1
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Enninful GN, Kuppusamy R, Tiburu EK, Kumar N, Willcox MDP. Non-canonical amino acid bioincorporation into antimicrobial peptides and its challenges. J Pept Sci 2024; 30:e3560. [PMID: 38262069 DOI: 10.1002/psc.3560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
The rise of antimicrobial resistance and multi-drug resistant pathogens has necessitated explorations for novel antibiotic agents as the discovery of conventional antibiotics is becoming economically less viable and technically more challenging for biopharma. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising alternative because of their particular mode of action, broad spectrum and difficulty that microbes have in becoming resistant to them. The AMPs bacitracin, gramicidin, polymyxins and daptomycin are currently used clinically. However, their susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, toxicity profile, and complexities in large-scale manufacture have hindered their development. To improve their proteolytic stability, methods such as integrating non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) into their peptide sequence have been adopted, which also improves their potency and spectrum of action. The benefits of ncAA incorporation have been made possible by solid-phase peptide synthesis. However, this method is not always suitable for commercial production of AMPs because of poor yield, scale-up difficulties, and its non-'green' nature. Bioincorporation of ncAA as a method of integration is an emerging field geared towards tackling the challenges of solid-phase synthesis as a green, cheaper, and scalable alternative for commercialisation of AMPs. This review focusses on the bioincorporation of ncAAs; some challenges associated with the methods are outlined, and notes are given on how to overcome these challenges. The review focusses particularly on addressing two key challenges: AMP cytotoxicity towards microbial cell factories and the uptake of ncAAs that are unfavourable to them. Overcoming these challenges will draw us closer to a greater yield and an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to make AMPs more druggable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajesh Kuppusamy
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Naresh Kumar
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark D P Willcox
- University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Li M, Sun X, Zhao L, Du W, Shang D. The antibacterial activity and mechanisms of Trp-containing peptides against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa persisters. Biochimie 2024:S0300-9084(24)00121-4. [PMID: 38815647 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial persisters avoid antibiotic-mediated death by entering a dormant state and are considered a major cause of antibiotic treatment failure. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with membrane-disrupting activity are promising drugs to eradicate persister cells. In this study, carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and rifampicin (RFP) were applied to induce the formation of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MRPA0108) persisters, and the antibacterial activity and mechanisms of I1W and L12W (two Trp-containing peptides designed in our lab) against MRPA0108 persisters were investigated. The results showed that I1W and L12W displayed potent antibacterial activity against MRPA0108 persisters. Both Trp-containing peptides disturbed the inner and outer membrane of MRPA0108 persisters. In addition, I1W and L12W revealed novel antibacterial mechanisms by decreasing the enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, consequently leading to oxidative stress. The transcriptome profile of I1W-treated MRPA0108 persisters revealed that the genes involved in carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and the TCA cycle were downregulated, indicating that I1W interfered with metabolism and energy synthesis processes. Furthermore, both Trp-containing peptides displayed synergistic activity with antibiotic tobramycin and showed additive activity with cefepime, or ciprofloxacin, which revealed a potential therapeutic strategy for the eradication of MRPA0108 persisters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmiao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaomi Sun
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Wanying Du
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Dejing Shang
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Drug Discovery, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China.
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3
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Zheng WC, Cheng XY, Tao YH, Mao YS, Lu CP, Lin ZH, Chen J. Assessment of the antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity of QS-CATH, a promising therapeutic agent isolated from the Chinese spiny frogs (Quasipaa spinosa). Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 283:109943. [PMID: 38810897 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2024.109943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Cathelicidins are important antimicrobial peptides in various vertebrate species where they are crucial parts of the innate immune system. The current understanding of amphibian cathelicidins is limited, particularly with regard to their immunomodulatory effects. To address this knowledge gap, we produced the cDNA sequence of the cathelicidin gene from a skin transcriptome of the Chinese spiny frog Quasipaa spinosa. The amino acid sequence of the Quasipaa spinosa cathelicidin (QS-CATH) was predicted to consist of a signal peptide, a cathelin domain, and a mature peptide. Comparative analysis of the QS-CATH amino acid sequence with that of other amphibian cathelicidins revealed high variability in the functional mature peptide among amphibians, whereas the cathelin domain was conserved. The QS-CATH gene was expressed in several tissues, with the highest level of expression in the spleen. Upregulation of QS-CATH after Aeromonas hydrophila infection occurred in the kidney, gut, spleen, skin, and liver. Chemically synthesized QS-CATH exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus warneri, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes. Furthermore, QS-CATH disrupted the cell membrane integrity of S. flexneri, as evidenced by a lactate dehydrogenase release assay, and it hydrolyzed the genomic DNA of S. flexneri. Additionally, QS-CATH elicited chemotaxis and modulated the expression of inflammatory cytokine genes in RAW264.7 mouse leukemic monocyte/macrophage cells. These findings confirm the antimicrobial effects of amphibian cathelicidin and its ability to influence immune cell function. This will expedite the potential utilization of amphibian antimicrobial peptides as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Cheng Zheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Cheng
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui 323000, China.
| | - Yu-Hui Tao
- Forestry Bureau of Jinyun County, Lishui 321400, China
| | - Yue-Song Mao
- Ecological Forestry Development Center of Suichang County, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Cheng-Pu Lu
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui 323000, China; Lishui Institute for Ecological Economy Research, Lishui 323000, China.
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4
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Liu W, Yang T, Kong Y, Xie X, Ruan Z. Ureaplasma infections: update on epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38794781 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2024.2349556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Human Ureaplasma species are being increasingly recognized as opportunistic pathogens in human genitourinary tract infections, infertility, adverse pregnancy, neonatal morbidities, and other adult invasive infections. Although some general reviews have focused on the detection and clinical manifestations of Ureaplasma spp., the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis of Ureaplasma spp. have not been adequately explained. The purpose of this review is to offer valuable insights into the current understanding and future research perspectives of the molecular epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogenesis of human Ureaplasma infections. This review summarizes the conventional culture and detection methods and the latest molecular identification technologies for Ureaplasma spp. We also reviewed the global prevalence and mechanisms of antibiotic resistance for Ureaplasma spp. Aside from regular antibiotics, novel antibiotics with outstanding in vitro antimicrobial activity against Ureaplasma spp. are described. Furthermore, we discussed the pathogenic mechanisms of Ureaplasma spp., including adhesion, proinflammatory effects, cytotoxicity, and immune escape effects, from the perspectives of pathology, related molecules, and genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingying Kong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyou Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi Ruan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diagnosis and Monitoring Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Bernardoni BL, D'Agostino I, La Motta C, Angeli A. An insight into the last 5-year patents on Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans, the pivotal pathogens in the oral cavity. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2024:1-31. [PMID: 38684444 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2024.2349739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The oral cavity harbors an extensive array of over 700 microorganisms, forming the most complex biome of the entire human body, with bacterial species being the most abundant. Oral diseases, e.g. periodontitis and caries, are strictly associated with bacterial dysbiosis. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans stand out among bacteria colonizing the oral cavity. AREAS COVERED After a brief overview of the bacterial populations in the oral cavity and their roles in regulating (flora) oral cavity or causing diseases like periodontal and cariogenic pathogens, we focused our attention on P. gingivalis and S. mutans, searching for the last-5-year patents dealing with the proposal of new strategies to fight their infections. Following the PRISMA protocol, we filtered the results and analyzed over 100 applied/granted patents, to provide an in-depth insight into this R&D scenario. EXPERT OPINION Several antibacterial proposals have been patented in this period, from both chemical - peptides and small molecules - and biological - probiotics and antibodies - sources, along with natural extracts, polymers, and drug delivery systems. Most of the inventors are from China and Korea and their studies also investigated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, being beneficial to oral health through a prophylactic, protective, or curative effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrea Angeli
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Li Z, Xiong W, Liang Z, Wang J, Zeng Z, Kołat D, Li X, Zhou D, Xu X, Zhao L. Critical role of the gut microbiota in immune responses and cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:33. [PMID: 38745196 PMCID: PMC11094969 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01541-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the progression of human diseases, especially cancer. In recent decades, there has been accumulating evidence of the connections between the gut microbiota and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, understanding the functional role of the gut microbiota in regulating immune responses to cancer immunotherapy is crucial for developing precision medicine. In this review, we extract insights from state-of-the-art research to decipher the complicated crosstalk among the gut microbiota, the systemic immune system, and immunotherapy in the context of cancer. Additionally, as the gut microbiota can account for immune-related adverse events, we discuss potential interventions to minimize these adverse effects and discuss the clinical application of five microbiota-targeted strategies that precisely increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Finally, as the gut microbiota holds promising potential as a target for precision cancer immunotherapeutics, we summarize current challenges and provide a general outlook on future directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehua Li
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Weixi Xiong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhu Liang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS), CAMS Oxford Institute (COI), Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
- Target Discovery Institute, Center for Medicines Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyi Zeng
- Department of Neonatology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Biomedicine and Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Urology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Oxford, UK
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuewen Xu
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linyong Zhao
- Department of General Surgery and Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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7
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Lobanov MY, Slizen MV, Dovidchenko NV, Panfilov AV, Surin AA, Likhachev IV, Galzitskaya OV. Comparison of deep learning models with simple method to assess the problem of antimicrobial peptides prediction. Mol Inform 2024; 43:e202200181. [PMID: 36961202 DOI: 10.1002/minf.202200181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant strains are an emerging threat to public health. The usage of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is one of the promising approaches to solve this problem. For the development of new AMPs, it is necessary to have reliable prediction methods. Recently, deep learning approaches have been used to predict AMP. In this paper, we want to compare simple and complex methods for these purposes. We used the BERT transformer to create sequence embeddings and the multilayer perceptron (MLP) and light attention (LA) approaches for classification. One of them reached about 80 % accuracy and specificity in benchmark testing, which is on par with the best available methods. For comparison, we proposed a simple method using only the amino acid composition of proteins or peptides. This method has shown good results, at the level of the best methods. We have prepared a special server for predicting the ability of AMPs by amino acid composition: http://bioproteom.protres.ru/antimicrob/.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Y Lobanov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - M V Slizen
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - N V Dovidchenko
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A V Panfilov
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - A A Surin
- Faculty of Applied math, MIREA - Russian Technological University, Moscow, 119454, Russia
| | - I V Likhachev
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
- Institute of Mathematical Problems of Biology branch of Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Russia
| | - O V Galzitskaya
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Proteomics, Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
- Laboratory of Structure and Function of Muscle Proteins, Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 142290, Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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8
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Han Y, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Huang Z, Kong J, Wang X, Chen L, Wang Y, Cao J, Zhou T, Shen M. PAM-1: an antimicrobial peptide with promise against ceftazidime-avibactam resistant Escherichia coli infection. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1291876. [PMID: 38765679 PMCID: PMC11099939 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1291876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Antibiotic misuse and overuse have led to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant bacteria. The global spread of resistance to the novel antibiotic combination ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) is becoming a severe problem. Antimicrobial peptide PAM-1 offers a novel approach for treating infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study explores its antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities and mechanisms against CZA-resistant Escherichia. Coli (E. coli), evaluating its stability and biosafety as well. Methods The broth microdilution method, growth curve analysis, crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy, and propidium iodide staining/N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine uptake experiments were performed to explore the antibacterial action and potential mechanism of PAM-1 against CZA-resistant E. coli. The biosafety in diverse environments of PAM-1 was evaluated by red blood cell hemolysis, and cytotoxicity tests. Its stability was further assessed under different temperatures, serum concentrations, and ionic conditions using the broth microdilution method to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Galleria mellonella infection model and RT-qPCR were used to investigate the in vivo antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Results and discussion In vitro antibacterial experiments demonstrated that the MICs of PAM-1 ranged from 2 to 8 μg/mL, with its effectiveness sustained for a duration of 24 h. PAM-1 exhibited significant antibiofilm activities against CZA-resistant E. coli (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Membrane permeability test revealed that PAM-1 may exert its antibacterial effect by disrupting membrane integrity by forming transmembrane pores (p < 0.05). Red blood cell hemolysis and cytotoxicity tests revealed that PAM-1 exerts no adverse effects at experimental concentrations (p < 0.05). Moreover, stability tests revealed its effectiveness in serum and at room temperature. The Galleria mellonella infection model revealed that PAM-1 can significantly improve the survival rate of Galleria mellonella (>50%)for in vivo treatment. Lastly, RT-qPCR revealed that PAM-1 downregulates the expression of inflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05). Overall, our study findings highlight the potential of PAM-1 as a therapeutic agent for CZA-resistant E. coli infections, offering new avenues for research and alternative antimicrobial therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zeyu Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jingchun Kong
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Lijiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jianming Cao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Tieli Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Mo Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Cresti L, Cappello G, Pini A. Antimicrobial Peptides towards Clinical Application-A Long History to Be Concluded. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4870. [PMID: 38732089 PMCID: PMC11084544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are molecules with an amphipathic structure that enables them to interact with bacterial membranes. This interaction can lead to membrane crossing and disruption with pore formation, culminating in cell death. They are produced naturally in various organisms, including humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. In higher animals, they are part of the innate immune system, where they counteract infection by bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. AMPs can also be designed de novo by bioinformatic approaches or selected from combinatorial libraries, and then produced by chemical or recombinant procedures. Since their discovery, AMPs have aroused interest as potential antibiotics, although few have reached the market due to stability limits or toxicity. Here, we describe the development phase and a number of clinical trials of antimicrobial peptides. We also provide an update on AMPs in the pharmaceutical industry and an overall view of their therapeutic market. Modifications to peptide structures to improve stability in vivo and bioavailability are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cresti
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Giovanni Cappello
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Pini
- Medical Biotechnology Department, University of Siena, Via A Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; (G.C.); (A.P.)
- SetLance srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria alle Scotte University Hospital, 53100 Siena, Italy
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10
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Chen J, Yu CG, Zhou MM, Zhang GJ, Su HL, Ding GH, Wei L, Lin ZH, Ma L. An esculentin-1 homolog from a dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus) possesses antibacterial and immunoregulatory properties. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:164. [PMID: 38678277 PMCID: PMC11055230 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esculentin-1, initially discovered in the skin secretions of pool frogs (Pelophylax lessonae), has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; however, its immunomodulatory properties have received little attention. RESULTS In the present study, esculentin-1 cDNA was identified by analysing the skin transcriptome of the dark-spotted frog (Pelophylax nigromaculatus). Esculentin-1 from this species (esculentin-1PN) encompasses a signal peptide, an acidic spacer peptide, and a mature peptide. Sequence alignments with other amphibian esculentins-1 demonstrated conservation of the peptide, and phylogenetic tree analysis revealed its closest genetic affinity to esculentin-1P, derived from the Fukien gold-striped pond frog (Pelophylax fukienensis). Esculentin-1PN transcripts were observed in various tissues, with the skin exhibiting the highest mRNA levels. Synthetic esculentin-1PN demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens, and esculentin-1PN exhibited bactericidal activity by disrupting cell membrane integrity and hydrolyzing genomic DNA. Esculentin-1PN did not stimulate chemotaxis in RAW264.7, a murine leukemic monocyte/macrophage cell line. However, it amplified the respiratory burst and augmented the pro-inflammatory cytokine gene (TNF-α and IL-1β) expression in RAW264.7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This novel finding highlights the immunomodulatory activity of esculentin-1PN on immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Ci-Gang Yu
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing, 210042, China
| | - Min-Min Zhou
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Gao-Jian Zhang
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Hai-Long Su
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Guo-Hua Ding
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Wei
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Zhi-Hua Lin
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Ecology, Lishui University, Lishui, 323000, China.
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11
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Parisi MG, Ozón B, Vera González SM, García-Pardo J, Obregón WD. Plant Protease Inhibitors as Emerging Antimicrobial Peptide Agents: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:582. [PMID: 38794245 PMCID: PMC11125377 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important mediator molecules of the innate defense mechanisms in a wide range of living organisms, including bacteria, mammals, and plants. Among them, peptide protease inhibitors (PPIs) from plants play a central role in their defense mechanisms by directly attacking pathogens or by modulating the plant's defense response. The growing prevalence of microbial resistance to currently available antibiotics has intensified the interest concerning these molecules as novel antimicrobial agents. In this scenario, PPIs isolated from a variety of plants have shown potential in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria, protozoans, and fungal strains, either by interfering with essential biochemical or physiological processes or by altering the permeability of biological membranes of invading organisms. Moreover, these molecules are active inhibitors of a range of proteases, including aspartic, serine, and cysteine types, with some showing particular efficacy as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential of plant-derived PPIs as novel antimicrobial molecules, highlighting their broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy, specificity, and minimal toxicity. These natural compounds exhibit diverse mechanisms of action and often multifunctionality, positioning them as promising molecular scaffolds for developing new therapeutic antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica G. Parisi
- Instituto de Ecología y Desarrollo Sustentable (INEDES, CONICET-UNLu) and Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Nacional de Luján, Ruta 5 y Avenida Constitución, Luján B6700, Buenos Aires, Argentina;
| | - Brenda Ozón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
| | - Sofía M. Vera González
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Walter David Obregón
- Centro de Investigación de Proteínas Vegetales (CIProVe) and Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 47 y 115 s/N, La Plata B1900, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (B.O.); (S.M.V.G.)
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12
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Rusic D, Kumric M, Seselja Perisin A, Leskur D, Bukic J, Modun D, Vilovic M, Vrdoljak J, Martinovic D, Grahovac M, Bozic J. Tackling the Antimicrobial Resistance "Pandemic" with Machine Learning Tools: A Summary of Available Evidence. Microorganisms 2024; 12:842. [PMID: 38792673 PMCID: PMC11123121 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is recognised as one of the top threats healthcare is bound to face in the future. There have been various attempts to preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials, develop new and efficient antimicrobials, manage infections with multi-drug resistant strains, and improve patient outcomes, resulting in a growing mass of routinely available data, including electronic health records and microbiological information that can be employed to develop individualised antimicrobial stewardship. Machine learning methods have been developed to predict antimicrobial resistance from whole-genome sequencing data, forecast medication susceptibility, recognise epidemic patterns for surveillance purposes, or propose new antibacterial treatments and accelerate scientific discovery. Unfortunately, there is an evident gap between the number of machine learning applications in science and the effective implementation of these systems. This narrative review highlights some of the outstanding opportunities that machine learning offers when applied in research related to antimicrobial resistance. In the future, machine learning tools may prove to be superbugs' kryptonite. This review aims to provide an overview of available publications to aid researchers that are looking to expand their work with new approaches and to acquaint them with the current application of machine learning techniques in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Rusic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (J.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Marko Kumric
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.V.); (J.V.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Cardiometabolic Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Ana Seselja Perisin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (J.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Dario Leskur
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (J.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Josipa Bukic
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (J.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Darko Modun
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (D.R.); (A.S.P.); (D.L.); (J.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Marino Vilovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.V.); (J.V.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Cardiometabolic Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Josip Vrdoljak
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.V.); (J.V.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Cardiometabolic Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Dinko Martinovic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.V.); (J.V.); (D.M.)
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marko Grahovac
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Josko Bozic
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.K.); (M.V.); (J.V.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory for Cardiometabolic Research, University of Split School of Medicine, Soltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
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13
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Chen J, Wang W, Hu X, Yue Y, Lu X, Wang C, Wei B, Zhang H, Wang H. Medium-sized peptides from microbial sources with potential for antibacterial drug development. Nat Prod Rep 2024. [PMID: 38651516 DOI: 10.1039/d4np00002a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Covering: 1993 to the end of 2022As the rapid development of antibiotic resistance shrinks the number of clinically available antibiotics, there is an urgent need for novel options to fill the existing antibiotic pipeline. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides have attracted increased interest due to their impressive broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low probability of antibiotic resistance. However, macromolecular antimicrobial peptides of plant and animal origin face obstacles in antibiotic development because of their extremely short elimination half-life and poor chemical stability. Herein, we focus on medium-sized antibacterial peptides (MAPs) of microbial origin with molecular weights below 2000 Da. The low molecular weight is not sufficient to form complex protein conformations and is also associated to a better chemical stability and easier modifications. Microbially-produced peptides are often composed of a variety of non-protein amino acids and terminal modifications, which contribute to improving the elimination half-life of compounds. Therefore, MAPs have great potential for drug discovery and are likely to become key players in the development of next-generation antibiotics. In this review, we provide a detailed exploration of the modes of action demonstrated by 45 MAPs and offer a concise summary of the structure-activity relationships observed in these MAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwei Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Wei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xubin Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Yujie Yue
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xingyue Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Chenjie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Bin Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Hong Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science & Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
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14
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Chen Z, Wang L, He D, Liu Q, Han Q, Zhang J, Zhang AM, Song Y. Exploration of the Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1BW. Molecules 2024; 29:1534. [PMID: 38611812 PMCID: PMC11013252 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has emerged as a grave threat to global public health, leading to an increasing number of treatment failures. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are widely regarded as potential substitutes for traditional antibiotics since they are less likely to induce resistance when used. A novel AMP named Brevinin-1BW (FLPLLAGLAASFLPTIFCKISRKC) was obtained by the Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province from the skin of the Pelophylax nigromaculatus. Brevinia-1BW had effective inhibitory effects on Gram-positive bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125 μg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and 6.25 μg/mL against both Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) but had weaker inhibitory effects on Gram-negative bacteria, with a MIC of ≥100 μg/mL. Studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and flow cytometry have revealed that it exerts its antibacterial activity by disrupting bacterial membranes. Additionally, it possesses strong biofilm inhibitory and eradication activities as well as significant lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding activity. Furthermore, Brevinin-1BW has shown a significant anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. In conclusion, Brevinin-1BW is anticipated to be a promising clinical agent with potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Chen
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Lei Wang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Dongxia He
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Qi Liu
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Qinqin Han
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Jinyang Zhang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - A-Mei Zhang
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
| | - Yuzhu Song
- Research Center of Molecular Medicine of Yunnan Province, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China; (Z.C.); (L.W.); (D.H.); (Q.L.); (Q.H.); (J.Z.); (A.-M.Z.)
- School of Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650504, China
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15
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Kim DY, Oh YB, Park JS, Min YH, Park MC. Anti-Microbial Activities of Mussel-Derived Recombinant Proteins against Gram-Negative Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:239. [PMID: 38534674 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) and pro-apoptotic peptides are considered as novel anti-microbial agents, distinguished by their different characteristics. Nevertheless, AMPs exhibit certain limitations, including poor stability and potential toxicity, which hinder their suitability for applications in pharmaceutics and medical devices. In this study, we used recombinant mussel adhesive protein (MAP) as a robust scaffold to overcome these limitations associated with AMPs. Mussel adhesive protein fused with functional peptides (MAP-FPs) was used to evaluate anti-microbial activities, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time-kill kinetics (TKK) assays against six of bacteria strains. MAP and MAP-FPs were proved to have an anti-microbial effect with MIC of 4 or 8 µM against only Gram-negative bacteria strains. All tested MAP-FPs killed four different Gram-negative bacteria strains within 180 min. Especially, MAP-FP-2 and -5 killed three Gram-negative bacteria strain, including E. coli, S. typhimurium, and K. pneumoniae, within 10 min. A cytotoxicity study using Vero and HEK293T cells indicated the safety of MAP and MAP-FP-2 and -3. Thermal stability of MAP-FP-2 was also validated by HPLC analysis at an accelerated condition for 4 weeks. This study identified that MAP-FPs have novel anti-microbial activity, inhibiting the growth and rapidly killing Gram-negative bacteria strains with high thermal stability and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, Gimhae 50832, Republic of Korea
| | - You Bin Oh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae 50832, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Seon Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Inje University, Gimhae 50832, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Hong Min
- College of Health and Welfare, Daegu Hanny University, Gyeongsan 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Chul Park
- College of Pharmacy, Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, Gimhae 50832, Republic of Korea
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16
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Peng J, Li L, Wan Y, Yang Y, An X, Yuan K, Qiu Z, Jiang Y, Guo G, Shen F, Liang G. Molecular characterization and antimicrobial activity of cecropin family in Hermetia illucens. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 152:105111. [PMID: 38081402 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics in the face of increasing bacterial resistance. Insects possess many antimicrobial peptides and have become a valuable source of novel and highly effective antimicrobial peptides. Hermetia illucens as a resource insect, for example, has the highest number of antimicrobial peptides of any dipteran. However, most antimicrobial peptides, especially cecropin, have not been comprehensively identified and have not been evaluated for their antimicrobial ability. In this study, we analyzed the localization and gene structure of 33 cecropin molecules in the H. illucens genome and evaluated their activity against common human pathogens. The results showed that 32 cecropin molecules were concentrated on 1 chromosome, most with 2 exons. More importantly, most of the cecropins had a good antibacterial effect against Gram-negative bacteria, and were not hemolytic. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the cecropin designated H3 against E. coli was 4 μg/mL. The toxicity, killing time kinetics, and anti-biofilm activity of H3 were further investigated and confirmed its antimicrobial ability. Overall, H3 is a potential candidate for the development of new antimicrobials to treat severe infections caused by Gram-negative pathogens such as E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Peng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Li
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqin An
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhilang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinhui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Immune and Antibody Engineering of Guizhou Province, Cellular Immunotherapy Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, School of Biology and Engineering/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo Guo
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Shen
- Guizhou Institute of Precision Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guiyou Liang
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Cardiac Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550009, Guizhou, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Yin K, Xu W, Ren S, Xu Q, Zhang S, Zhang R, Jiang M, Zhang Y, Xu D, Li R. Machine Learning Accelerates De Novo Design of Antimicrobial Peptides. Interdiscip Sci 2024:10.1007/s12539-024-00612-3. [PMID: 38416364 DOI: 10.1007/s12539-024-00612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Efficient and precise design of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is of great importance in the field of AMP development. Computing provides opportunities for peptide de novo design. In the present investigation, a new machine learning-based AMP prediction model, AP_Sin, was trained using 1160 AMP sequences and 1160 non-AMP sequences. The results showed that AP_Sin correctly classified 94.61% of AMPs on a comprehensive dataset, outperforming the mainstream and open-source models (Antimicrobial Peptide Scanner vr.2, iAMPpred and AMPlify) and being effective in identifying AMPs. In addition, a peptide sequence generator, AP_Gen, was devised based on the concept of recombining dominant amino acids and dipeptide compositions. After inputting the parameters of the 71 tridecapeptides from antimicrobial peptides database (APD3) into AP_Gen, a tridecapeptide bank consisting of de novo designed 17,496 tridecapeptide sequences were randomly generated, from which 2675 candidate AMP sequences were identified by AP_Sin. Chemical synthesis was performed on 180 randomly selected candidate AMP sequences, of which 18 showed high antimicrobial activities against a wide range of the tested pathogenic microorganisms, and 16 of which had a minimal inhibitory concentration of less than 10 μg/mL against at least one of the tested pathogenic microorganisms. The method established in this research accelerates the discovery of valuable candidate AMPs and provides a novel approach for de novo design of antimicrobial peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China.
- Law College, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shiming Ren
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingpeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaojie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
- School of Economics and Trade, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengwan Jiang
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- School of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Degang Xu
- College of Information Science and Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ruifang Li
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China.
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 100 Lianhua Street, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Satchanska G, Davidova S, Gergova A. Diversity and Mechanisms of Action of Plant, Animal, and Human Antimicrobial Peptides. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:202. [PMID: 38534637 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13030202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are usually made up of fewer than 100 amino acid residues. They are found in many living organisms and are an important factor in those organisms' innate immune systems. AMPs can be extracted from various living sources, including bacteria, plants, animals, and even humans. They are usually cationic peptides with an amphiphilic structure, which allows them to easily bind and interact with the cellular membranes of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. They can act against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens and have various modes of action against them. Some attack the pathogens' membranes, while others target their intracellular organelles, as well as their nucleic acids, proteins, and metabolic pathways. A crucial area of AMP use is related to their ability to help with emerging antibiotic resistance: some AMPs are active against resistant strains and are susceptible to peptide engineering. This review considers AMPs from three key sources-plants, animals, and humans-as well as their modes of action and some AMP sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Satchanska
- BioLaboratory-MF-NBU, Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Slavena Davidova
- BioLaboratory-MF-NBU, Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Alexandra Gergova
- BioLaboratory-MF-NBU, Department of Natural Sciences, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Culver KD, Sadecki PW, Jackson JK, Brown ZA, Hnilica ME, Wu J, Shaw LN, Wommack AJ, Hicks LM. Identification and Characterization of CC-AMP1-like and CC-AMP2-like Peptides in Capsicum spp. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38367000 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are compounds with a variety of bioactive properties. Especially promising are their antibacterial activities, often toward drug-resistant pathogens. Across different AMP sources, AMPs expressed within plants are relatively underexplored with a limited number of plant AMP families identified. Recently, we identified the novel AMPs CC-AMP1 and CC-AMP2 in ghost pepper plants (Capsicum chinense x frutescens), exerting promising antibacterial activity and not classifying into any known plant AMP family. Herein, AMPs related to CC-AMP1 and CC-AMP2 were identified within both Capsicum annuum and Capsicum baccatum. In silico predictions throughout plants were utilized to illustrate that CC-AMP1-like and CC-AMP2-like peptides belong to two broader AMP families, with three-dimensional structural predictions indicating that CC-AMP1-like peptides comprise a novel subfamily of α-hairpinins. The antibacterial activities of several closely related CC-AMP1-like peptides were compared with a truncated version of CC-AMP1 possessing significantly more activity than the full peptide. This truncated peptide was further characterized to possess broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against clinically relevant ESKAPE pathogens. These findings illustrate the value in continued study of plant AMPs toward characterization of novel AMP families, with CC-AMP1-like peptides possessing promising bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin D Culver
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Patric W Sadecki
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Jessica K Jackson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Zoe A Brown
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina 27268, United States
| | - Megan E Hnilica
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Jingyun Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
| | - Lindsey N Shaw
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida 33620, United States
| | - Andrew J Wommack
- Department of Chemistry, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina 27268, United States
| | - Leslie M Hicks
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, United States
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20
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Kapat K, Kumbhakarn S, Sable R, Gondane P, Takle S, Maity P. Peptide-Based Biomaterials for Bone and Cartilage Regeneration. Biomedicines 2024; 12:313. [PMID: 38397915 PMCID: PMC10887361 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The healing of osteochondral defects (OCDs) that result from injury, osteochondritis, or osteoarthritis and bear lesions in the cartilage and bone, pain, and loss of joint function in middle- and old-age individuals presents challenges to clinical practitioners because of non-regenerative cartilage and the limitations of current therapies. Bioactive peptide-based osteochondral (OC) tissue regeneration is becoming more popular because it does not have the immunogenicity, misfolding, or denaturation problems associated with original proteins. Periodically, reviews are published on the regeneration of bone and cartilage separately; however, none of them addressed the simultaneous healing of these tissues in the complicated heterogeneous environment of the osteochondral (OC) interface. As regulators of cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and antibacterial activity, potential therapeutic strategies for OCDs utilizing bone and cartilage-specific peptides should be examined and investigated. The main goal of this review was to study how they contribute to the healing of OCDs, either alone or in conjunction with other peptides and biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kausik Kapat
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Sakshi Kumbhakarn
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Rahul Sable
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Prashil Gondane
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Shruti Takle
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research Kolkata, 168, Maniktala Main Road, Kankurgachi, Kolkata 700054, West Bengal, India
| | - Pritiprasanna Maity
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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21
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Liu GY, Yu D, Fan MM, Zhang X, Jin ZY, Tang C, Liu XF. Antimicrobial resistance crisis: could artificial intelligence be the solution? Mil Med Res 2024; 11:7. [PMID: 38254241 PMCID: PMC10804841 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-024-00510-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health threat, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a priority list of the most threatening pathogens against which novel antibiotics need to be developed. The discovery and introduction of novel antibiotics are time-consuming and expensive. According to WHO's report of antibacterial agents in clinical development, only 18 novel antibiotics have been approved since 2014. Therefore, novel antibiotics are critically needed. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been rapidly applied to drug development since its recent technical breakthrough and has dramatically improved the efficiency of the discovery of novel antibiotics. Here, we first summarized recently marketed novel antibiotics, and antibiotic candidates in clinical development. In addition, we systematically reviewed the involvement of AI in antibacterial drug development and utilization, including small molecules, antimicrobial peptides, phage therapy, essential oils, as well as resistance mechanism prediction, and antibiotic stewardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yu Liu
- Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Immunoregulation of Hangzhou, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Dan Yu
- National Key Discipline of Pediatrics Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Dermatology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Mei-Mei Fan
- Department of Immunology and Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Key Laboratory of Aging and Cancer Biology of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Immunoregulation of Hangzhou, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ze-Yu Jin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Christoph Tang
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK.
| | - Xiao-Fen Liu
- Institute of Antibiotics, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology of Antibiotics, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, National Clinical Research Centre for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
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22
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Hilpert K, Munshi T, López-Pérez PM, Sequeira-Garcia J, Bull TJ. Redefining Peptide 14D: Substitutional Analysis for Accelerated TB Diagnosis and Enhanced Activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Microorganisms 2024; 12:177. [PMID: 38258003 PMCID: PMC10819809 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains a predominant cause of mortality, especially in low- and middle-income nations. Recently, antimicrobial peptides have been discovered that at low concentrations could stimulate the growth of M. tuberculosis (hormetic response). In this study, such a peptide was used to investigate the effects on the time to positivity (TTP). A systematic substitution analysis of peptide 14D was synthesized using Spot synthesis technology, resulting in 171 novel peptides. Our findings revealed a spectrum of interactions, with some peptides accelerating M. tuberculosis growth, potentially aiding in faster diagnostics, while others exhibited inhibitory effects. Notably, peptide NH2-wkivfiwrr-CONH2 significantly reduced the TTP by 25 h compared to the wild-type peptide 14D, highlighting its potential in improving TB diagnostics by culture. Several peptides demonstrated potent antimycobacterial activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 20 µg/mL against H37Rv and a multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strain. Additionally, for two peptides, a strongly diminished formation of cord-like structures was observed, which is indicative of reduced virulence and transmission potential. This study underscores the multifaceted roles of antimicrobial peptides in TB management, from enhancing diagnostic efficiency to offering therapeutic avenues against M. tuberculosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hilpert
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Tulika Munshi
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | | | | | - Tim J. Bull
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 0RE, UK
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23
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Okasha H. Fundamental Uses of Peptides as a New Model in Both Treatment and Diagnosis. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2024; 18:110-127. [PMID: 38282442 DOI: 10.2174/1872208317666230512143508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
An amino acid short chain is known as a peptide. Peptide bonds are the connections that hold the amino acids of a peptide together in a particular order. Characteristically, the shorter length of peptides helps to identify them from proteins. Different ways are used to classify peptides, including chain length, source of peptides, or their biological functions. The fact that peptides serve several purposes suggests that there is a foundation for improvement in peptide production and structure to enhance action. In addition, many patents on peptides for therapeutic and diagnostic approaches have been obtained. This review aims to give an overview of peptides used recently in treatment and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Okasha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, 12411, Egypt
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24
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Aguilera-Puga MDC, Cancelarich NL, Marani MM, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Plisson F. Accelerating the Discovery and Design of Antimicrobial Peptides with Artificial Intelligence. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2714:329-352. [PMID: 37676607 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3441-7_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Peptides modulate many processes of human physiology targeting ion channels, protein receptors, or enzymes. They represent valuable starting points for the development of new biologics against communicable and non-communicable disorders. However, turning native peptide ligands into druggable materials requires high selectivity and efficacy, predictable metabolism, and good safety profiles. Machine learning models have gradually emerged as cost-effective and time-saving solutions to predict and generate new proteins with optimal properties. In this chapter, we will discuss the evolution and applications of predictive modeling and generative modeling to discover and design safe and effective antimicrobial peptides. We will also present their current limitations and suggest future research directions, applicable to peptide drug design campaigns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana D C Aguilera-Puga
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
- CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Natalia L Cancelarich
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Mariela M Marani
- Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales (IPEEC), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
- Machine Biology Group, Departments of Psychiatry and Microbiology, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Departments of Bioengineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Institute for Computational Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Fabien Plisson
- Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), Unidad de Genómica Avanzada, Laboratorio Nacional de Genómica para la Biodiversidad (Langebio), Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
- CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Irapuato, Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioquímica, Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico.
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25
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Anurag Anand A, Amod A, Anwar S, Sahoo AK, Sethi G, Samanta SK. A comprehensive guide on screening and selection of a suitable AMP against biofilm-forming bacteria. Crit Rev Microbiol 2023:1-20. [PMID: 38102871 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2293019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Lately, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing at an exponential rate making it important to search alternatives to antibiotics in order to combat multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. Out of the several antibacterial and antibiofilm strategies being tested, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown to give better hopes in terms of a long-lasting solution to the problem. To select a desired AMP, it is important to make right use of available tools and databases that aid in identification, classification, and analysis of the physiochemical properties of AMPs. To identify the targets of these AMPs, it becomes crucial to understand their mode-of-action. AMPs can also be used in combination with other antibacterial and antibiofilm agents so as to achieve enhanced efficacy against bacteria and their biofilms. Due to concerns regarding toxicity, stability, and bioavailability, strategizing drug formulation at an early-stage becomes crucial. Although there are few concerns regarding development of bacterial resistance to AMPs, the evolution of resistance to AMPs occurs extremely slowly. This comprehensive review gives a deep insight into the selection of the right AMP, deciding the right target and combination strategy along with the type of formulation needed, and the possible resistance that bacteria can develop to these AMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Anurag Anand
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Ayush Amod
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Sarfraz Anwar
- Department of Bioinformatics, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sintu Kumar Samanta
- Department of Applied Sciences, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Prayagraj, India
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26
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Liu M, Xiao Y, Yang Y, Zhou S, Shen X, Zhang Y, Wang W. Carrier proteins boost expression of PR-39-derived peptide in Pichia pastoris. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad297. [PMID: 38052427 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Multidrug resistance presents difficulties in preventing and treating bacterial infections. Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides (PrAMPs) inhibit bacterial growth by affecting the intracellular targets rather than by permeabilizing the membrane. The aim of this study was to develop a yeast-based fusion carrier system using calmodulin (CaM) and xylanase (XynCDBFV) as two carriers to express the model PrAMP PR-39-derived peptide (PR-39-DP) in Pichia pastoris. METHODS AND RESULTS Fusion protein secreted into the culture supernatant was purified in a one-step on-column digestion using human rhinovirus 3C protease, obtaining the target peptide PR-39-DP. The growth curves of Escherichia coli were monitored by recording the OD600 values of the bacteria. The antibacterial activity of PR-39-DP was evaluated in killing assays performed on E. coli. The yield of PR-39-DP was 1.0-1.2 mg l-1 in the CaM fusion carrier system, approximately three times that of the XynCDBFV fusion carrier system. The minimal inhibitory concentration of PR-39-DP was ∼10.5 µg ml-1. CONCLUSIONS CaM and XynCDBFV provide increased stability and promote the expression and secretion of active PR-39-DP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 100032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Sihan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Youxi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 100032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Biosynthesis of Natural Products of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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27
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Xu K, Zhao X, Tan Y, Wu J, Cai Y, Zhou J, Wang X. A systematical review on antimicrobial peptides and their food applications. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213684. [PMID: 37976831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Food safety issues are a major concern in food processing and packaging industries. Food spoilage is caused by microbial contamination, where antimicrobial peptides (APs) provide solutions by eliminating microorganisms. APs such as nisin have been successfully and commonly used in food processing and preservation. Here, we discuss all aspects of the functionalization of APs in food applications. We briefly review the natural sources of APs and their native functions. Recombinant expression of APs in microorganisms and their yields are described. The molecular mechanisms of AP antibacterial action are explained, and this knowledge can further benefit the design of functional APs. We highlight current utilities and challenges for the application of APs in the food industry, and address rational methods for AP design that may overcome current limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangjie Xu
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - XinYi Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yameng Tan
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Junheng Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yiqing Cai
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China..
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic Biotechnology and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Science Center for Future Foods, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
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28
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Micelly-Moreno J, Barreto-Santamaría A, Arévalo-Pinzón G, Firacative C, Gómez BL, Escandón P, Patarroyo MA, Muñoz JE. Therapeutic Use of the Antimicrobial Peptide PNR20 to Resolve Disseminated Candidiasis in a Murine Model. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:1149. [PMID: 38132750 PMCID: PMC10744665 DOI: 10.3390/jof9121149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) caused by Candida species are an emerging threat globally, given that patients at-risk and antifungal resistance are increasing. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown good therapeutic capacity against different multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. This study evaluated the activity of the synthetic peptide, PNR20, against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and a MDR Colombian clinical isolate of Candida auris. Perturbation of yeast cell surface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Cell viability of Vero cells was determined to assess peptide toxicity. Additionally, survival, fungal burden, and histopathology of BALB/c mice infected intravenously with each Candida species and treated with PNR20 were analyzed. Morphological alterations were identified in both species, demonstrating the antifungal effect of PNR20. In vitro, Vero cells' viability was not affected by PNR20. All mice infected with either C. albicans or C. auris and treated with PNR20 survived and had a significant reduction in the fungal burden in the kidney compared to the control group. The histopathological analysis in mice infected and treated with PNR20 showed more preserved tissues, without the presence of yeast, compared to the control groups. This work shows that the utilization of PNR20 is a promising therapeutic alternative against disseminated candidiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeisson Micelly-Moreno
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogota 110311, Colombia;
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (C.F.); (B.L.G.)
| | - Adriana Barreto-Santamaría
- Receptor-Ligand Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogota 111321, Colombia;
| | - Gabriela Arévalo-Pinzón
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Carrera 7 #40–62, Bogota 110231, Colombia;
| | - Carolina Firacative
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (C.F.); (B.L.G.)
| | - Beatriz L. Gómez
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (C.F.); (B.L.G.)
| | - Patricia Escandón
- Microbiology Group, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogota 111321, Colombia;
| | - Manuel A. Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Bogota 111321, Colombia;
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogota 111321, Colombia
| | - Julián E. Muñoz
- Studies in Translational Microbiology and Emerging Diseases (MICROS) Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad de Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia; (C.F.); (B.L.G.)
- Public Health Research Group, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota 111221, Colombia
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29
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Yang Y, Song X, Cui N, Lei T, Huang Y, Shi Y, Hu Y, Zhou X, Zhao Z. Functional characterization of obscure puffer ToNK-lysin: A novel immunomodulator possessing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:109080. [PMID: 37748586 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
NK-lysins are one of the most abundant antimicrobial peptides produced by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells (NKs), and identified as a new class of intrinsically disordered proteins, playing critical roles in the cell-mediated cytotoxicity response, as well as immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activities upon a significant range of pathogens. In the present study, an NK-lysin was identified from Obscure puffer Takifugu obscurus (ToNK-lysin). The open reading frame of ToNK-lysin sequence spans 423 bp, encoding a peptide with 140 amino acids which shares a moderate residue identity (18%-60%) with NK-lysin of mammals and other teleost species. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ToNK-lysin was most closely related to NK-lysins from the Pleuronectiformes (Bastard halibut Paralichthys olivaceus and Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis). Comprehensive computational analysis revealed that ToNK-lysin have substantial level of intrinsic disorder, which might be contribute to its multifunction. The transcripts of the ToNK-lysin were detected in multiple examined tissues and most abundant in gills. After bacterial and Poly I:C challenge, the transcriptional levels of ToNK-lysin were significantly up-regulated in the head kidney, liver and spleen at different time points. The recombinant ToNK-lysin showed significant antibacterial activity against Vibrio harveyi and Escherichia coli, and the ToNK-lysin treatment not only reduced the bacterial loads in liver and head kidney, but also alleviated the pathogen-mediated upregulation of immune-related genes. In addition, the co-incubation with rToNK-lysin protein remarkably degraded bacterial genomic DNA, suggesting the potential mechanism of ToNK-lysin against microbes. These results suggest that ToNK-lysin possess antibacterial and immunoregulatory function both in vivo and in vitro, which may allow it a potential applicability to the aquaculture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxing Yang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Xiaorui Song
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Nan Cui
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Tianying Lei
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China
| | - Yadong Hu
- Jiangsu Innovation Center of Marine Bioresource, Jiangsu Coast Development Group Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Xinghu Zhou
- Jiangsu Innovation Center of Marine Bioresource, Jiangsu Coast Development Group Co., Ltd, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Zhe Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Marine Bio-resources Sustainable Utilization, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China; Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing 210024, China.
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Lennard PR, Hiemstra PS, Nibbering PH. Complementary Activities of Host Defence Peptides and Antibiotics in Combating Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1518. [PMID: 37887219 PMCID: PMC10604037 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12101518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their ability to eliminate antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria and to modulate the immune response, host defence peptides (HDPs) hold great promise for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections. Whereas monotherapy with HDPs is not likely to become an effective first-line treatment, combinations of such peptides with antibiotics can potentially provide a path to future therapies for AMR infections. Therefore, we critically reviewed the recent literature regarding the antibacterial activity of combinations of HDPs and antibiotics against AMR bacteria and the approaches taken in these studies. Of the 86 studies compiled, 56 featured a formal assessment of synergy between agents. Of the combinations assessed, synergistic and additive interactions between HDPs and antibiotics amounted to 84.9% of the records, while indifferent and antagonistic interactions accounted for 15.1%. Penicillin, aminoglycoside, fluoro/quinolone, and glycopeptide antibiotic classes were the most frequently documented as interacting with HDPs, and Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecium were the most reported bacterial species. Few studies formally evaluated the effects of combinations of HDPs and antibiotics on bacteria, and even fewer assessed such combinations against bacteria within biofilms, in animal models, or in advanced tissue infection models. Despite the biases of the current literature, the studies suggest that effective combinations of HDPs and antibiotics hold promise for the future treatment of infections caused by AMR bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick R. Lennard
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Infection, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FE, UK
- PulmoScience Lab, Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands;
| | - Pieter S. Hiemstra
- PulmoScience Lab, Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden 2333, The Netherlands;
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Hafeez AB, Pełka K, Buzun K, Worobo R, Szweda P. Whole-genome sequencing and antimicrobial potential of bacteria isolated from Polish honey. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:6389-6406. [PMID: 37665371 PMCID: PMC10560198 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12732-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was the whole-genome analysis and assessment of the antimicrobial potential of bacterial isolates from honey harvested in one geographical location-the north of Poland. In total, 132 strains were derived from three honey samples, and the antimicrobial activity of CFAM (cell-free after-culture medium) was used as a criterion for strain selection and detailed genomic investigation. Two of the tested isolates (SZA14 and SZA16) were classified as Bacillus paralicheniformis, and one isolate (SZB3) as Bacillus subtilis based on their ANI and phylogenetic analysis relatedness. The isolates SZA14 and SZA16 were harvested from the same honey sample with a nucleotide identity of 98.96%. All three isolates have been found to be potential producers of different antimicrobial compounds. The secondary metabolite genome mining pipeline (antiSMASH) identified 14 gene cluster coding for non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPs), polyketide synthases (PKSs), and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) that are potential sources of novel antibacterials. The BAGEL4 analysis revealed the presence of nine putative gene clusters of interest in the isolates SZA14 and SZA16 (including the presence of six similar clusters present in both isolates, coding for the production of enterocin Nkr-5-3B, haloduracin-alpha, sonorensin, bottromycin, comX2, and lasso peptide), and four in B. subtilis isolate SZB3 (competence factor, sporulation-killing factor, subtilosin A, and sactipeptides). The outcomes of this study confirm that honey-derived Bacillus spp. strains can be considered potential producers of a broad spectrum of antimicrobial agents. KEY POINTS: • Bacteria of the genus Bacillus are an important component of honey microbiota. • Honey-derived Bacillus spp. strains are potential producers of new antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmer Bin Hafeez
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Karolina Pełka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Kamila Buzun
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Randy Worobo
- Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Piotr Szweda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
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Jain M, Stitt G, Son L, Enioutina EY. Probiotics and Their Bioproducts: A Promising Approach for Targeting Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2393. [PMID: 37894051 PMCID: PMC10608974 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a serious global health problem that poses a threat to the successful treatment of various bacterial infections, especially those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Conventional treatment of MRSA and VRE infections is challenging and often requires alternative or combination therapies that may have limited efficacy, higher costs, and/or more adverse effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Probiotics and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are two promising approaches that have shown potential benefits in various diseases. Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts. AMPs, usually produced with probiotic bacteria, are short amino acid sequences that have broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Both probiotics and AMPs can modulate the host immune system, inhibit the growth and adhesion of pathogens, disrupt biofilms, and enhance intestinal barrier function. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the role of probiotics and AMPs in targeting multi-drug-resistant bacteria, with a focus on MRSA and VRE. In addition, we discuss future directions for the clinical use of probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Y. Enioutina
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA; (M.J.); (G.S.); (L.S.)
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Jayasinghe JNC, Whang I, De Zoysa M. Antifungal Efficacy of Antimicrobial Peptide Octominin II against Candida albicans. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14053. [PMID: 37762357 PMCID: PMC10531694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Most clinically isolated Candida albicans strains are drug-resistant, emphasizing the urgent need to discover alternative therapies. In this study, the previously characterized Octominin was modified into a shorter peptide with an 18 amino acid sequence (1GWLIRGAIHAGKAIHGLI18) and named Octominin II. The secondary structure of Octominin II is a random coil with a helical turn and a positive charge (+2.46) with a hydrophobic ratio of 0.46. Octominin II inhibited C. albicans, C. auris, and C. glabrata with minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations against C. albicans of 80 and 120 µg/mL, respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed that Octominin II treatment caused ultra-structural changes in C. albicans cells. Furthermore, membrane permeability results for the fluorescent indicator propidium iodide revealed modifications in cell wall integrity in Octominin II-treated C. albicans. Octominin II treatment increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans. Gene expression studies revealed that Octominin II suppresses virulence genes of C. albicans such as CDR1, TUP1, AGE3, GSC1, SAP2, and SAP9. In addition, a nucleic acid binding assay revealed that Octominin II degraded genomic DNA and total RNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, Octominin II inhibited and eradicated C. albicans biofilm formation. Octominin II showed relatively less cytotoxicity on raw 264.7 cells (0-200 µg/mL) and hemolysis activity on murine erythrocytes (6.25-100 µg/mL). In vivo studies confirmed that Octominin II reduced the pathogenicity of C. albicans. Overall, the data suggests that Octominin II inhibits C. albicans by employing different modes of action and can be a promising candidate for controlling multidrug-resistant Candida infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. N. C. Jayasinghe
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ilson Whang
- National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea (MABIK), Janghang-eup 33662, Republic of Korea
| | - Mahanama De Zoysa
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
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Chen X, Su S, Yan Y, Yin L, Liu L. Anti- Pseudomonas aeruginosa activity of natural antimicrobial peptides when used alone or in combination with antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1239540. [PMID: 37731929 PMCID: PMC10508351 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1239540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization has recently published a list of 12 drug-resistant bacteria that posed a significant threat to human health, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was among them. In China, P. aeruginosa is a common pathogen in hospital acquired pneumonia, accounting for 16.9-22.0%. It is a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen that can infect individuals with weakened immune systems, leading to hospital-acquired acute and systemic infections. The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the development of various mechanisms in P. aeruginosa to resist conventional drugs. Thus, there is an emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, posing a major challenge to conventional antibiotics and therapeutic approaches. Antimicrobial peptides are an integral component of host defense and have been found in many living organisms. Most antimicrobial peptides are characterized by negligible host toxicity and low resistance rates, making them become promising for use as antimicrobial products. This review particularly focuses on summarizing the inhibitory activity of natural antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, as well as the drug interactions when these peptides used in combination with conventional antibiotics. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of these antimicrobial peptides against P. aeruginosa strains was mainly related to destroy the membrane structure through interacting with LPS or increasing ROS levels, or targeting cellular components, leaded to cell lysis. Hopefully, this analysis will provide valuable experimental data on developing novel compounds to combat P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Taian City Central Hospital of Qingdao University, Taian, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Limei Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lihong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Ito T, Matsunaga N, Kurashima M, Demizu Y, Misawa T. Enhancing Chemical Stability through Structural Modification of Antimicrobial Peptides with Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1326. [PMID: 37627746 PMCID: PMC10451648 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12081326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) remain a significant threat to humanity, resulting in over 1.2 million deaths per year. To combat this problem effectively, the development of therapeutic agents with diverse mechanisms of action is crucial. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising next-generation therapeutics to combat infectious diseases, particularly MDRB. By targeting microbial membranes and inducing lysis, AMPs can effectively inhibit microbial growth, making them less susceptible to the development of resistance. Numerous structural advancements have been made to optimize the efficacy of AMPs. Previously, we developed 17KKV-Aib, a derivative of the Magainin 2 (Mag2) peptide, by incorporating a,a-disubstituted amino acids (dAAs) to modulate its secondary structure. 17KKV-Aib demonstrated potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP), with minimal hemolytic activity against human red blood cells. However, 17KKV-Aib faces challenges regarding its susceptibility to digestive enzymes, hindering its potential as an antimicrobial agent. In this study, we designed and synthesized derivatives of 17KKV-Aib, replacing Lys residues with 4-aminopiperidine-4-carboxylic acid (Api), which is a cyclized dAA residue possessing cationic properties on its side chain. We investigated the impact of Api substitution on the secondary structure, antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, and resistance to digestive enzymes. Our findings revealed that introducing Api residues preserved the helical structure and antimicrobial activity and enhanced resistance to digestive enzymes, with a slight increase in hemolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahito Ito
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi 210-9501, Japan; (T.I.)
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Natsumi Matsunaga
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi 210-9501, Japan; (T.I.)
| | - Megumi Kurashima
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi 210-9501, Japan; (T.I.)
| | - Yosuke Demizu
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi 210-9501, Japan; (T.I.)
- Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, 1-7-29, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Takashi Misawa
- National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26, Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi 210-9501, Japan; (T.I.)
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Lu W, Lu H, Wang C, Wang G, Dong W, Tan C. Effectors of the Type VI Secretion System Have the Potential to Be Modified into Antimicrobial Peptides. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0030823. [PMID: 37470717 PMCID: PMC10434152 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00308-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, and there is an urgent need to find alternative treatments to alleviate this pressure. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a protein delivery system present in bacterial cells that secretes effectors that participate in bacterial virulence. Given the potential for the transformation of these effectors into antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), we designed T6SS effectors into AMPs that have a membrane-disrupting effect. These effectors kill bacteria by altering the membrane potential and increasing the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Moreover, AMPs also have a significant therapeutic effect both in vivo and in vitro. This finding suggests that it is possible to modify bacterial components of bacteria themselves to create compounds that fight bacteria. IMPORTANCE This study first identified and modified the T6SS effector into positively charged alpha-helical peptides. These peptides have good antibacterial and bactericidal effects on G+ bacteria and G- bacteria. This study broadens the source of AMPs and makes T6SS effectors more useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Gaoyan Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenqi Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Tan
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Fu J, Zong X, Jin M, Min J, Wang F, Wang Y. Mechanisms and regulation of defensins in host defense. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:300. [PMID: 37574471 PMCID: PMC10423725 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As a family of cationic host defense peptides, defensins are mainly synthesized by Paneth cells, neutrophils, and epithelial cells, contributing to host defense. Their biological functions in innate immunity, as well as their structure and activity relationships, along with their mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential, have been of great interest in recent years. To highlight the key research into the role of defensins in human and animal health, we first describe their research history, structural features, evolution, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Next, we cover the role of defensins in immune homeostasis, chemotaxis, mucosal barrier function, gut microbiota regulation, intestinal development and regulation of cell death. Further, we discuss their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential in various diseases, including infectious disease, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes and obesity, chronic inflammatory lung disease, periodontitis and cancer. Finally, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the nutrient-dependent regulation of defensins, including fatty acids, amino acids, microelements, plant extracts, and probiotics, while considering the clinical application of such regulation. Together, the review summarizes the various biological functions, mechanism of actions and potential clinical significance of defensins, along with the challenges in developing defensins-based therapy, thus providing crucial insights into their biology and potential clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Junxia Min
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Public Health, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China.
| | - Yizhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in Eastern China, Ministry of Agriculture, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Yu L, Yang M, Jiang D, Jin H, Jin Z, Chu X, Zhao M, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Antibacterial peptides from Monochamus alternatus induced oxidative stress and reproductive defects in pine wood nematode through the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105511. [PMID: 37532327 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Pine wilt disease is a devastating disease of pine caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Long-term use of chemical nematicides leads to the development of resistance in nematodes and harms the environment. Evaluations for green environmental protection agents, identified the antibacterial peptide, MaltDef1, from Monochamus alternatus which had nematicidal effect. We studied its nematicidal activity and action against PWN. In this study, the antibacterial peptide S-defensin was synthesized from M. alternatus. The results showed that S-defensin caused mortality to the PWN, causing shrinkage, pore, cell membrane dissolution and muscle atrophy. In addition, PWN reproduction was also affected by S-defensin; it decreased in a concentration dependent manner with increasing treatment concentration. By contrast, reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vivo increased in a concentration-dependent manner. We applied transcriptome to analyze the changes in gene expressions in S-defensin treated PWN, and found that the most significantly enriched pathway was the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. RNAi was used to validate the functions of four differential genes (Let-23, Let-60, Mek-2 and Lin-1) in this pathway. The results showed that knockdown of these genes significantly decreased the survival rate and reproductive yield of, and also increased ROS in PWN. The antibacterial peptide S-defensin had a significant inhibitory effect on the survival and reproduction of PWN, shown by cell membrane damage and intracellular biological oxidative stress via regulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. This indicates that S-defensin has a target in B. xylophilus, against which new green target pesticides can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Meijiao Yang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Di Jiang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Haole Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zehong Jin
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Mingzhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Vector Biology and Pathogen Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Life Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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Viksne RJ, Sumeraga G, Pilmane M. Antimicrobial and Defense Proteins in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1259. [PMID: 37512070 PMCID: PMC10383322 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59071259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) presently remains a difficult disease to manage. Antimicrobial and defense proteins are important factors that could help characterize the role of microorganisms in CRSwNP pathogenesis, as the concept of microbial dysbiosis in CRS is still being considered. Our aim is to investigate the complex appearance, relative distribution and interlinks of human β defensin 2 (HBD-2), human β defensin 3 (HBD-3), human β defensin 4 (HBD-4), and cathelicidin LL 37 (LL 37) in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP)-affected human nasal mucosa. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 48 samples from patients with CRSwNP. Samples were collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery. The control group consisted of 17 normal healthy nasal mucosa samples gathered during routine septoplasty. β-defensin-2, β-defensin-3, β-defensin-4 and cathelicidin LL 37 in tissue were detected via immunohistochemical analysis. Results: HBD-2, HBD-3 and LL 37 were significantly decreased in epithelial cells in both primary and recurrent nasal polyp samples (p < 0.001) in comparison to control samples. HBD-2 was decreased in the subepithelial connective tissue of primary nasal polyp samples when compared to both recurrent polyp (p = 0.050) and control (p = 0.033) samples. In subepithelial connective tissue, significantly more HBD-3-positive structures were observed in primary nasal polyp samples (p = 0.049) than in control samples. In primary polyp samples, moderate correlations between connective tissue HBD-3 and connective (R = 0.584, p = 0.001) and epithelial tissue LL 37 (R = 0.556, p = 0.002) were observed. Conclusions: Decreased HBD-2, HBD-3 and LL 37 concentrations in the epithelium suggest a dysfunction of the epithelial barrier in patients with nasal polyps. Decreased subepithelial connective tissue HBD-2 suggests different responses to nasal microbiota in patients with primary nasal polyps compared to recurrent nasal polyps. Increased HBD-3 in subepithelial connective tissue suggests a possible role of this antimicrobial peptide in the pathogenesis of primary nasal polyps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolfs Janis Viksne
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Daugavpils Regional Hospital, Vasarnicu Street 20, LV-5417 Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Gunta Sumeraga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Mara Pilmane
- Institute of Anatomy and Anthropology, Riga Stradins University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Riga, Latvia
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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] [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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Dho M, Candian V, Tedeschi R. Insect Antimicrobial Peptides: Advancements, Enhancements and New Challenges. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:952. [PMID: 37370271 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12060952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several insects are known as vectors of a wide range of animal and human pathogens causing various diseases. However, they are also a source of different substances, such as the Antimicrobial Peptides (AMPs), which can be employed in the development of natural bioactive compounds for medical, veterinary and agricultural applications. It is well known that AMP activity, in contrast to most classical antibiotics, does not lead to the development of natural bacterial resistance, or at least the frequency of resistance is considered to be low. Therefore, there is a strong interest in assessing the efficacy of the various peptides known to date, identifying new compounds and evaluating possible solutions in order to increase their production. Moreover, implementing AMP modulation in insect rearing could preserve insect health in large-scale production. This review describes the current knowledge on insect AMPs, presenting the validated ones for the different insect orders. A brief description of their mechanism of action is reported with focus on proposed applications. The possible effects of insect diet on AMP translation and synthesis have been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Dho
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Valentina Candian
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Rosemarie Tedeschi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari (DISAFA), University of Torino, Largo P. Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
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Alajlani M. Characterization of Antimicrobial Peptide Produced by Bacillus Subtilis Subsp. Subtilis.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2856256/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: Antimicrobial peptides are amongst the most promising class of peptides to contract the rise of global antimicrobial resistant. This article investigates a new antimicrobial peptide from bacteria.Methods: Bacterial identification was based on phenotypical and biochemical properties as well as 16S rRNA gene sequence homology. Bacterial growth and production of the inhibitory substance was standardized and optimized. The newly antimicrobial peptide was purified to homogeneity, subsequently analyzed by PAGE and MALDI-TOF-MS.Results: The bacterium identified as Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis and designated as strain MZ-32. Landy medium was best for the production when compared with different media after fixing the least influential variables in standardized fermentation conditions. Carbohydrate and nitrogen supplements investigated to improve production in Landy medium. The antimicrobial peptide of 2.158-Da was active against a broad range of skin-born pathogenic bacteria that were resistant to standard antibiotics, and possessed the physico-chemical properties of an ideal antimicrobial agent in terms of water solubility, thermal resistance, and stability towards acid/alkali (pH 4.0 to 9.0) treatments.Conclusion: The new strain and its associated peptide are potentially new candidates for medical and biotechnological applications.
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Lupu A, Gradinaru LM, Gradinaru VR, Bercea M. Diversity of Bioinspired Hydrogels: From Structure to Applications. Gels 2023; 9:gels9050376. [PMID: 37232968 DOI: 10.3390/gels9050376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks with a variety of structures and functions that have a remarkable ability to absorb huge amounts of water or biological fluids. They can incorporate active compounds and release them in a controlled manner. Hydrogels can also be designed to be sensitive to external stimuli: temperature, pH, ionic strength, electrical or magnetic stimuli, specific molecules, etc. Alternative methods for the development of various hydrogels have been outlined in the literature over time. Some hydrogels are toxic and therefore are avoided when obtaining biomaterials, pharmaceuticals, or therapeutic products. Nature is a permanent source of inspiration for new structures and new functionalities of more and more competitive materials. Natural compounds present a series of physico-chemical and biological characteristics suitable for biomaterials, such as biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, biodegradability, and nontoxicity. Thus, they can generate microenvironments comparable to the intracellular or extracellular matrices in the human body. This paper discusses the main advantages of the presence of biomolecules (polysaccharides, proteins, and polypeptides) in hydrogels. Structural aspects induced by natural compounds and their specific properties are emphasized. The most suitable applications will be highlighted, including drug delivery, self-healing materials for regenerative medicine, cell culture, wound dressings, 3D bioprinting, foods, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Lupu
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41-A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luiza Madalina Gradinaru
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41-A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
| | - Vasile Robert Gradinaru
- Faculty of Chemistry, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, 11 Carol I Bd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Bercea
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41-A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania
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Flores-Alvarez LJ, Jiménez-Alcántar P, Ochoa-Zarzosa A, López-Meza JE. The Antimicrobial Peptide γ-Thionin from Habanero Chile ( Capsicum chinense) Induces Caspase-Independent Apoptosis on Human K562 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Cells and Regulates Epigenetic Marks. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093661. [PMID: 37175071 PMCID: PMC10180109 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a relevant health problem worldwide. In 2020, leukemias represented the 13th most commonly reported cancer cases worldwide but the 10th most likely to cause deaths. There has been a progressive increase in the efficacy of treatments for leukemias; however, these still generate important side effects, so it is imperative to search for new alternatives. Defensins are a group of antimicrobial peptides with activity against cancer cells. However, the cytotoxic mechanism of these peptides has been described mainly for animal defensins. This study shows that defensin γ-thionin (Capsicum chinense) is cytotoxic to the K562 leukemia cells with an IC50 = 290 μg/mL (50.26 μM) but not for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results showed that γ-thionin did not affect the membrane potential; however, the peptide modified the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the intracellular calcium release. In addition, γ-thionin induced apoptosis in K562 cells, but the activation of caspases 8 and 9 was not detected. Moreover, the activation of calpains was detected at one hour of treatment, suggesting that γ-thionin activates the caspase-independent apoptosis. Furthermore, the γ-thionin induced epigenetic modifications on histone 3 in K562 cells, increased global acetylation (~2-fold), and specific acetylation marks at lysine 9 (H3K9Ac) (~1.5-fold). In addition, γ-thionin increased the lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) and dimethylation marks (H3K9me2) (~2-fold), as well as the trimethylation mark (H3K9me3) (~2-fold). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a defensin that triggers caspase-independent apoptosis in cancer cells via calpains and regulating chromatin remodelation, a novel property for a plant defensin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis José Flores-Alvarez
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Km 9.5 Carretera Morelia-Zinapécuaro, Posta Veterinaria, Morelia C.P. 58893, Mexico
| | - Paola Jiménez-Alcántar
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Km 9.5 Carretera Morelia-Zinapécuaro, Posta Veterinaria, Morelia C.P. 58893, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Ochoa-Zarzosa
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Km 9.5 Carretera Morelia-Zinapécuaro, Posta Veterinaria, Morelia C.P. 58893, Mexico
| | - Joel E López-Meza
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Km 9.5 Carretera Morelia-Zinapécuaro, Posta Veterinaria, Morelia C.P. 58893, Mexico
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Cai P, Liu S, Zhang D, Xing H, Han M, Liu D, Gong L, Hu QN. SynBioTools: a one-stop facility for searching and selecting synthetic biology tools. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:152. [PMID: 37069545 PMCID: PMC10111727 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05281-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rapid development of synthetic biology relies heavily on the use of databases and computational tools, which are also developing rapidly. While many tool registries have been created to facilitate tool retrieval, sharing, and reuse, no relatively comprehensive tool registry or catalog addresses all aspects of synthetic biology. RESULTS We constructed SynBioTools, a comprehensive collection of synthetic biology databases, computational tools, and experimental methods, as a one-stop facility for searching and selecting synthetic biology tools. SynBioTools includes databases, computational tools, and methods extracted from reviews via SCIentific Table Extraction, a scientific table-extraction tool that we built. Approximately 57% of the resources that we located and included in SynBioTools are not mentioned in bio.tools, the dominant tool registry. To improve users' understanding of the tools and to enable them to make better choices, the tools are grouped into nine modules (each with subdivisions) based on their potential biosynthetic applications. Detailed comparisons of similar tools in every classification are included. The URLs, descriptions, source references, and the number of citations of the tools are also integrated into the system. CONCLUSIONS SynBioTools is freely available at https://synbiotools.lifesynther.com/ . It provides end-users and developers with a useful resource of categorized synthetic biology databases, tools, and methods to facilitate tool retrieval and selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengli Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Dachuan Zhang
- Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Huadong Xing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Mengying Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Dongliang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Linlin Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Qian-Nan Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
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Ciulla MG, Gelain F. Structure-activity relationships of antibacterial peptides. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:757-777. [PMID: 36705032 PMCID: PMC10034643 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides play a crucial role in innate immunity, whose components are mainly peptide-based molecules with antibacterial properties. Indeed, the exploration of the immune system over the past 40 years has revealed a number of natural peptides playing a pivotal role in the defence mechanisms of vertebrates and invertebrates, including amphibians, insects, and mammalians. This review provides a discussion regarding the antibacterial mechanisms of peptide-based agents and their structure-activity relationships (SARs) with the aim of describing a topic that is not yet fully explored. Some growing evidence suggests that innate immunity should be strongly considered for the development of novel antibiotic peptide-based libraries. Also, due to the constantly rising concern of antibiotic resistance, the development of new antibiotic drugs is becoming a priority of global importance. Hence, the study and the understanding of defence phenomena occurring in the immune system may inspire the development of novel antibiotic compound libraries and set the stage to overcome drug-resistant pathogens. Here, we provide an overview of the importance of peptide-based antibacterial sources, focusing on accurately selected molecular structures, their SARs including recently introduced modifications, their latest biotechnology applications, and their potential against multi-drug resistant pathogens. Last, we provide cues to describe how antibacterial peptides show a better scope of action selectivity than several anti-infective agents, which are characterized by non-selective activities and non-targeted actions toward pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gessica Ciulla
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Gelain
- Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Center for Nanomedicine and Tissue Engineering (CNTE), ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
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Bian ZC, Cai XH, Tan KA, Wang YD, Huang Z, Kwan KY, Xu P. Identification and Functional Analysis of ToBPI1/LBP and ToBPI2/LBP in Anti-Bacterial Infection of Trachinotus ovatus. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040826. [PMID: 37107584 PMCID: PMC10138239 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) are a group of antibacterial proteins that play an important role in the host's innate immune defense against pathogen infection. In this study, two BPI/LBPs, named ToBPI1/LBP (1434 bp in length, 478 amino acids) and ToBPI2/LBP (1422 bp in length, 474 amino acids), were identified from the golden pompano. ToBPI1/LBP and ToBPI2/LBP were significantly expressed in immune-related tissues after being challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae and Vibrio alginolyticus. The two BPI/LBPs showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive S. agalactiae and Streptococcus iniae. In contrast, the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi was low and decreased with time. The membrane permeability of bacteria treated with recombinant ToBPI1/LBP and ToBPI2/LBP was significantly enhanced. These results suggest that ToBPI1/LBP and ToBPI2/LBP may play important immunological roles in the immune response of the golden pompano to bacteria. This study will provide basic information and new insights into the immune response mechanism of the golden pompano to bacteria and the function of BPI/LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Chang Bian
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Cai
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Kian Ann Tan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Ya-Dan Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Zhuang Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Kit Yue Kwan
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Beibu Gulf Marine Biodiversity Conservation, College of Marine Sciences, Beibu Gulf University, Qinzhou 535011, China
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Zhang C, Kang Y, Zhang Z, Liu H, Xu H, Cai W, Gao X, Yang J. Long-Term Administration of LL-37 Can Induce Irreversible Rosacea-like Lesion. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2703-2716. [PMID: 37185701 PMCID: PMC10136735 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease whose late manifestations have not yet been clearly reported in animal models. The objective of this study is to describe the skin lesions and major histopathological changes in a rosacea-like phenotype in mice induced by prolonged LL-37 administration and furthermore, to assess the potential of long-term LL-37 administration in inducing irreversible rosacea-like skin lesion models. Balb/c mice were continuously injected intradermally with LL-37 every 12 h to induce a rosacea-like phenotype. After LL-37 injections were administered for 20 consecutive days, the area of rosacea-like lesions gradually expanded in the first 13 days, then entered a stable phase. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Van Gieson's staining showed a high degree of inflammatory cell aggregation, thickening of the epidermis and dermis, and collagen deposition in large quantities. The results of immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting showed that the expression of α-SMA, TNF-α, vimentin, and COL1 in the skin of mice was significantly upregulated. Short-term LL-37 administration induced rosacea-like lesions that only featured the aggregation of inflammatory factors and thickening of the epidermis, whereas no collagen hyperplasia was observed, and a full recovery was noticed. However, rosacea-like skin lesions induced by long-term LL-37 administration did not completely recover. Our study compares rosacea-like lesions induced by short-term versus long-term LL-37 administration, and the results suggest that irreversible rosacea-like lesions can be induced by long-term LL-37 administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxi Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Yumeng Kang
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Clinical Medical College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
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Unraveling the Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065753. [PMID: 36982826 PMCID: PMC10059942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short, mainly positively charged, amphipathic molecules. AMPs are important effectors of the immune response in insects with a broad spectrum of antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activity. In addition to these well-known roles, AMPs exhibit many other, often unobvious, functions in the host. They support insects in the elimination of viral infections. AMPs participate in the regulation of brain-controlled processes, e.g., sleep and non-associative learning. By influencing neuronal health, communication, and activity, they can affect the functioning of the insect nervous system. Expansion of the AMP repertoire and loss of their specificity is connected with the aging process and lifespan of insects. Moreover, AMPs take part in maintaining gut homeostasis, regulating the number of endosymbionts as well as reducing the number of foreign microbiota. In turn, the presence of AMPs in insect venom prevents the spread of infection in social insects, where the prey may be a source of pathogens.
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Wu J, Li R, Shen Y, Zhang X, Wang X, Wang Z, Zhao Y, Huang L, Zhang L, Zhang B. Candida tropicalis oligopeptide transporters assist in the transmembrane transport of the antimicrobial peptide CGA-N9. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 649:101-109. [PMID: 36764112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.01.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Candida tropicalis is often reported as the second or third most common pathogen causing fungal infections. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted increasing attention for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and low cytotoxicity. Our previous studies have shown that CGA-N9, a non-membrane-rupturing AMP, crosses the cell membrane to exert anticandidal activity. We speculate that there are some related transporters that assist in the transmembrane transport of CGA-N9. In this study, the relationship between CGA-N9 lethality kinetics and its real-time transmembrane amount in C. tropicalis cells was investigated. The results demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between its candicidal activity and transmembrane amount. A total of 12 oligopeptide transporter (OPT) coding sequences (CDSs) were cloned from C. tropicalis by using the conservative OPT gene sequences of Candida spp. to design primers and were named C. tropicalis OPTs (CtOPTs). The results of RT‒qPCR demonstrated that the expression levels of CtOPT1, CtOPT9 and CtOPT12 were correlated with the CGA-N9 transmembrane amount in a time-dependent manner. The results of molecular docking demonstrated that CtOPT1, CtOPT9 and CtOPT12 interact strongly with CGA-N9. Therefore, CtOPT1, CtOPT9 and CtOPT12 were predicted to assist in the transmembrane transport of the AMP CGA-N9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasha Wu
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Ruifang Li
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
| | - Yunpeng Shen
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Xueqin Wang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Zichao Wang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Yingyuan Zhao
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Liang Huang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Lan Zhang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China
| | - Beibei Zhang
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China; Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules for Biomedical Research, Henan University of Technology, 450001, Zhengzhou, Henan, PR China.
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