacteria, whereas derived fragments Os and its cysteine-free analogue, Os-C, are active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low micromolar concentrations. In this study, OsDef2-derived analogues and fragments were screened for anticandidal activity with the aim to identify peptides with antifungal activity and in so doing obtain a better understanding of the structural requirements for activity and modes of action. Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 , a Os-truncated carboxy-terminal-amidated fragment, had the most significant antifungal activities, with minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) in the micromolar range (6-28 μM). C. albicans killing was rapid and occurred within 30-60 min. Further investigations showed all three peptides interacted with cell wall derived polysaccharides while both Os and Os(11-22)NH2 permeabilized fungal liposomes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed that Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 could enter the cytosol of live cells and subsequent findings suggest that the uptake of Os and Os-C, in contrast to Os(11-22)NH2 , is energy dependent. Although Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), co-incubation with ascorbic acid revealed that only ROS generated by Os-C and to a lesser extent Os(11-22)NH2 resulted in cell death. Overall, Os, Os-C and Os(11-22)NH2 are promising candidacidal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kabuzi R Mbuayama
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helena Taute
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Adam A Strӧmstedt
- Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Megan J Bester
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Anabella R M Gaspar
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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23
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Róg T, Girych M, Bunker A. Mechanistic Understanding from Molecular Dynamics in Pharmaceutical Research 2: Lipid Membrane in Drug Design. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1062. [PMID: 34681286 PMCID: PMC8537670 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulation as a drug design tool in the context of the role that the lipid membrane can play in drug action, i.e., the interaction between candidate drug molecules and lipid membranes. In the standard "lock and key" paradigm, only the interaction between the drug and a specific active site of a specific protein is considered; the environment in which the drug acts is, from a biophysical perspective, far more complex than this. The possible mechanisms though which a drug can be designed to tinker with physiological processes are significantly broader than merely fitting to a single active site of a single protein. In this paper, we focus on the role of the lipid membrane, arguably the most important element outside the proteins themselves, as a case study. We discuss work that has been carried out, using MD simulation, concerning the transfection of drugs through membranes that act as biological barriers in the path of the drugs, the behavior of drug molecules within membranes, how their collective behavior can affect the structure and properties of the membrane and, finally, the role lipid membranes, to which the vast majority of drug target proteins are associated, can play in mediating the interaction between drug and target protein. This review paper is the second in a two-part series covering MD simulation as a tool in pharmaceutical research; both are designed as pedagogical review papers aimed at both pharmaceutical scientists interested in exploring how the tool of MD simulation can be applied to their research and computational scientists interested in exploring the possibility of a pharmaceutical context for their research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Róg
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Mykhailo Girych
- Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Alex Bunker
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
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24
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Ma Y, Yao A, Chen X, Wang L, Ma C, Xi X, Chen T, Shaw C, Zhou M. Generation of truncated derivatives through in silico enzymatic digest of peptide GV30 target MRSA both in vitro and in vivo. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:4984-4996. [PMID: 34584638 PMCID: PMC8441110 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel host-defence peptide GV30 was identified from the frog skin secretion of Hylarana guentheri. Seven short AMPs were generated by in silico enzymatic digest of GV30 using an online proteomic bioinformatic tool PeptideCutter in ExPASy server. Two truncated products, GV23 and GV21, exhibited an improved antibacterial effect against MRSA in vitro and demonstrated a faster bactericidal effect than the parent peptide. GV 21 was found to have a better in vivo anti-MRSA activity and retain the good antibacterial activity under salt and serum conditions, along with lower toxicity.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causing serious hospital-acquired infections and skin infections has become a “superbug” in clinical treatment. Although the clinical treatment of MRSA is continuously improving, due to its unceasing global spread, MRSA has produced much heated discussion and focused study, therefore suggesting an urgent task to find new antibacterial drugs to combat this issue. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are used as the last-resort drugs for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, but their utilisation is still limited due to their low stability and often strong toxicity. Here, we evaluated the structure and the bioactivity of an AMP, GV30, derived from the frog skin secretions of Hylarana guentheri, and designed seven truncated derivatives based on the presence of cleavage sites for trypsin using an online proteomic bioinformatic resource PeptideCutter tool. We investigated the anti-MRSA effect, toxicity and salt- and serum-resistance of these peptides. Interestingly, the structure–activity relationship revealed that removing “Rana box” loop could significantly improve the bactericidal speed on MRSA. Among these derivatives, GV21 (GVIFNALKGVAKTVAAQLLKK-NH2), because of its faster antibacterial effect, lower toxicity, and retains the good antibacterial activity and stability of the parent peptide, is considered to become a new potential antibacterial candidate against MRSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxue Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Aifang Yao
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xiaoling Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Lei Wang
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chengbang Ma
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Xinping Xi
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tianbao Chen
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Chris Shaw
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mei Zhou
- Natural Drug Discovery Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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25
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Ho TNT, Lee HS, Swaminathan S, Goodwin L, Rai N, Ushay B, Lewis RJ, Rosengren KJ, Conibear AC. Posttranslational modifications of α-conotoxins: sulfotyrosine and C-terminal amidation stabilise structures and increase acetylcholine receptor binding. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1574-1584. [PMID: 34671739 PMCID: PMC8459321 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00182e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Conotoxins are peptides found in the venoms of marine cone snails. They are typically highly structured and stable and have potent activities at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which make them valuable research tools and promising lead molecules for drug development. Many conotoxins are also highly modified with posttranslational modifications such as proline hydroxylation, glutamic acid gamma-carboxylation, tyrosine sulfation and C-terminal amidation, amongst others. The role of these posttranslational modifications is poorly understood, and it is unclear whether the modifications interact directly with the binding site, alter conotoxin structure, or both. Here we synthesised a set of twelve conotoxin variants bearing posttranslational modifications in the form of native sulfotyrosine and C-terminal amidation and show that these two modifications in combination increase their activity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and binding to soluble acetylcholine binding proteins, respectively. We then rationalise how these functional differences between variants might arise from stabilization of the three-dimensional structures and interactions with the binding sites, using high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance data. This study demonstrates that posttranslational modifications can modulate interactions between a ligand and receptor by a combination of structural and binding alterations. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the role of posttranslational modifications in structure-activity relationships is essential for understanding receptor biology and could help to guide structure-based drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao N T Ho
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia
| | - Han Siean Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
| | - Shilpa Swaminathan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
| | - Lewis Goodwin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
| | - Nishant Rai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
| | - Brianna Ushay
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
| | - Richard J Lewis
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia
| | - K Johan Rosengren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
| | - Anne C Conibear
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland St Lucia 4072 Brisbane Australia +61 7 3365 1738
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Gan BH, Gaynord J, Rowe SM, Deingruber T, Spring DR. The multifaceted nature of antimicrobial peptides: current synthetic chemistry approaches and future directions. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:7820-7880. [PMID: 34042120 PMCID: PMC8689412 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00729c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial infections caused by 'superbugs' are increasing globally, and conventional antibiotics are becoming less effective against these bacteria, such that we risk entering a post-antibiotic era. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained significant attention for their clinical potential as a new class of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. In this review, we discuss several facets of AMPs including their diversity, physicochemical properties, mechanisms of action, and effects of environmental factors on these features. This review outlines various chemical synthetic strategies that have been applied to develop novel AMPs, including chemical modifications of existing peptides, semi-synthesis, and computer-aided design. We will also highlight novel AMP structures, including hybrids, antimicrobial dendrimers and polypeptides, peptidomimetics, and AMP-drug conjugates and consider recent developments in their chemical synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bee Ha Gan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Josephine Gaynord
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Sam M Rowe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Tomas Deingruber
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - David R Spring
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
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Almeida CV, de Oliveira CFR, Dos Santos EL, Dos Santos HF, Júnior EC, Marchetto R, da Cruz LA, Ferreira AMT, Gomes VM, Taveira GB, Costa BO, Franco OL, Cardoso MH, Macedo MLR. Differential interactions of the antimicrobial peptide, RQ18, with phospholipids and cholesterol modulate its selectivity for microorganism membranes. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129937. [PMID: 34052310 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules with potential application for the treatment of microorganism infections. We, herein, describe the structure, activity, and mechanism of action of RQ18, an α-helical AMP that displays antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and yeasts from the Candida genus. METHODS A physicochemical-guided design assisted by computer tools was used to obtain our lead peptide candidate, named RQ18. This peptide was assayed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and mammalian cells to determine its selectivity index. The secondary structure and the mechanism of action of RQ18 were investigated using circular dichroism, large unilamellar vesicles, and molecular dynamic simulations. RESULTS RQ18 was not cytotoxic to human lung fibroblasts, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, red blood cells, or Vero cells at MIC values, exhibiting a high selectivity index. Circular dichroism analysis and molecular dynamic simulations revealed that RQ18 presents varying structural profiles in aqueous solution, TFE/water mixtures, SDS micelles, and lipid bilayers. The peptide was virtually unable to release carboxyfluorescein from large unilamellar vesicles composed of POPC/cholesterol, model that mimics the eukaryotic membrane, indicating that vesicles' net charges and the presence of cholesterol may be related with RQ18 selectivity for bacterial and fungal cell surfaces. CONCLUSIONS RQ18 was characterized as a membrane-active peptide with dual antibacterial and antifungal activities, without compromising mammalian cells viability, thus reinforcing its therapeutic application. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE These results provide further insight into the complex process of AMPs interaction with biological membranes, in special with systems that mimic prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudiane V Almeida
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Caio F R de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil; Oncolytic Anticancer Drugs, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Edson L Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Helder F Dos Santos
- Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados, Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Edson C Júnior
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica e Química Tecnológica, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Reinaldo Marchetto
- Instituto de Química, Departamento de Bioquímica e Química Tecnológica, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia A da Cruz
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Alda Maria T Ferreira
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Valdirene M Gomes
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriel B Taveira
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Bruna O Costa
- S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marlon H Cardoso
- Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Genômicas e Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil; S-inova Biotech, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil
| | - Maria Lígia R Macedo
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
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Zhu S, Li W, O'Brien-Simpson N, Separovic F, Sani MA. C-terminus amidation influences biological activity and membrane interaction of maculatin 1.1. Amino Acids 2021; 53:769-777. [PMID: 33891157 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-021-02983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides have been investigated for their potential use in combating infections by targeting the cell membrane of microbes. Their unique chemical structure has been investigated to understand their mode of action and optimize their dose-response by rationale design. One common feature among cationic AMPs is an amidated C-terminus that provides greater stability against in vivo degradation. This chemical modification also likely modulates the interaction with the cell membrane of bacteria yet few studies have been performed comparing the effect of the capping groups. We used maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) to assess the role of the capping groups in modulating the peptide bacterial efficiency, stability and interactions with lipid membranes. Circular dichroism results showed that C-terminus amidation maintains the structural stability of the peptide (α-helix) in contact with micelles. Dye leakage experiments revealed that amidation of the C-terminus resulted in higher membrane disruptive ability while bacteria and cell viability assays revealed that the amidated form displayed higher antibacterial ability and cytotoxicity compared to the acidic form of Mac1. Furthermore, 31P and 2H solid-state NMR showed that C-terminus amidation played a greater role in disturbance of the phospholipid headgroup but had little effect on the lipid tails. This study paves the way to better understand how membrane-active AMPs act in live bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Zhu
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Wenyi Li
- Melbourne Dental School and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Neil O'Brien-Simpson
- Melbourne Dental School and Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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Zhu S, Weber DK, Separovic F, Sani MA. Expression and purification of the native C-amidated antimicrobial peptide maculatin 1.1. J Pept Sci 2021; 27:e3330. [PMID: 33843136 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Maculatin 1.1 (Mac1) is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) from an Australian tree frog and exhibits low micromolar activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of Mac1 are linked to its disruption of bacterial lipid membranes, which has been studied extensively by in vitro nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and biophysical approaches. Although in vivo NMR has recently proven effective in probing peptide-lipid interplay in live bacterial cells, direct structural characterisation of AMPs has been prohibited by low sensitivity and overwhelming background noise. To overcome this issue, we report a recombinant expression protocol to produce isotopically enriched Mac1. We utilized a double-fusion construct to alleviate toxicity against the Escherichia coli host and generate the native N-free and C-amidated termini Mac1 peptide. The SUMO and intein tags allowed native N-terminus and C-terminal amidation, respectively, to be achieved in a one-pot reaction. The protocol yielded 0.1 mg/L of native, uniformly 15 N-labelled, Mac1, which possessed identical structure and activity to peptide obtained by solid-phase peptide synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Zhu
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel K Weber
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Frances Separovic
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marc-Antoine Sani
- School of Chemistry, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wesseling CMJ, Wood TM, Slingerland CJ, Bertheussen K, Lok S, Martin NI. Thrombin-Derived Peptides Potentiate the Activity of Gram-Positive-Specific Antibiotics against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26071954. [PMID: 33808488 PMCID: PMC8037310 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The continued rise of antibiotic resistance threatens to undermine the utility of the world’s current antibiotic arsenal. This problem is particularly troubling when it comes to Gram-negative pathogens for which there are inherently fewer antibiotics available. To address this challenge, recent attention has been focused on finding compounds capable of disrupting the Gram-negative outer membrane as a means of potentiating otherwise Gram-positive-specific antibiotics. In this regard, agents capable of binding to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) present in the Gram-negative outer membrane are of particular interest as synergists. Recently, thrombin-derived C-terminal peptides (TCPs) were reported to exhibit unique LPS-binding properties. We here describe investigations establishing the capacity of TCPs to act as synergists with the antibiotics erythromycin, rifampicin, novobiocin, and vancomycin against multiple Gram-negative strains including polymyxin-resistant clinical isolates. We further assessed the structural features most important for the observed synergy and characterized the outer membrane permeabilizing activity of the most potent synergists. Our investigations highlight the potential for such peptides in expanding the therapeutic range of antibiotics typically only used to treat Gram-positive infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M. J. Wesseling
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.W.); (T.M.W.); (C.J.S.); (K.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Thomas M. Wood
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.W.); (T.M.W.); (C.J.S.); (K.B.); (S.L.)
- Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J. Slingerland
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.W.); (T.M.W.); (C.J.S.); (K.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Kristine Bertheussen
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.W.); (T.M.W.); (C.J.S.); (K.B.); (S.L.)
- Bio-Organic Synthesis Group, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Lok
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.W.); (T.M.W.); (C.J.S.); (K.B.); (S.L.)
| | - Nathaniel I. Martin
- Biological Chemistry Group, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, 2333 Leiden, The Netherlands; (C.M.J.W.); (T.M.W.); (C.J.S.); (K.B.); (S.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Naseer S, Ali RF, Muneer A, Fati SM. iAmideV-Deep: Valine Amidation Site Prediction in Proteins Using Deep Learning and Pseudo Amino Acid Compositions. Symmetry (Basel) 2021; 13:560. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amidation is an important post translational modification where a peptide ends with an amide group (–NH2) rather than carboxyl group (–COOH). These amidated peptides are less sensitive to proteolytic degradation with extended half-life in the bloodstream. Amides are used in different industries like pharmaceuticals, natural products, and biologically active compounds. The in-vivo, ex-vivo, and in-vitro identification of amidation sites is a costly and time-consuming but important task to study the physiochemical properties of amidated peptides. A less costly and efficient alternative is to supplement wet lab experiments with accurate computational models. Hence, an urgent need exists for efficient and accurate computational models to easily identify amidated sites in peptides. In this study, we present a new predictor, based on deep neural networks (DNN) and Pseudo Amino Acid Compositions (PseAAC), to learn efficient, task-specific, and effective representations for valine amidation site identification. Well-known DNN architectures are used in this contribution to learn peptide sequence representations and classify peptide chains. Of all the different DNN based predictors developed in this study, Convolutional neural network-based model showed the best performance surpassing all other DNN based models and reported literature contributions. The proposed model will supplement in-vivo methods and help scientists to determine valine amidation very efficiently and accurately, which in turn will enhance understanding of the valine amidation in different biological processes.
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Cardoso P, Glossop H, Meikle TG, Aburto-Medina A, Conn CE, Sarojini V, Valery C. Molecular engineering of antimicrobial peptides: microbial targets, peptide motifs and translation opportunities. Biophys Rev 2021; 13:35-69. [PMID: 33495702 PMCID: PMC7817352 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-021-00784-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global public health threat of antimicrobial resistance has led the scientific community to highly engage into research on alternative strategies to the traditional small molecule therapeutics. Here, we review one of the most popular alternatives amongst basic and applied research scientists, synthetic antimicrobial peptides. The ease of peptide chemical synthesis combined with emerging engineering principles and potent broad-spectrum activity, including against multidrug-resistant strains, has motivated intense scientific focus on these compounds for the past decade. This global effort has resulted in significant advances in our understanding of peptide antimicrobial activity at the molecular scale. Recent evidence of molecular targets other than the microbial lipid membrane, and efforts towards consensus antimicrobial peptide motifs, have supported the rise of molecular engineering approaches and design tools, including machine learning. Beyond molecular concepts, supramolecular chemistry has been lately added to the debate; and helped unravel the impact of peptide self-assembly on activity, including on biofilms and secondary targets, while providing new directions in pharmaceutical formulation through taking advantage of peptide self-assembled nanostructures. We argue that these basic research advances constitute a solid basis for promising industry translation of rationally designed synthetic peptide antimicrobials, not only as novel drugs against multidrug-resistant strains but also as components of emerging antimicrobial biomaterials. This perspective is supported by recent developments of innovative peptide-based and peptide-carrier nanobiomaterials that we also review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Cardoso
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hugh Glossop
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | | | | | - Celine Valery
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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Han H, Li T, Wang Z, Teng D, Mao R, Hao Y, Yang N, Wang X, Wang J. Improved Stability and Activity of a Marine Peptide-N6NH2 against Edwardsiella tarda and Its Preliminary Application in Fish. Mar Drugs 2020; 18:E650. [PMID: 33348729 DOI: 10.3390/md18120650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Edwardsiella tarda can cause fatal gastro-/extraintestinal diseases in fish and humans. Overuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance and contamination in the environment, which highlights the need to find new antimicrobial agents. In this study, the marine peptide-N6 was amidated at its C-terminus to generate N6NH2. The antibacterial activity of N6 and N6NH2 against E. tarda was evaluated in vitro and in vivo; their stability, toxicity and mode of action were also determined. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of N6 and N6NH2 against E. tarda were 1.29–3.2 μM. Both N6 and N6NH2 killed bacteria by destroying the cell membrane of E. tarda and binding to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and genomic DNA. In contrast with N6, N6NH2 improved the stability toward trypsin, reduced hemolysis (by 0.19% at a concentration of 256 μg/mL) and enhanced the ability to penetrate the bacterial outer and inner membrane. In the model of fish peritonitis caused by E. tarda, superior to norfloxacin, N6NH2 improved the survival rate of fish, reduced the bacterial load on the organs, alleviated the organ injury and regulated the immunity of the liver and kidney. These data suggest that the marine peptide N6NH2 may be a candidate for novel antimicrobial agents against E. tarda infections.
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Ramezanzadeh M, Saeedi N, Mesbahfar E, Farrokh P, Salimi F, Rezaei A. Design and characterization of new antimicrobial peptides derived from aurein 1.2 with enhanced antibacterial activity. Biochimie 2020; 181:42-51. [PMID: 33271197 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2020.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising alternative agents for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. Aurein 1.2 is a natural 13-amino acid AMP with antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, we designed three novel AMPs: aurein M1 (A10W), aurein M2 (D4K, E11K), and aurein M3 (A10W, D4K, E11K) to analyze the effect of Trp substitution and enhancement of positive charge on the activity of aurein 1.2. The AMP probability, physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structures, and amphipathic structure were predicted by various bioinformatics tools. After the synthesis of the peptides, their antibacterial activity, hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and structural analysis were assayed. Compared to the selectivity of aurein 1.2, the selectivity of aurein M2 and M3 with a net positive charge of +5 was improved 11.30- and 8.00-fold against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, respectively. The hemolytic activity of aurein M2 was lower than that of aurein 1.2 and M3, while the higher percentage of human fibroblast cells were alive in the presence of aurein M3. Also, the MICs of aurein M3 toward Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at the physiologic salt were ≤16, which is recommended as a promising candidate for clinical investigation. Circular dichroism analysis indicated an alpha-helical structure in the peptide analogs that is similar to aurein 1.2 in the presence of 10 mM SDS. Therefore, increasing positive charge can be used successfully as an approach for improving the potency and selectivity of AMPs. Moreover, the beneficial effect of Trp substitution depends on its position and the sequence of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nasrin Saeedi
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | | | - Parisa Farrokh
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
| | | | - Arezou Rezaei
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran; Institute of Biological Sciences, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
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Han Z, Lian C, Ma Y, Zhang C, Liu Z, Tu Y, Ma Y, Gu Y. A frog-derived bionic peptide with discriminative inhibition of tumors based on integrin αvβ3 identification. Biomater Sci 2020; 8:5920-5930. [PMID: 32959810 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01187h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aureins, natural active peptides extracted from skin secretions of Australian bell frogs, have become a research focus due to the antitumor effects caused by lysing cell membranes. However, clinical translation of Aureins is still limited by non-selective toxicity between normal and cancer cells. Herein, by structure-activity relationship analysis and rational linker design, a dual-function fusion peptide RA3 is designed by tactically fusing Aurein peptide A1 with strong anticancer activity, with a tri-peptide with integrin αvβ3-binding ability which was screened in our previous work. Rational design and selection of fusion linkers ensures α-helical conformation and active functions of this novel fusion peptide, inducing effective membrane rupture and selective apoptosis of cancer cells. The integrin binding and tumor recognition ability of the fusion peptide is further validated by fluorescence imaging in cell and mouse models, in comparison with the non-selective A1 peptide. Meanwhile, increased stability and superior therapeutic efficacy are achieved in vivo for the RA3 fusion peptide. Our study highlights that aided by computational simulation technologies, the biomimetic fusion RA3 peptide has been successfully designed, surmounting the poor tumor-selectivity of the natural defensive peptide, serving as a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Biomedicine Engineering, School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, 210009, China.
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Santana CJC, Magalhães ACM, Dos Santos Júnior ACM, Ricart CAO, Lima BD, Álvares ADCM, Freitas SM, Pires OR Jr, Fontes W, Castro MS. Figainin 1, a Novel Amphibian Skin Peptide with Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Properties. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E625. [PMID: 32967114 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9090625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphibian skin secretions are abundant in bioactive compounds, especially antimicrobial peptides. These molecules are generally cationic and rich in hydrophobic amino acids, have an amphipathic structure and adopt an α-helical conformation when in contact with microorganisms membranes. In this work, we purified and characterized Figainin 1, a novel antimicrobial and antiproliferative peptide from the cutaneous secretion of the frog Boana raniceps. Figainin 1 is a cationic peptide with eighteen amino acid residues—rich in leucine and isoleucine, with an amidated C-terminus—and adopts an α-helical conformation in the presence of trifluoroethanol (TFE). It displayed activity against Gram-negative and especially Gram-positive bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 µM, and showed an IC50 value of 15.9 µM against epimastigote forms of T. cruzi; however, Figanin 1 did not show activity against Candida species. This peptide also showed cytolytic effects against human erythrocytes with an HC50 of 10 µM, in addition to antiproliferative activity against cancer cells and murine fibroblasts, with IC50 values ranging from 10.5 to 13.7 µM. Despite its adverse effects on noncancerous cells, Figainin 1 exhibits interesting properties for the development of new anticancer agents and anti-infective drugs against pathogenic microorganisms.
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Ranade SS, Ramalingam R. Hydrogen bonds in anoplin peptides aid in identification of a structurally stable therapeutic drug scaffold. J Mol Model 2020; 26:155. [PMID: 32451705 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-04380-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Multi-drug resistance is a major issue faced by the global pharmaceutical industry. Short antimicrobial peptides such as anoplins can be used to replace antibiotics, thus mitigating this issue. Antimicrobial activity, non-toxicity, and structural stability are essential features of a therapeutic drug. Antimicrobial activity and toxicity to human erythrocytes have been previously reported for anoplin and anoplin R5K T8W. This study attempts to identify a therapeutic peptide drug scaffold between these peptides by examining their structural stability, mainly based on the hydrogen bonds (H-bond) found in their structures. The static structure of anoplin R5K T8W displayed lower H-bond distances than anoplin, thereby exhibiting enhanced structural stability. Dynamic stability studies revealed that conformers of anoplin R5K T8W exhibited lower hydrogen bond distances (HBDs), higher H-bond occupancies, and higher radial distribution function (RDF) of H-bonds in comparison with conformers of anoplin. Furthermore, conformers of anoplin R5K T8W generated using 50-ns molecular dynamics simulation displayed lower conformational free energy than anoplin, thus establishing its higher structural stability. Overall, anoplin R5K T8W can be claimed as a promising scaffold that may be used for therapeutic purposes. In conclusion, H-bonds play a major role in structural stability and may aid in identification of a therapeutic peptide scaffold. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Sunil Ranade
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India
| | - Rajasekaran Ramalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed to be University), Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
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Ting DSJ, Beuerman RW, Dua HS, Lakshminarayanan R, Mohammed I. Strategies in Translating the Therapeutic Potentials of Host Defense Peptides. Front Immunol 2020; 11:983. [PMID: 32528474 PMCID: PMC7256188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The golden era of antibiotics, heralded by the discovery of penicillin, has long been challenged by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Host defense peptides (HDPs), previously known as antimicrobial peptides, are emerging as a group of promising antimicrobial candidates for combatting AMR due to their rapid and unique antimicrobial action. Decades of research have advanced our understanding of the relationship between the physicochemical properties of HDPs and their underlying antimicrobial and non-antimicrobial functions, including immunomodulatory, anti-biofilm, and wound healing properties. However, the mission of translating novel HDP-derived molecules from bench to bedside has yet to be fully accomplished, primarily attributed to their intricate structure-activity relationship, toxicity, instability in host and microbial environment, lack of correlation between in vitro and in vivo efficacies, and dwindling interest from large pharmaceutical companies. Based on our previous experience and the expanding knowledge gleaned from the literature, this review aims to summarize the novel strategies that have been employed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy, proteolytic stability, and cell selectivity, which are all crucial factors for bench-to-bedside translation of HDP-based treatment. Strategies such as residues substitution with natural and/or unnatural amino acids, hybridization, L-to-D heterochiral isomerization, C- and N-terminal modification, cyclization, incorporation with nanoparticles, and "smart design" using artificial intelligence technology, will be discussed. We also provide an overview of HDP-based treatment that are currently in the development pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Shu Jeng Ting
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger W Beuerman
- Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harminder S Dua
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.,Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rajamani Lakshminarayanan
- Anti-infectives Research Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Imran Mohammed
- Larry A. Donoso Laboratory for Eye Research, Academic Ophthalmology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Conceição K, de Cena GL, da Silva VA, de Oliveira Neto XA, de Andrade VM, Tada DB, Richardson M, de Andrade SA, Dias SA, Castanho MARB, Lopes-Ferreira M. Design of bioactive peptides derived from CART sequence isolated from the toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri. 3 Biotech 2020; 10:162. [PMID: 32206496 PMCID: PMC7060301 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-020-2151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of bacterial resistance due to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics warrants the need for developing new bioactive agents. In this context, antimicrobial peptides are highly useful for managing resistant microbial strains. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of peptides obtained from the venom of the toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri. These peptides were active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The primary amino acid sequences showed similarity to Cocaine and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript peptides, and two peptide analogs-Tn CRT2 and Tn CRT3-were designed using the AMPA algorithm based on these sequences. The analogs were subjected to physicochemical analysis and antimicrobial screening and were biologically active at concentrations ranging from 2.1 to 13 µM. Zeta potential analysis showed that the peptide analogs increased the positive charge on the cell surface of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The toxicity of Tn CRT2 and Tn CRT3 were analyzed in vitro using a hemolytic assay and tetrazolium salt reduction in fibroblasts and was found to be significant only at high concentrations (up to 40 µM). These results suggest that this methodological approach is appropriate to design novel antimicrobial peptides to fight bacterial infections and represents a new and promising discovery in fish venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Conceição
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Gabrielle L. de Cena
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Verônica A. da Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Xisto Antonio de Oliveira Neto
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Vitor Martins de Andrade
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Peptídeos, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Dayane Batista Tada
- Laboratório de Nanomateriais e Nanotoxicologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua Talim, 330, São José dos Campos, Brazil
| | - Michael Richardson
- Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Prof. Carlos R. Diniz, Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Rua Conde Pereira Carneiro 80, Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil
| | - Sonia A. de Andrade
- Laboratório Especial de Toxicologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, São Paulo, 1500 Brazil
| | - Susana A. Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649‐028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649‐028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mônica Lopes-Ferreira
- Laboratório Especial de Toxicologia Aplicada, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil, São Paulo, 1500 Brazil
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Sepehri A, PeBenito L, Pino-Angeles A, Lazaridis T. What Makes a Good Pore Former: A Study of Synthetic Melittin Derivatives. Biophys J 2020; 118:1901-1913. [PMID: 32183940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pore formation by membrane-active peptides, naturally encountered in innate immunity and infection, could have important medical and technological applications. Recently, the well-studied lytic peptide melittin has formed the basis for the development of combinatorial libraries from which potent pore-forming peptides have been derived, optimized to work under different conditions. We investigate three such peptides, macrolittin70, which is most active at neutral pH; pHD15, which is active only at low pH; and MelP5_Δ6, which was rationally designed to be active at low pH but formed only small pores. There are three, six, and six acidic residues in macrolittin70, pHD15, and MelP5_Δ6, respectively. We perform multi-microsecond simulations in 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) of hexamers of these peptides starting from transmembrane orientations at neutral pH (all residues at standard protonation), low pH (acidic residues and His protonated), and highly acidic environments in which C-termini are also protonated. Previous simulations of the parent peptides melittin and MelP5 in 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) are repeated in POPC. We find that the most potent pore-forming peptides exhibit strong interpeptide interactions, including salt bridges, H-bonds, and polar interactions. Protonation of the C-terminus promotes helicity and pore size. The proximity of the peptides allows fewer lipid headgroups to line the pores than in previous simulations, making the pores intermediate between barrel stave and toroidal. Based on these structures and geometrical arguments, we attempt to rationalize the factors that under different conditions can increase or decrease pore stability and propose mutations that could be tested experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliasghar Sepehri
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The City College of New York, New York, New York
| | - Leo PeBenito
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The City College of New York, New York, New York; Graduate Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York
| | - Almudena Pino-Angeles
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The City College of New York, New York, New York
| | - Themis Lazaridis
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The City College of New York, New York, New York; Graduate Program in Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York.
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Shahmiri M, Mechler A. The role of C-terminal amidation in the mechanism of action of the antimicrobial peptide aurein 1.2. The EuroBiotech Journal 2020; 4:25-31. [DOI: 10.2478/ebtj-2020-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
C-terminal amidation is a common feature of wild type membrane disrupting antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Empirical evidence suggests that this modification increases antimicrobial efficacy. However, the actual role of C-terminal amidation in the molecular mechanism of action of AMPs is not fully understood. Amidation alters two key properties simultaneously: the net charge and helicity of the peptide, both of which are implicated in the mechanism of action. However, the differences between the physicochemical properties of the carboxyl and amide moieties have been disregarded in former studies. In this study we assessed whether the difference in activity is only caused by changes in the helicity and overall charge of a peptide, i.e. whether the chemistry of the terminus is otherwise irrelevant. To do so, the membrane disrupting activity of a modified aurein 1.2 peptide was studied in which a secondary amide was formed with a terminal methyl group, instead of the primary amide as in the wild type peptide. Results of quartz crystal microbalance, dye leakage and circular dichroism experiments show that the activity of the modified peptide is substantially reduced compared to the wild type peptide, in particular that the modified peptide exhibited a much-reduced ability to bind to the membrane. Thus, the primary amide at the C-terminus is required to bind to the membrane, and a secondary amide cannot serve the same purpose. We hypothesize that this difference is related to the hydration state of the terminus. The lack of membrane binding ability of the modified peptide identifies the primary amide moiety at the C terminus as a specific membrane binding motif.
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Al Tall Y, Abualhaijaa A, Qaoud MT, Alsaggar M, Masadeh M, Alzoubi KH. The Ultrashort Peptide OW: A New Antibiotic Adjuvant. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 20:745-754. [PMID: 31258076 DOI: 10.2174/1389201020666190618111252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The over use of current antibiotics and low discovery rate of the new ones are leading to rapid development of multidrug-resistant pathogens worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides have shown promising results against multidrug-resistant bacteria. OBJECTIVE To investigate the antimicrobial activity of a new ultrashort hexapeptide (OW). METHODS The OW hexapeptide was designed and tested against different strains of bacteria with different levels of sensitivity. Bacterial susceptibility assays were performed according to the guidelines of the Clinical and Laboratory Institute (CLSI). The synergistic studies were then conducted using the Checkerboard assay. This was followed by checking the hemolytic effect of the hexapeptide against human blood cells and Human Embryonic Kidney cell line (HEK293). Finally, the antibiofilm activities of the hexapeptide were studied using the Biofilm Calgary method. RESULTS Synergistic assays showed that OW has synergistic effects with antibiotics of different mechanisms of action. It showed an outstanding synergism with Rifampicin against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; ΣFIC value was 0.37, and the MIC value of Rifampicin was decreased by 85%. OW peptide also displayed an excellent synergism with Ampicillin against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with ΣFIC value of less than 0.38 and a reduction of more than 96% in the MIC value of Ampicillin. CONCLUSION This study introduced a new ultrashort peptide (OW) with promising antimicrobial potential in the management of drug-resistant infectious diseases as a single agent or in combination with commonly used antibiotics. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact mechanism of action of these peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Al Tall
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmad Abualhaijaa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammed T Qaoud
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alsaggar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Majed Masadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H Alzoubi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Cesa-Luna C, Muñoz-Rojas J, Saab-Rincon G, Baez A, Morales-García YE, Juárez-González VR, Quintero-Hernández V. Structural characterization of scorpion peptides and their bactericidal activity against clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant bacteria. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0222438. [PMID: 31710627 PMCID: PMC6844485 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0222438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom peptides represent a novel source of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with broad-spectrum activity. In this study, we determined the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of three scorpion AMPs, Uy234, Uy17, and Uy192, which are found in the venomous glands of the Urodacus yaschenkoi scorpion, against the clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. In addition, we tested the activity of a consensus AMP designed in our laboratory based on some previously reported IsCT-type (cytotoxic linear peptide) AMPs with the aim of obtaining higher antimicrobial activity. All peptides tested showed high antimicrobial activity against MDR clinical isolates, with the highest activity against β-hemolytic Streptococcus strains. The hemolytic activity was determined against human red blood cells and was significantly lower than that of previously reported AMPs. The α-helical structure of the four AMPs was confirmed by circular dichroism (CD). These results suggest that the four peptides can be valuable tools for the design and development of AMPs for use in the inhibition of MDR pathogenic bacteria. A clear index of synergism and additivity was found for the combination of QnCs-BUAP + Uy234, which makes these peptides the most promising candidates against pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Cesa-Luna
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Jesús Muñoz-Rojas
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Gloria Saab-Rincon
- Departamento de Ingeniería Celular y Biocatálisis, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Antonino Baez
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Yolanda Elizabeth Morales-García
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
- Licenciatura en Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, BUAP, Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Víctor Rivelino Juárez-González
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Mor., México
| | - Verónica Quintero-Hernández
- Ecology and Survival of Microorganisms Group (ESMG), Laboratorio de Ecología Molecular Microbiana (LEMM), Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Microbiológicas (CICM), Instituto de Ciencias (IC), Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla, Puebla, México
- CONACYT-ESMG, LEMM, CICM, IC, BUAP, Puebla, Puebla, México
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Moura AS, Halder AK, Ds Cordeiro MN. From biomedicinal to in silico models and back to therapeutics: a review on the advancement of peptidic modeling. Future Med Chem 2019; 11:2313-31. [PMID: 31581914 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2018-0365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioactive peptides participate in numerous metabolic functions of living organisms and have emerged as potential therapeutics on a diverse range of diseases. Albeit peptide design does not go without challenges, overwhelming advancements on in silico methodologies have increased the scope of peptide-based drug design and discovery to an unprecedented amount. Within an in silico model versus an experimental validation scenario, this review aims to summarize and discuss how different in silico techniques contribute at present to the design of peptide-based molecules. Published in silico results from 2014 to 2018 were selected and discriminated in major methodological groups, allowing a transversal analysis, promoting a landscape vision and asserting its increasing value in drug design.
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Thery T, Lynch KM, Arendt EK. Natural Antifungal Peptides/Proteins as Model for Novel Food Preservatives. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:1327-1360. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibaut Thery
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Kieran M. Lynch
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
| | - Elke K. Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional SciencesUniv. College Cork Ireland
- Microbiome IrelandUniv. College Cork Ireland
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Torres MD, Sothiselvam S, Lu TK, de la Fuente-Nunez C. Peptide Design Principles for Antimicrobial Applications. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:3547-3567. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Bobone S, Stella L. Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptides: A Complex Interplay of Multiple Equilibria. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Dong N, Chou S, Li J, Xue C, Li X, Cheng B, Shan A, Xu L. Short Symmetric-End Antimicrobial Peptides Centered on β-Turn Amino Acids Unit Improve Selectivity and Stability. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2832. [PMID: 30538681 PMCID: PMC6277555 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are excellent candidates to combat the increasing number of multi- or pan-resistant pathogens worldwide based on their mechanism of action, which is different from that of antibiotics. In this study, we designed short peptides by fusing an α-helix and β-turn sequence-motif in a symmetric-end template to promote the higher cell selectivity, antibacterial activity and salt-resistance of these structures. The results showed that the designed peptides PQ and PP tended to form an α-helical structure upon interacting with a membrane-mimicking environment. They displayed high cell selectivity toward bacterial cells over eukaryotic cells. Their activities were mostly maintained in the presence of different conditions (salts, serum, heat, and pH), which indicated their stability in vivo. Fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy analyses indicated that PP and PQ killed bacterial cells through membrane pore formation, thereby damaging membrane integrity. This study revealed the potential application of these designed peptides as new candidate antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Dong
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuli Chou
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Chenyu Xue
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinran Li
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Baojing Cheng
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Anshan Shan
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Xu
- The Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition and Immunity, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Cardon S, Sachon E, Carlier L, Drujon T, Walrant A, Alemán-Navarro E, Martínez-Osorio V, Guianvarc'h D, Sagan S, Fleury Y, Marquant R, Piesse C, Rosenstein Y, Auvynet C, Lacombe C. Peptidoglycan potentiates the membrane disrupting effect of the carboxyamidated form of DMS-DA6, a Gram-positive selective antimicrobial peptide isolated from Pachymedusa dacnicolor skin. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205727. [PMID: 30325956 PMCID: PMC6191125 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of nosocomial infections has been on the rise for the past twenty years. Notably, infections caused by the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus represent a major clinical problem, as an increase in antibiotic multi-resistant strains has accompanied this rise. There is thus a crucial need to find and characterize new antibiotics against Gram-positive bacteria, and against antibiotic-resistant strains in general. We identified a new dermaseptin, DMS-DA6, produced by the skin of the Mexican frog Pachymedusa dacnicolor, with specific antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. This peptide is particularly effective against two multiple drug-resistant strains Enterococcus faecium BM4147 and Staphylococcus aureus DAR5829, and has no hemolytic activity. DMS-DA6 is naturally produced with the C-terminal carboxyl group in either the free or amide forms. By using Gram-positive model membranes and different experimental approaches, we showed that both forms of the peptide adopt an α-helical fold and have the same ability to insert into, and to disorganize a membrane composed of anionic lipids. However, the bactericidal capacity of DMS-DA6-NH2 was consistently more potent than that of DMS-DA6-OH. Remarkably, rather than resulting from the interaction with the negatively charged lipids of the membrane, or from a more stable conformation towards proteolysis, the increased capacity to permeabilize the membrane of Gram-positive bacteria of the carboxyamidated form of DMS-DA6 was found to result from its enhanced ability to interact with peptidoglycan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Cardon
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Sachon
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Plate-forme Spectrométrie de Masse et Protéomique, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Carlier
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Thierry Drujon
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Astrid Walrant
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Estefanía Alemán-Navarro
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Verónica Martínez-Osorio
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Dominique Guianvarc'h
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Sagan
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Fleury
- Université de Bretagne Occidentale, LUBEM EA, IUT Quimper, Quimper, France
| | - Rodrigue Marquant
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Piesse
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Plate-forme de Synthèse Peptidique, Paris, France
| | - Yvonne Rosenstein
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Constance Auvynet
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
- * E-mail: (CA); (CL)
| | - Claire Lacombe
- Sorbonne Université, École normale supérieure, PSL University, CNRS, Laboratoire des Biomolécules, LBM, Paris, France
- Faculté des Sciences et Technologie, Université Paris Est-Créteil Val de Marne, Créteil, France
- * E-mail: (CA); (CL)
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Li Z, Teng D, Mao R, Wang X, Hao Y, Wang X, Wang J. Improved Antibacterial Activity of the Marine Peptide N6 against Intracellular Salmonella Typhimurium by Conjugating with the Cell-Penetrating Peptide Tat 11 via a Cleavable Linker. J Med Chem 2018; 61:7991-8000. [PMID: 30095906 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b01079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The poor penetration ability of antimicrobial agents limits their use in the treatment of intracellular bacteria. In this study, the conjugate CNC (6) was generated by connecting the cell-penetrating peptide Tat11 (1) and marine peptide N6 (2) via a cathepsin-cleavable linker, and the C-terminal aminated N6 (7) and CNC (8) were first designed and synthesized to eliminate intracellular Salmonellae Typhimurium. The cellular uptake of 6 and stability of 7 were higher than those of 2, and conjugates 6, 8, and 7 had almost no hemolysis and cytotoxicity. The antibacterial activities of 6, 8, and 7 against S. Typhimurium in RAW264.7 cells were increased by 67.2-76.2%, 98.6-98.9%, and 96.3-97.6%, respectively. After treatment with 1-2 μmol/kg of 6, 8, or 7, the survival of the S. Typhimurium-infected mice was 66.7-100%, higher than that of 2 (33.4-66.7%). This result suggested that 6, 8, and 7 may be excellent candidates for novel antimicrobial agents to treat intracellular pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanzhan Li
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
| | - Da Teng
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoyu Mao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Hao
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China.,Gene Engineering Laboratory , Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Beijing 100081 , People's Republic of China
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