1
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Cavaco M, Pérez-Peinado C, Valle J, Silva RDM, Gano L, Correia JDG, Andreu D, Castanho MARB, Neves V. The use of a selective, nontoxic dual-acting peptide for breast cancer patients with brain metastasis. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116573. [PMID: 38613996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype characterized by the absence of commonly targeted receptors. Unspecific chemotherapy is currently the main therapeutic option, with poor results. Another major challenge is the frequent appearance of brain metastasis (BM) associated with a significant decrease in patient overall survival. The treatment of BM is even more challenging due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Here, we present a dual-acting peptide (PepH3-vCPP2319) designed to tackle TNBC/BM, in which a TNBC-specific anticancer peptide (ACP) motif (vCPP2319) is joined to a BBB peptide shuttle (BBBpS) motif (PepH3). PepH3-vCPP2319 demonstrated selectivity and efficiency in eliminating TNBC both in monolayers (IC50≈5.0 µM) and in spheroids (IC50≈25.0 µM), with no stringent toxicity toward noncancerous cell lines and red blood cells (RBCs). PepH3-vCPP2319 was also able to cross the BBB in vitro and penetrate the brain in vivo, and was stable in serum with a half-life above 120 min. Tumor cell-peptide interaction is fast, with quick peptide internalization via clathrin-mediated endocytosis without membrane disruption. Upon internalization, the peptide is detected in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, indicating a multi-targeted mechanism of action that ultimately induces irreversible cell damage and apoptosis. In conclusion, we have designed a dual-acting peptide capable of brain penetration and TNBC cell elimination, thus expanding the drug arsenal to fight this BC subtype and its BM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal; Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Ruben D M Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal
| | - João D G Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal; Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), LRS, Bobadela 2695-066, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Dr. Aiguader 88, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona 08003, Spain.
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-028, Lisboa, Portugal.
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2
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Carrera-Aubesart A, Defaus S, Pérez-Peinado C, Sandín D, Torrent M, Jiménez MÁ, Andreu D. Examining Topoisomers of a Snake-Venom-Derived Peptide for Improved Antimicrobial and Antitumoral Properties. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092110. [PMID: 36140211 PMCID: PMC9495681 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ctn[15-34], the C-terminal section of crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin from a South American pit viper, is an antimicrobial and antitumoral peptide with remarkably longer stability in human serum than the parent Ctn. In this work, a set of topoisomers of both Ctn and Ctn[15-34], including the retro, enantio, and retroenantio versions, were synthesized and tested to investigate the structural requirements for activity. All topoisomers were as active as the cognate sequences against Gram-negative bacteria and tumor cells while slightly more toxic towards normal cells. More importantly, the enhanced serum stability of the D-amino-acid-containing versions suggests that such topoisomers must be preferentially considered as future antimicrobial and anticancer peptide leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Carrera-Aubesart
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sira Defaus
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (D.A.)
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Sandín
- Systems Biology of Infection Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Marc Torrent
- Systems Biology of Infection Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Jiménez
- Institute of Physical Chemistry “Rocasolano” (IQFR), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.D.); (D.A.)
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3
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Cadima-Couto I, Tauzin A, Freire JM, Figueira TN, Silva RDM, Pérez-Peinado C, Cunha-Santos C, Bártolo I, Taveira N, Gano L, Correia JDG, Goncalves J, Mammano F, Andreu D, Castanho MARB, Veiga AS. Anti-HIV-1 Activity of pepRF1, a Proteolysis-Resistant CXCR4 Antagonist Derived from Dengue Virus Capsid Protein. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:6-22. [PMID: 33319557 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There is an urgent need for the development of new anti-HIV drugs that can complement existing medicines to be used against resistant strains. Here, we report the anti-HIV-1 peptide pepRF1, a human serum-resistant peptide derived from the Dengue virus capsid protein. In vitro, pepRF1 shows a 50% inhibitory concentration of 1.5 nM with a potential therapeutic window higher than 53 000. This peptide is specific for CXCR4-tropic strains, preventing viral entry into target cells by binding to the viral coreceptor CXCR4, acting as an antagonist of this receptor. pepRF1 is more effective than T20, the only peptide-based HIV-1 entry inhibitor approved, and excels in inhibiting a HIV-1 strain resistant to T20. Potentially, pepRF1 can be used alone or in combination with other anti-HIV drugs. Furthermore, one can also envisage its use as a novel therapeutic strategy for other CXCR4-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Cadima-Couto
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Alexandra Tauzin
- INSERM UMR 1124, Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints Pères, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - João M. Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Tiago N. Figueira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rúben D. M. Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Catarina Cunha-Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Inês Bártolo
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Nuno Taveira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, 2829-511 Monte de Caparica, Portugal
| | - Lurdes Gano
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139,7), 2695-066 Bobadela LRS, Portugal
| | - Joao Goncalves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fabrizio Mammano
- INSERM UMR 1124, Université de Paris, 45 rue des Saints Pères, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egas Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
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4
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Pérez-Peinado C, Valle J, Freire JM, Andreu D. Tumor Cell Attack by Crotalicidin (Ctn) and Its Fragment Ctn[15-34]: Insights into Their Dual Membranolytic and Intracellular Targeting Mechanism. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:2945-2957. [PMID: 33021779 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.0c00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Crotalicidin (Ctn) and its fragment Ctn[15-34] are snake-venom-derived, cathelicidin-related peptides outstanding for their promising antimicrobial, antifungal, and antitumoral properties. In this study, we describe their membranolytic mechanisms as well as their putative interference with intracellular targets, both contributing to their antitumoral action against a pro-monocytic leukemia cell line. Initial flow cytometry assays demonstrated peptide ability to induce tumor cell membrane permeabilization and caspase-dependent apoptosis, without total activity reduction by serum proteases up to 24 h (Ctn) and 18 h (Ctn[15-34]). In addition, both Ctn and Ctn[15-34] showed preference for tumor cells rather than healthy cells, with selectivity ratios (tumoral vs healthy cells) of 17 and 7, respectively. Further microscopy and flow cytometry studies suggested their preferential accumulation in the cytoplasmic membrane and nucleus and proposed multiple predominant routes of peptide uptake, including direct entry and endocytosis. Affinity purification followed by proteomic identification experiments revealed both peptides to interact with proteins involved in DNA and protein metabolism, cell cycles, signal transduction, and/or programmed cell death, among others. These results suggest a putative role of Ctn and Ctn[15-34] to interact with key intracellular pathways, ultimately contributing to tumor cell death by necrosis/apoptosis. Altogether, this work proposes a dual mechanism underlying the antitumoral activity of Ctn and Ctn[15-34] and reinforces their potential as future therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - João M. Freire
- Drug Product Development, Janssen Vaccines and Prevention, Newtonweg 1, 2333-CP Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Cavaco M, Pérez-Peinado C, Valle J, Silva RDM, Correia JDG, Andreu D, Castanho MARB, Neves V. To What Extent Do Fluorophores Bias the Biological Activity of Peptides? A Practical Approach Using Membrane-Active Peptides as Models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:552035. [PMID: 33015016 PMCID: PMC7509492 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.552035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of biologically active peptides relies heavily on the study of their efficacy, toxicity, mechanism of action, cellular uptake, or intracellular location, using both in vitro and in vivo studies. These studies frequently depend on the use of fluorescence-based techniques. Since most peptides are not intrinsically fluorescent, they are conjugated to a fluorophore. The conjugation may interfere with peptide properties, thus biasing the results. The selection of the most suitable fluorophore is highly relevant. Here, a comprehensive study with blood-brain barrier (BBB) peptide shuttles (PepH3 and PepNeg) and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) (vCPP2319 and Ctn[15-34]), tested as anticancer peptides (ACPs), having different fluorophores, namely 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF), rhodamine B (RhB), quasar 570 (Q570), or tide fluor 3 (TF3) attached is presented. The goal is the evaluation of the impact of the selected fluorophores on peptide performance, applying routinely used techniques to assess cytotoxicity/toxicity, secondary structure, BBB translocation, and cellular internalization. Our results show that some fluorophores significantly modulate peptide activity when compared with unlabeled peptides, being more noticeable in hydrophobic and charged fluorophores. This study highlights the need for a careful experimental design for fluorescently labeled molecules, such as peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Cavaco
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rúben D. M. Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares and Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Proteomics and Protein Chemistry Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel A. R. B. Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vera Neves
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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6
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Pérez-Peinado C, Defaus S, Sans-Comerma L, Valle J, Andreu D. Decoding the human serum interactome of snake-derived antimicrobial peptide Ctn[15-34]: Toward an explanation for unusually long half-life. J Proteomics 2019; 204:103372. [PMID: 31051282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The inherent propensity to enzymatic degradation of most peptides remains a bottleneck in their therapeutic development. Efficient, early screening methods are necessary for in vitro characterization of the molecular events occurring when peptides get in contact with biological fluids such us plasma. Herein we present an affinity purification/MS approach for mapping peptide serum interactors. We have applied this methodology to identify the serum partners of antibiotic peptide Ctn [15-34], aiming to ascertain the molecular interactions underlying its unusually long half-life (~ 12 h) in human serum. From 42 proteins captured in pull-downs with biotinylated Ctn [15-34] as bait, five are of special interest for their transport/binding properties hence alleged peptide arresting potential. The subset contains two members of the albumin superfamily, two apolipoproteins and a globulin. All five share a binding ability for hydrophobic species, and also bind Ctn [15-34], presumably via its C-terminal hydrophobic section, with affinities in the μM range as shown by surface plasmon resonance. Additionally, our functional enrichment reveals several significant immune-related processes suggesting an immunomodulatory role of Ctn [15-34]. Taken together, this study exemplifies how pharmacoproteomics can be used to analyze bioavailability issues and shed light on the serum interactors ultimately conferring protection to Ctn [15-34] against proteolytic events. SIGNIFICANCE: The affinity purification/MS identification methodology reported here can be viewed as a routine pharmacoproteomic approach to investigate the serum interactome of peptide drugs, identifying proteins affecting bioavailability and thus assisting the peptide drug development process. The specific results described here enlighten the serum stability issues of peptide Ctn [15-34] and ratify its promising future as an anti-infective lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sira Defaus
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Sans-Comerma
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Valle
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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7
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Pérez-Peinado C, Dias SA, Domingues MM, Benfield AH, Freire JM, Rádis-Baptista G, Gaspar D, Castanho MARB, Craik DJ, Henriques ST, Veiga AS, Andreu D. Mechanisms of bacterial membrane permeabilization by crotalicidin (Ctn) and its fragment Ctn(15-34), antimicrobial peptides from rattlesnake venom. J Biol Chem 2017; 293:1536-1549. [PMID: 29255091 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin-related peptide from the venom of a South American rattlesnake, possesses potent antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal properties. Previously, we have shown that its C-terminal fragment, Ctn(15-34), retains the antimicrobial and antitumor activities but is less toxic to healthy cells and has improved serum stability. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of action of Ctn and Ctn(15-34) against Gram-negative bacteria. Both peptides were bactericidal, killing ∼90% of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells within 90-120 and 5-30 min, respectively. Studies of ζ potential at the bacterial cell membrane suggested that both peptides accumulate at and neutralize negative charges on the bacterial surface. Flow cytometry experiments confirmed that both peptides permeabilize the bacterial cell membrane but suggested slightly different mechanisms of action. Ctn(15-34) permeabilized the membrane immediately upon addition to the cells, whereas Ctn had a lag phase before inducing membrane damage and exhibited more complex cell-killing activity, probably because of two different modes of membrane permeabilization. Using surface plasmon resonance and leakage assays with model vesicles, we confirmed that Ctn(15-34) binds to and disrupts lipid membranes and also observed that Ctn(15-34) has a preference for vesicles that mimic bacterial or tumor cell membranes. Atomic force microscopy visualized the effect of these peptides on bacterial cells, and confocal microscopy confirmed their localization on the bacterial surface. Our studies shed light onto the antimicrobial mechanisms of Ctn and Ctn(15-34), suggesting Ctn(15-34) as a promising lead for development as an antibacterial/antitumor agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Pérez-Peinado
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Almeida Dias
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marco M Domingues
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Aurélie H Benfield
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - João Miguel Freire
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal.,the Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France, and
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,the Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Science, Federal University of Ceará, 60165-081 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Diana Gaspar
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - David J Craik
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sónia Troeira Henriques
- the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia,
| | - Ana Salomé Veiga
- the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal,
| | - David Andreu
- From the Department of Experimental and Health Science, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, 08003 Barcelona, Spain,
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8
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Dias SA, Freire JM, Pérez-Peinado C, Domingues MM, Gaspar D, Vale N, Gomes P, Andreu D, Henriques ST, Castanho MARB, Veiga AS. New Potent Membrane-Targeting Antibacterial Peptides from Viral Capsid Proteins. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:775. [PMID: 28522994 PMCID: PMC5415599 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria urges the development of new antibacterial agents. With a broad spectrum activity, antimicrobial peptides have been considered potential antibacterial drug leads. Using bioinformatic tools we have previously shown that viral structural proteins are a rich source for new bioactive peptide sequences, namely antimicrobial and cell-penetrating peptides. Here, we test the efficacy and mechanism of action of the most promising peptides among those previously identified against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Two cell-penetrating peptides, vCPP 0769 and vCPP 2319, have high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, being thus multifunctional. The antibacterial mechanism of action of the two most active viral protein-derived peptides, vAMP 059 and vCPP 2319, was studied in detail. Both peptides act on both Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa, with bacterial cell death occurring within minutes. Also, these peptides cause bacterial membrane permeabilization and damage of the bacterial envelope of P. aeruginosa cells. Overall, the results show that structural viral proteins are an abundant source for membrane-active peptides sequences with strong antibacterial properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana A Dias
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
| | - João M Freire
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal.,Department of Virology, Institut PasteurParis, France
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research ParkBarcelona, Spain
| | - Marco M Domingues
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
| | - Diana Gaspar
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - Paula Gomes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade do PortoPorto, Portugal
| | - David Andreu
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona Biomedical Research ParkBarcelona, Spain
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, BrisbaneQLD, Australia
| | - Miguel A R B Castanho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana S Veiga
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de LisboaLisbon, Portugal
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9
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Falcao CB, Pérez-Peinado C, de la Torre BG, Mayol X, Zamora-Carreras H, Jiménez MÁ, Rádis-Baptista G, Andreu D. Structural Dissection of Crotalicidin, a Rattlesnake Venom Cathelicidin, Retrieves a Fragment with Antimicrobial and Antitumor Activity. J Med Chem 2015; 58:8553-63. [PMID: 26465972 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b01142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In silico dissection of crotalicidin (Ctn), a cathelicidin from a South American pit viper, yielded fragments Ctn[1-14] and Ctn[15-34], which were tested to ascertain to what extent they reproduced the structure and activity of the parent peptide. NMR data showing Ctn to be α-helical at the N-terminus and unstructured at the C-terminus were matched by similar data from the fragments. The peptides were tested against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and for toxicity against both tumor and healthy cells. Despite its amphipathic α-helical structure, Ctn[1-14] was totally inert toward bacteria or eukaryotic cells. In contrast, unstructured Ctn[15-34] replicated the activity of parent Ctn against Gram-negative bacteria and tumor cells while being significantly less toxic toward eukaryotic cells. This selectivity for bacteria and tumor cells, plus a stability to serum well above that of Ctn, portrays Ctn[15-34] as an appealing candidate for further development as an anti-infective or antitumor lead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Borges Falcao
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará , 60455-760 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Clara Pérez-Peinado
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Mayol
- Programa de Recerca en Càncer, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Héctor Zamora-Carreras
- Instituto de Química Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Jiménez
- Instituto de Química Física "Rocasolano", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain.,Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará , 60455-760 Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - David Andreu
- Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra , 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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