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Freitas CDT, Costa JH, Germano TA, de O Rocha R, Ramos MV, Bezerra LP. Class III plant peroxidases: From classification to physiological functions. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130306. [PMID: 38387641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130306] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7) are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, hence their broad distribution across biological systems. These proteins can be classified as haem or non-haem enzymes. According to the RedOxiBase database, haem peroxidases are approximately 84 % of all known peroxidase enzymes. Class III plant peroxidases are haem-enzymes that share similar three-dimensional structures and a common catalytic mechanism for hydrogen peroxide degradation. They exist as large multigene families and are involved in metabolizing Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), hormone synthesis and decomposition, fruit growth, defense, and cell wall synthesis and maintenance. As a result, plant peroxidases gained attention in research and became one of the most extensively studied groups of enzymes. This review provides an update on the database, classification, phylogeny, mechanism of action, structure, and physiological functions of class III plant peroxidases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
| | - José H Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Thais A Germano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Raquel de O Rocha
- Department of Plant Pathology and Ecology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven 06511, CT, USA
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Leandro P Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
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Freitas CDT, Souza DP, Grangeiro TB, Sousa JS, Lima IVM, Souza PFN, Lima CS, Gomes ADS, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Aguiar TKB, Ramos MV. Proteomic analysis of Cryptostegia grandiflora latex, purification, characterization, and biological activity of two osmotin isoforms. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 252:126529. [PMID: 37633557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126529] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Although latex fluids are found in >20,000 plant species, the biochemical composition and biological function of their proteins are still poorly explored. Thus, this work aimed to conduct a proteomic analysis of Cryptostegia grandiflora latex (CgLP) for subsequent purification and characterization of an antifungal protein. After 2D-SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry, 27 proteins were identified in CgLP, including a polygalacturonase inhibitor, cysteine peptidases, pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-4), and osmotins. Then, two osmotin isoforms (CgOsm) were purified, and a unique N-terminal sequence was determined (1ATFDIRSNCPYTVWAAAVPGGGRRLDRGQTWTINVAPGTA40). The PCR products revealed a cDNA sequence of 609 nucleotides for CgOsm, which encoded a polypeptide with 203 amino acid residues. The structure of CgOsm has features of typical osmotin or thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs), such as 16 conserved Cys residues, REDDD and FF motifs, an acidic cleft, and three main domains. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and bioinformatics suggested that CgOsm is associated with three chain units. This result was interesting since the literature describes osmotins and TLPs as monomers. AFM also showed that Fusarium falciforme spores treated with CgOsm were drastically damaged. Therefore, it is speculated that CgOsm forms pores in the membrane of these cells, causing the leakage of cytoplasmic content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 907, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
| | - Diego P Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 907, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Thalles B Grangeiro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 906, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Isis V M Lima
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pedro Filho N Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 907, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Cristiano S Lima
- Departamento de Fitotecnia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, , Campus do Pici, Bloco 805, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Alexandre D'Emery S Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 907, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Ana C O Monteiro-Moreira
- Centro de Biologia Experimental (NUBEX), Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K B Aguiar
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 907, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Bloco 907, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
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Silva RRS, Malveira EA, Aguiar TKB, Neto NAS, Roma RR, Santos MHC, Santos ALE, Silva AFB, Freitas CDT, Rocha BAM, Souza PFN, Teixeira CS. DVL, lectin from Dioclea violacea seeds, has multiples mechanisms of action against Candida spp via carbohydrate recognition domain. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 382:110639. [PMID: 37468117 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110639] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Lectins are proteins of non-immunological origin with the ability to bind to carbohydrates reversibly. They emerge as an alternative to conventional antifungals, given the ability to interact with carbohydrates in the fungal cell wall inhibiting fungal growth. The lectin from D. violacea (DVL) already has its activity described as anti-candida in some species. Here, we observed the anti-candida effect of DVL on C. albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis and its multiple mechanisms of action toward the yeasts. Additionally, it was observed that DVL induces membrane and cell wall damage and ROS overproduction. DVL was also able to cause an imbalance in the redox system of the cells, interact with ergosterol, inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, and induce cytochrome c release from the mitochondrial membrane. These results endorse the potential application of DVL in developing a new antifungal drug to fight back against fungal resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romério R S Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ellen A Malveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K B Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Renato R Roma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria H C Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ana L E Santos
- Medical School, Federal University of Cariri, Barbalha, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Bruno A M Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60451-970, CE, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, 60430-275, CE, Brazil.
| | - Claudener S Teixeira
- Center for Agricultural Sciences and Biodiversity, Federal University of Cariri, Crato, 63130-025, Brazil.
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Neto NAS, Aguiar TKB, Costa RJP, Mesquita FP, Oliveira LLBD, Moraes MEAD, Montenegro RC, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. United we stand, divided we fall: in-depth proteomic evaluation of the synergistic effect of Mo-CBP 3-PepI and Ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Biofouling 2023; 39:838-852. [PMID: 37955278 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2023.2279992] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus forms biofilms, a structure that protects bacterial cells, conferring more resistance to difficult treatment. Synthetic peptides surge as an alternative to overcome the biofilm of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Mo-CBP3-PepI, when combined with Ciprofloxacin, reduced preformed S. aureus biofilm by 50% at low concentrations (0.2 and 6.2 μg. mL-1, respectively). The goal of this study was to evaluate the proteomic profile of biofilms after treatment with the Mo-CBP3-PepI combined with ciprofloxacin. Here, proteomic analysis confirmed with more depth previously described mechanisms and revealed changes in the accumulation of proteins related to DNA and protein metabolism, cell wall biosynthesis, redox metabolism, quorum sensing, and biofilm formation. Some proteins related to DNA and protein metabolism were reduced, while other proteins, like redox system proteins, disappeared in Ciprofloxacin+Mo-CBP3-PepI treatment. Our results indicated a synergistic effect of these two molecules with several mechanisms against S. aureus biofilm and opened new doors for combined treatments with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K B Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Rayara J P Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Lais L B de Oliveira
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria E A de Moraes
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Raquel C Montenegro
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Aguiar TKB, Mesquita FP, Neto NAS, Gomes FÍR, Freitas CDT, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Alencar LMR, Santos-Oliveira R, Oliveira JTA, Souza PFN. No Chance to Survive: Mo-CBP 3-PepII Synthetic Peptide Acts on Cryptococcus neoformans by Multiple Mechanisms of Action. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020378. [PMID: 36830289 PMCID: PMC9952340 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans is an encapsulated yeast causing a high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. Recently, the synthetic peptide Mo-CBP3-PepII emerged as a potent anticryptococcal molecule with an MIC50 at low concentration. Here, the mechanisms of action of Mo-CBP3-PepII were deeply analyzed to provide new information about how it led C. neoformans cells to death. Light and fluorescence microscopies, analysis of enzymatic activities, and proteomic analysis were employed to understand the effect of Mo-CBP3-PepII on C. neoformans cells. Light and fluorescence microscopies revealed Mo-CBP3-PepII induced the accumulation of anion superoxide and hydrogen peroxide in C. neoformans cells, in addition to a reduction in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) in the cells treated with Mo-CBP3-PepII. In the presence of ascorbic acid (AsA), no reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected, and Mo-CBP3-PepII lost the inhibitory activity against C. neoformans. However, Mo-CBP3-PepII inhibited the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ergosterol biosynthesis and induced the decoupling of cytochrome c (Cyt c) from the mitochondrial membrane. Proteomic analysis revealed a reduction in the abundance of proteins related to energetic metabolism, DNA and RNA metabolism, pathogenicity, protein metabolism, cytoskeleton, and cell wall organization and division. Our findings indicated that Mo-CBP3-PepII might have multiple mechanisms of action against C. neoformans cells, mitigating the development of resistance and thus being a potent molecule to be employed in the production of new drugs against C. neoformans infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Francisco Í. R. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F. Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S. Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Luciana M. R. Alencar
- Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Physics Department, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21941-906, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmacy, Rio de Janeiro State University, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
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Branco LAC, Souza PFN, Neto NAS, Aguiar TKB, Silva AFB, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Mesquita FP, Lima LB, Freitas CDT. New Insights into the Mechanism of Antibacterial Action of Synthetic Peptide Mo-CBP 3-PepI against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121753. [PMID: 36551410 PMCID: PMC9774128 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a multidrug-resistant opportunistic human pathogen related to various infections. As such, synthetic peptides have emerged as potential alternative molecules. Mo-CBP3-PepI has presented great activity against K. pneumoniae by presenting an MIC50 at a very low concentration (31.25 µg mL-1). Here, fluorescence microscopy and proteomic analysis revealed the alteration in cell membrane permeability, ROS overproduction, and protein profile of K. pneumoniae cells treated with Mo-CBP3-PepI. Mo-CBP3-PepI led to ROS overaccumulation and membrane pore formation in K. pneumoniae cells. Furthermore, the proteomic analysis highlighted changes in essential metabolic pathways. For example, after treatment of K. pneumoniae cells with Mo-CBP3-PepI, a reduction in the abundance of protein related to DNA and protein metabolism, cytoskeleton and cell wall organization, redox metabolism, regulation factors, ribosomal proteins, and resistance to antibiotics was seen. The reduction in proteins involved in vital processes for cell life, such as DNA repair, cell wall turnover, and protein turnover, results in the accumulation of ROS, driving the cell to death. Our findings indicated that Mo-CBP3-PepI might have mechanisms of action against K. pneumoniae cells, mitigating the development of resistance and thus being a potent molecule to be employed in producing new drugs against K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi A. C. Branco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F. Carneiro
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Celso S. Nagano
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Luina B. Lima
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, CE, Brazil
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Parra ALC, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN, von Aderkas P, Borchers CH, Beattie GA, Silva FDA, Thornburg RW. Ornamental tobacco floral nectar is a rich source of antimicrobial peptides. Plant Sci 2022; 324:111427. [PMID: 36007629 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2022.111427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Although floral nectar is a rich source of nutrients, it is rarely infected by microorganisms. Defense molecules such as proteins have been identified in this fluid, but defense peptides have been largely overlooked. Thus, the aim of this study was to perform an extensive peptidomic analysis of the ornamental tobacco floral nectar to seek peptides involved in nectar defense. Using LC-MS/MS, 793 peptides were sequenced and characterized. After extensive bioinformatics analysis, six peptides were selected for further characterization, synthesis, and evaluation of their antimicrobial properties against phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria. All six peptides had antimicrobial activity to some extent. However, the activity varied by peptide concentration and microorganism tested. An analysis of the action mechanism revealed damage in the cell membrane induced by peptides. The results show that floral nectar is rich in peptides and that, together with proteins and hydrogen peroxide, they contribute to plant defense against microorganisms during pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura L C Parra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Patrick von Aderkas
- University of Victoria - Genome BC Proteomics Center, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3N5, Canada
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- Segal Cancer Proteomics Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Gwyn A Beattie
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Fredy D A Silva
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Robert W Thornburg
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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Malveira EA, Souza PFN, Neto NAS, Aguiar TKB, Rodrigues NS, Henrique CWB, Silva AFB, Lima LB, Albuquerque CC, Freitas CDT. Essential Oil from Croton blanchetianus Leaves: Anticandidal Potential and Mechanisms of Action. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:1147. [PMID: 36354914 PMCID: PMC9693873 DOI: 10.3390/jof8111147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial drugs are becoming ineffective given the resistance acquired by microorganisms. As such, it is imperative to seek new antimicrobial molecules that could provide a basis for the development of new drugs. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential and the mechanisms of action of the essential oil extracted from leaves of Croton blanchetianus (named CbEO) on different fungi and bacteria of clinical importance in both planktonic and biofilm lifestyles. GC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of twenty-two different compounds in the CbEO, which were identified using the Kovats retention index. Among these, the most abundant were amorphene (20.03%), spathulenol (5%), bicyclogermacrene (1.49%), caryophyllene oxide (4.55%), and eucalyptol (5.62%). CbOE (50 µg mL-1) barely inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis (23%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (27%), and Salmonella enterica (28%), and no inhibition was obtained against Enterobacter aerogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Additionally, no activity against bacterial biofilm was detected. In contrast, CbEO was active against Candida species. C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were inhibited by 78 and 75%, respectively. The antibiofilm potential also was favorable against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, inhibiting 44 and 74% of biofilm formation and reducing around 41 and 27% of the preformed biofilm, respectively. CbOE caused membrane damage and pore formation, overproduction of ROS, and apoptosis on C. albicans and C. parapsilosis cells, as well as not inducing hemolysis in human red cells. The results obtained in this work raise the possibility of using the essential oil of C. blanchetianus leaves as an alternative to fight infections caused by C. albicans and C. parapsilosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen A. Malveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-160, Brazil
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Natanael S. Rodrigues
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró 59650-000, Brazil
| | - Carlos W. B. Henrique
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró 59650-000, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
| | - Leandro B. Lima
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró 59650-000, Brazil
| | - Cynthia C. Albuquerque
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, State University of Rio Grande do Norte, Mossoró 59650-000, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60020-181, Brazil
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Neto NAS, Oliveira JTA, Aguiar TKB, Bezerra LP, Branco LAC, Mesquita FP, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. Synergistic Antibiofilm Activity between Synthetic Peptides and Ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090995. [PMID: 36145427 PMCID: PMC9505254 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090995] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a human pathogen known to be resistant to antibiotics since the mid-20th century and is constantly associated with hospital-acquired infections. S. aureus forms biofilms, which are complex surface-attached communities of bacteria held together by a self-produced polymer matrix consisting of proteins, extracellular DNA, and polysaccharides. Biofilms are resistance structures responsible for increasing bacterial resistance to drugs by 1000 times more than the planktonic lifestyle. Therefore, studies have been conducted to discover novel antibacterial molecules to prevent biofilm formation and/or degrade preformed biofilms. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) have appeared as promising alternative agents to overcome increasing antibiotic resistance. Here, the antibiofilm activity of eight SAMPs, in combination with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, was investigated in vitro. Biofilm formation by S. aureus was best inhibited (76%) by the combination of Mo-CBP3-PepIII (6.2 µg mL−1) and ciprofloxacin (0.39 µg mL−1). In contrast, the highest reduction (60%) of the preformed biofilm mass was achieved with RcAlb-PepII (1.56 µg mL−1) and ciprofloxacin (0.78 µg mL−1). Fluorescence microscopy analysis reinforced these results. These active peptides formed pores in the cellular membrane of S. aureus, which may be related to the enhanced ciprofloxacin’s antibacterial activity. Our findings indicated that these peptides may act with ciprofloxacin and are powerful co-adjuvant agents for the treatment of S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.T.A.O.); (P.F.N.S.)
| | - Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Leandro P. Bezerra
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Levi A. C. Branco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence: (J.T.A.O.); (P.F.N.S.)
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10
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Silva AL, Bezerra LP, Freitas CDT, Silva AFB, Mesquita FP, Neto NAS, Oliveira JPB, Aguiar TKB, Nagano CS, Carneiro RF, Oliveira JTA, Albuquerque CC, Souza PFN. Luffa operculata seed proteins: Identification by LC-ESI-MS/MS and biotechnological potential against Candida albicans and C. krusei. Anal Biochem 2022; 655:114851. [PMID: 35977597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2022.114851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
L: operculata is a plant commonly found in the North and Northeast of Brazil. Although the regional population knows its medicinal potential, there are few scientific studies about its antimicrobial potential. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the proteins from L. operculata seeds extracted using different solutions and evaluate their antimicrobial potentials. The protein extracts obtained with NaCl and sodium acetate buffer presented the best inhibitory activities against Candida albicans and C. krusei. The study of the mechanism of action revealed proteins from L. operculata seeds induced pore formation on the membrane and ROS overaccumulation. Scanning Electron Microscopy images also showed severe morphological changes in Candida albicans and C. krusei. Proteins from L.operculata seeds did not show antibacterial activity. The enzymatic assays revealed the presence of proteolytic enzymes, serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, and chitinases in both protein extracts. Proteomic analysis by LC-ESI-MS/MS identified 57 proteins related to many biological processes, such as defense to (a)biotic stress, energetic metabolism, protein folding, and nucleotide metabolism. In conclusion, the L. operculata seed proteins have biotechnological potential against the human pathogenic yeasts Candida albicans and C. krusei.
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Affiliation(s)
- André L Silva
- Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, State University of Rio Grande of North, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Leandro P Bezerra
- Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, State University of Rio Grande of North, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Felipe P Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - João P B Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Tawanny K B Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cynthia C Albuquerque
- Plant Biochemistry and Physiology Laboratory, State University of Rio Grande of North, Mossoró, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Laboratory of Plant Defense Proteins, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Department of Fishing Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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11
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Aguiar TKB, Neto NAS, Freitas CDT, Silva AFB, Bezerra LP, Malveira EA, Branco LAC, Mesquita FP, Goldman GH, Alencar LMR, Oliveira JTA, Santos-Oliveira R, Souza PFN. Antifungal Potential of Synthetic Peptides against Cryptococcus neoformans: Mechanism of Action Studies Reveal Synthetic Peptides Induce Membrane-Pore Formation, DNA Degradation, and Apoptosis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081678. [PMID: 36015304 PMCID: PMC9416200 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is a human-pathogenic yeast responsible for pneumonia and meningitis, mainly in patients immunocompromised. Infections caused by C. neoformans are a global health concern. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) have emerged as alternative molecules to cope with fungal infections, including C. neoformans. Here, eight SAMPs were tested regarding their antifungal potential against C. neoformans and had their mechanisms of action elucidated by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. Five SAMPs showed an inhibitory effect (MIC50) on C. neoformans growth at low concentrations. Fluorescence microscope (FM) revealed that SAMPs induced 6-kDa pores in the C. neoformans membrane. Inhibitory assays in the presence of ergosterol revealed that some peptides lost their activity, suggesting interaction with it. Furthermore, FM analysis revealed that SAMPs induced caspase 3/7-mediated apoptosis and DNA degradation in C. neoformans cells. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that peptides induced many morphological alterations such as cell membrane, wall damage, and loss of internal content on C. neoformans cells. Our results strongly suggest synthetic peptides are potential alternative molecules to control C. neoformans growth and treat the cryptococcal infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawanny K. B. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Leandro P. Bezerra
- Department of Fisheries Engineering, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60455-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ellen A. Malveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Levi A. C. Branco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 14040-903, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana M. R. Alencar
- Department of Physics, Laboratory of Biophysics and Nanosystems, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís 65080-805, MA, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
| | - Ralph Santos-Oliveira
- Laboratory of Nanoradiopharmaceuticals and Radiopharmacy, Zona Oeste State University, Rio de Janeiro 23070-200, RJ, Brazil
- Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission, Nuclear Engineering Institute, Rio de Janeiro 21941-906, RJ, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451-970, CE, Brazil
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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12
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Lima AM, Azevedo MIG, Sousa LM, Oliveira NS, Andrade CR, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. Plant antimicrobial peptides: An overview about classification, toxicity and clinical applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 214:10-21. [PMID: 35700843 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides, also known as AMPs, are cationic and amphipathic molecules found in all living organisms, composing part of the defense mechanisms against various pathogens, including fungi, viruses, bacteria, and nematodes. AMPs derived from plants are the focus of this review because they have gained attention as alternative molecules to overcome pathogen resistance as well as new drugs to combat cancer. Plant AMPs are generally classified based on their sequences and structures, as thionins, defensins, hevein-like peptides, knottins, stable-like peptides, lipid transfer proteins, snakins, and cyclotides. Although there are studies reporting the toxicity of plant AMPs to nontarget cells or limitations of oral administration, synthetic AMPs with reduced toxicity or allergenicity, or greater resistance to peptidases can be designed by using different bioinformatics tools. Thus, this review provides information about the classification of plant AMPs, their characteristics, mechanisms of action, hemolytic and cytotoxic potential, possible applications in the medical field, and finally, the use of bioinformatics to help design synthetic AMPs with improved features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianne M Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Mayara I G Azevedo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lyndefania M Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Nayara S Oliveira
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Claudia R Andrade
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Christus University Center, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil; Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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13
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Bezerra LP, Freitas CDT, Silva AFB, Amaral JL, Neto NAS, Silva RGG, Parra ALC, Goldman GH, Oliveira JTA, Mesquita FP, Souza PFN. Synergistic Antifungal Activity of Synthetic Peptides and Antifungal Drugs against Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis Biofilms. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11050553. [PMID: 35625197 PMCID: PMC9138075 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11050553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
C. albicans and C. parapsilosis are biofilm-forming yeasts responsible for bloodstream infections that can cause death. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) are considered to be new weapons to combat these infections, alone or combined with drugs. Here, two SAMPs, called Mo-CBP3-PepI and Mo-CBP3-PepIII, were tested alone or combined with nystatin (NYS) and itraconazole (ITR) against C. albicans and C. parapsilosis biofilms. Furthermore, the mechanism of antibiofilm activity was evaluated by fluorescence and scanning electron microscopies. When combined with SAMPs, the results revealed a 2- to 4-fold improvement of NYS and ITR antibiofilm activity. Microscopic analyses showed cell membrane and wall damage and ROS overproduction, which caused leakage of internal content and cell death. Taken together, these results suggest the potential of Mo-CBP3-PepI and Mo-CBP3-PepIII as new drugs and adjuvants to increase the activity of conventional drugs for the treatment of clinical infections caused by C. albicans and C. parapsilosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro P. Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
- Correspondence: (C.D.T.F.); (P.F.N.S.)
| | - Ayrles F. B. Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Jackson L. Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Nilton A. S. Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Rafael G. G. Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil;
| | - Aura L. C. Parra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Gustavo H. Goldman
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo P.O. Box 05508-000, SP, Brazil;
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
| | - Felipe P. Mesquita
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel, Nunes de Melo 100, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil;
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60451, CE, Brazil; (L.P.B.); (A.F.B.S.); (J.L.A.); (N.A.S.N.); (A.L.C.P.); (J.T.A.O.)
- Drug Research and Development Center, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Federal University of Ceará, Rua Coronel, Nunes de Melo 100, Caixa, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil;
- Correspondence: (C.D.T.F.); (P.F.N.S.)
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14
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Ramos MV, Freitas LBN, Bezerra EA, Morais FS, Lima JPMS, Souza PFN, Carvalho CPS, Freitas CDT. Structural Analysis Revealed the Interaction of Cardenolides from Calotropis procera with Na+/K+ ATPases from Herbivores. Protein Pept Lett 2021; 29:89-101. [PMID: 34875984 DOI: 10.2174/0929866528666211207111011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The herbivores Danaus plexippus (Lepidoptera), Oncopeltus fasciatus and Aphis nerii (Hemiptera) are specialist insects that feed on Calotropis procera (Apocynaceae) (Sodom Apple). At least 35 chemically distinct cardenolides have been reported in C. procera. Objective We aimed to evaluate the interaction between cardenolides and Na+/K+ ATPases from herbivores. METHODS The Na+/K+ ATPases from these insects were modeled and docking studies were performed with cardenolides from C. procera. RESULTS The replacement of serine in sensitive Na+/K+ ATPase with histidine, phenylalanine and tyrosine in the structures examined suggests spatial impairment caused by interaction, probably making the herbivorous insects resistant against the cardenolides of C. procera. In addition, the ability of the insects to avoid cardenolide toxicity was not correlated with cardenolide polarity. Therefore, the plant fights predation through molecular diversity and the insects, regardless of their taxonomy, face this molecular diversity through amino acid replacements at key positions of the enzyme targeted by the cardenolides. CONCLUSIONS The results show the arsenal of chemically distinct cardenolides synthesized by C. procera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio V Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
| | - Larissa B N Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
| | - Emanuel A Bezerra
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
| | - Francimauro Sousa Morais
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
| | - João P M S Lima
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Centro de Biociências, Departamento de Bioquímica. Bioinformatics Multidisciplinary Environment (BioME), Instituto Metrópole Digital (IMD/UFRN). Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
| | - Cristina P S Carvalho
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular. Fortaleza, Ceará. Brazil
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15
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Lima PG, Freitas CDT, Oliveira JTA, Neto NAS, Amaral JL, Silva AFB, Sousa JS, Franco OL, Souza PFN. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides control Penicillium digitatum infection in orange fruits. Food Res Int 2021; 147:110582. [PMID: 34399551 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2021.110582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fungal contamination is among the main reasons for food spoilage, affecting food safety and the economy. Among fungi, Penicillium digitatum is a major agent of this problem. Here, the in vitro activity of eight synthetic antimicrobial peptides was assessed against P. digitatum, and their action mechanisms were evaluated. All peptides were able to inhibit fungal growth. Furthermore, atomic force and fluorescence microscopies revealed that all peptides targeted the fungal membrane leading to pore formation, loss of internal content, and death. The induction of high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also a mechanism employed by some peptides. Interestingly, only three peptides (PepGAT, PepKAA, and Mo-CBP3-PepI) effectively control P. digitatum colonization in orange fruits, at a concentration (50 µg mL-1) 20-fold lower than the commercial food preservative (sodium propionate). Altogether, PepGAT, PepKAA, and Mo-CBP3-PepI showed high biotechnological potential as new food preservatives to control food infection by P. digitatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil; Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil; Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Octávio L Franco
- S-Inova Biotech, Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Dom Bosco, Campo Grande 79117900, Brazil; Centro de Análises Proteômicas e Bioquímicas, Universidade Católica de Brasília, Brasília 70790160, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil.
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16
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Lima PG, Oliveira JTA, Amaral JL, Freitas CDT, Souza PFN. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides: Characteristics, design, and potential as alternative molecules to overcome microbial resistance. Life Sci 2021; 278:119647. [PMID: 34043990 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the dramatic emergence of antimicrobial resistance has received attention from World Health Organization. Synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) are considered new weapons to fight against infections caused by multi-drug resistant pathogens. Here, the authors provide an overview of the current research on SAMPs. The focus is SAMPs, how to design them, which features must be considered during design, and comparison with natural peptides. This review also includes a discussion about the natural AMPs, mechanisms of action and applications as new drugs or even as adjuvants molecules to enhance commercial drugs activity. The advances in chemical synthesis have reduced the cost to produce synthetic peptides open ways to achieve new antimicrobial agents. Therefore, synthetic peptides are new promising molecules to safeguard human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, CEP 60.440-554 Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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17
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Amaral JL, Oliveira JTA, Lopes FES, Freitas CDT, Freire VN, Abreu LV, Souza PFN. Quantum biochemistry, molecular docking, and dynamics simulation revealed synthetic peptides induced conformational changes affecting the topology of the catalytic site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:8925-8937. [PMID: 33949286 PMCID: PMC8108194 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1920464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to threat and take many lives all over the world. The lack of an efficient pharmacological treatments are serious problems to be faced by scientists and medical staffs worldwide. In this work, an in silico approach based on the combination of molecular docking, dynamics simulations, and quantum biochemistry revealed that the synthetic peptides RcAlb-PepI, PepGAT, and PepKAA, strongly interact with the main protease (Mpro) a pivotal protein for SARS-CoV-2 replication. Although not binding to the proteolytic site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, RcAlb-PepI, PepGAT, and PepKAA interact with other protein domain and allosterically altered the protease topology. Indeed, such peptide-SARS-CoV-2 Mpro complexes provoked dramatic alterations in the three-dimensional structure of Mpro leading to area and volume shrinkage of the proteolytic site, which could affect the protease activity and thus the virus replication. Based on these findings, it is suggested that RcAlb-PepI, PepGAT, and PepKAA could interfere with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro role in vivo. Also, unlike other antiviral drugs, these peptides have no toxicity to human cells. This pioneering in silico investigation opens up opportunity for further in vivo research on these peptides, towards discovering new drugs and entirely new perspectives to treat COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson L. Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jose T. A. Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Francisco E. S. Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
- Center for Permanent Education in Health Care, CEATS/School of Public Health of Ceará-ESP-CE, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Valder N. Freire
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Leonardo V. Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Pedro F. N. Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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18
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Morais FS, Canuto KM, Ribeiro PRV, Silva AB, Pessoa ODL, Freitas CDT, Bezerra EA, Gonçalves JFC, Souza DP, Sousa BF, Silva AFB, Ramos MV. Insecticidal Compound from Himatanthus drasticus Latex against Cowpea Infestation by Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). J Agric Food Chem 2021; 69:5049-5058. [PMID: 33891815 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.1c01177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Vigna unguiculata is an important source of proteins and energy for humans and animals. However, postharvest losses caused by Callosobruchus maculatus can reach from 20 to 100% of stored seeds. In this study, the insecticide potential of compounds extracted from Himatanthus drasticus latex was assessed. The latex was extracted with ethanol (70%) and then partitioned through sequential use of hexane and chloroform. These fractions were investigated by chromatography to determine their chemical composition. Plumieride, identified in a hydroalcoholic subfraction, was tested for insecticidal activity against C. maculatus. The ethanolic fraction (LC50 = 0.109; LC90 = 0.106%) and the plumieride (LC50 = 0.166; LC90 = 0.167%) were lethal to larvae. Plumieride (0.25%) delayed larval development, and mortality reached 100%. Its inhibitory action on intestinal α-amylase from larvae was higher (89.12%) than that of acarbose (63.82%). Plumieride (0.1%) inhibited the enzyme α-amylase in vivo in the larval intestine. This result was confirmed by a zymogram test performed by SDS-PAGE when the enzyme electrophoresed on gel copolymerized with starch. When spread on seeds, the hydroalcoholic fraction (1.0%) reduced infestation. The loss of seed mass was 5.26% compared to the control (44.97%). The results confirm the effect of latex compounds in protecting stored seeds against weevil infestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francimauro S Morais
- Instituto Federal de Ciência e Tecnologia do Amazonas (IFAM), Itacoatiara, Amazonas 69109899, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alison B Silva
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Otilia D L Pessoa
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Alves Bezerra
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José F C Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Fisiologia e Bioquímica de Plantas, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa da Amazônia - INPA, Manaus, AM, Brazil
| | - Diego P Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Brandon F Sousa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Oliveira LES, Moita LA, Souza BS, Oliveira NMV, Sales ACS, Barbosa MS, Silva FDS, Farias ALC, Lopes VLR, França LFC, Alves EHP, Freitas CDT, Ramos MV, Vasconcelos DFP, Oliveira JS. Latex proteins from Plumeria pudica reduce ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Oral Dis 2021; 28:786-795. [PMID: 33586328 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that latex proteins from Plumeria pudica (LPPp) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects in rats of LPPp on ligature-induced periodontitis, an inflammatory disease. METHODS The animals were divided into groups: saline (animals without induction of periodontitis), periodontitis (induced periodontitis and untreated) and LPPp (induced periodontitis and treated with 40 mg/kg). The following parameters were evaluated after 20 consecutive days of treatment: gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), alveolar bone height (ABH) and gingival myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In the hepatic tissue, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and histopathological alterations were evaluated. Blood levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. RESULTS Significant reduction in GBI, PPD and gingival MPO activity and ABH was seen in animals treated with LPPp compared with periodontitis. Values of GSH, MDA, ALT and histopathological evaluation were preserved in animals treated with LPPp. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with LPPp improved clinical aspects of periodontitis, reduced the blood and hepatic alterations and prevented alveolar bone loss. Data suggest that LPPp have potential for treatment of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E S Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Moita
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Bruna S Souza
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Naylla M V Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Ana C S Sales
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Mayck S Barbosa
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Francisca D S Silva
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Alan L C Farias
- Laboratório de Análise e Processamento Histológico (LAPHis), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Victor L R Lopes
- Laboratório de Análise e Processamento Histológico (LAPHis), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Luiz F C França
- Laboratório de Análise e Processamento Histológico (LAPHis), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Even H P Alves
- Laboratório de Análise e Processamento Histológico (LAPHis), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Marcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Daniel F P Vasconcelos
- Laboratório de Análise e Processamento Histológico (LAPHis), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
| | - Jefferson S Oliveira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Plantas Laticíferas (LABPL), Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Parnaíba, Brazil
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20
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Souza PFN, Amaral JL, Bezerra LP, Lopes FES, Freire VN, Oliveira JTA, Freitas CDT. ACE2-derived peptides interact with the RBD domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, disrupting the interaction with the human ACE2 receptor. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5493-5506. [PMID: 33427102 PMCID: PMC7876913 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1871415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines could be the solution to the current SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. However, some studies have shown that the immunological memory only lasts three months. Thus, it is imperative to develop pharmacological treatments to cope with COVID-19. Here, the in silico approach by molecular docking, dynamic simulations and quantum biochemistry revealed that ACE2-derived peptides strongly interact with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD domain of spike glycoprotein (S-RBD). ACE2-Dev-PepI, ACE2-Dev-PepII, ACE2-Dev-PepIII and ACE2-Dev-PepIV complexed with S-RBD provoked alterations in the 3D structure of S-RBD, leading to disruption of the correct interaction with the ACE2 receptor, a pivotal step for SARS-CoV-2 infection. This wrong interaction between S-RBD and ACE2 could inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in cells, and thus virus replication and the establishment of COVID-19 disease. Therefore, we suggest that ACE2-derived peptides can interfere with recognition of ACE2 in human cells by SARS-CoV-2 in vivo. Bioinformatic prediction showed that these peptides have no toxicity or allergenic potential. By using ACE2-derived peptides against SARS-CoV-2, this study points to opportunities for further in vivo research on these peptides, seeking to discover new drugs and entirely new perspectives to treat COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil.,Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Leandro P Bezerra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Francisco E S Lopes
- Center for Permanent Education in Health Care, CEATS/School of Public Health of Ceará-ESP-CE, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Valder N Freire
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
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21
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Oliveira ST, Azevedo MIG, Cunha RMS, Silva CFB, Muniz CR, Monteiro-Júnior JE, Carneiro RF, Nagano CS, Girão MS, Freitas CDT, Grangeiro TB. Structural and functional features of a class VI chitinase from cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) with antifungal properties. Phytochemistry 2020; 180:112527. [PMID: 33007618 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A partial cDNA sequence from Anacardium occidentale CCP 76 was obtained, encoding a GH19 chitinase (AoChi) belonging to class VI. AoChi exhibits distinct structural features in relation to previously characterized plant GH19 chitinases from classes I, II, IV and VII. For example, a conserved Glu residue at the catalytic center of typical GH19 chitinases, which acts as the proton donor during catalysis, is replaced by a Lys residue in AoChi. To verify if AoChi is a genuine chitinase or is a chitinase-like protein that has lost its ability to degrade chitin and inhibit the growth of fungal pathogens, the recombinant protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris, purified and biochemically characterized. Purified AoChi (45 kDa apparent molecular mass) was able to degrade colloidal chitin, with optimum activity at pH 6.0 and at temperatures from 30 °C to 50 °C. AoChi activity was completely lost when the protein was heated at 70 °C for 1 h or incubated at pH values of 2.0 or 10.0. Several cation ions (Al3+, Cd2+, Ca2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Rb+, Zn2+ and Hg2+), chelating (EDTA) and reducing agents (DTT, β-mercaptoethanol) and the denaturant SDS, drastically reduced AoChi enzymatic activity. AoChi chitinase activity fitted the classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics, although turnover number and catalytic efficiency were much lower in comparison to typical GH19 plant chitinases. Moreover, AoChi inhibited in vitro the mycelial growth of Lasiodiplodia theobromae, causing several alterations in hyphae morphology. Molecular docking of a chito-oligosaccharide in the substrate-binding cleft of AoChi revealed that the Lys residue (theoretical pKa = 6.01) that replaces the catalytic Glu could act as the proton donor during catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone T Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Mayara I G Azevedo
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo M S Cunha
- Centro de Ciências Agrárias e Biológicas, Universidade do Vale do Acaraú, Sobral, Ceará, Brazil
| | | | - Celli R Muniz
- Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José E Monteiro-Júnior
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rômulo F Carneiro
- Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Celso S Nagano
- Departamento de Engenharia de Pesca, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Matheus S Girão
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Thalles B Grangeiro
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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22
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Cruz WT, Bezerra EHS, Ramos MV, Rocha BAM, Medina MC, Demarco D, Carvalho CPS, Oliveira JS, Sousa JS, Souza PFN, Freire VN, da Silva FMS, Freitas CDT. Crystal structure and specific location of a germin-like protein with proteolytic activity from Thevetia peruviana. Plant Sci 2020; 298:110590. [PMID: 32771148 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2020.110590] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Peruvianin-I is a cysteine peptidase (EC 3.4.22) purified from Thevetia peruviana. Previous studies have shown that it is the only germin-like protein (GLP) with proteolytic activity described so far. In this work, the X-ray crystal structure of peruvianin-I was determined to a resolution of 2.15 Å (PDB accession number: 6ORM) and its specific location was evaluated by different assays. Its overall structure shows an arrangement composed of a homohexamer (a trimer of dimers) where each monomer exhibits a typical β-barrel fold and two glycosylation sites (Asn55 and Asn144). Analysis of its active site confirmed the absence of essential amino acids for typical oxalate oxidase activity of GLPs. Details of the active site and molecular docking results, using a specific cysteine peptidase inhibitor (iodoacetamide), were used to discuss a plausible mechanism for proteolytic activity of peruvianin-I. Histological analyses showed that T. peruviana has articulated anastomosing laticifers, i.e., rows of cells which merge to form continuous tubes throughout its green organs. Moreover, peruvianin-I was detected exclusively in the latex. Because latex peptidases have been described as defensive molecules against insects, we hypothesize that peruvianin-I contributes to protect T. peruviana plants against herbivory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wallace T Cruz
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Eduardo H S Bezerra
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Bruno A M Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Maria C Medina
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05.508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego Demarco
- Departamento de Botânica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, CEP 05.508-090, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristina Paiva S Carvalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jefferson S Oliveira
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Universidade Federal do Delta do Parnaíba, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Valder N Freire
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, CEP 60.440-554, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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23
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Souza PFN, Lopes FES, Amaral JL, Freitas CDT, Oliveira JTA. A molecular docking study revealed that synthetic peptides induced conformational changes in the structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, disrupting the interaction with human ACE2 receptor. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:66-76. [PMID: 32693122 PMCID: PMC7368152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome caused by Coronavirus 2) began in December 2019. Its closest relative, SARS-CoV-1, has a slightly mutated Spike (S) protein, which interacts with ACE2 receptor in human cells to start the infection. So far, there are no vaccines or drugs to treat COVID-19. So, research groups worldwide are seeking new molecules targeting the S protein to prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 establishment. We performed molecular docking analysis of eight synthetic peptides against SARS-CoV-2 S protein. All interacted with the protein, but Mo-CBP3-PepII and PepKAA had the highest affinity with it. By binding to the S protein, both peptides led to conformational alterations in the protein, resulting in incorrect interaction with ACE2. Therefore, given the importance of the S protein-ACE2 interaction for SARS-CoV-2 infection, synthetic peptides could block SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, unlike other antiviral drugs, peptides have no toxicity to human cells. Thus, these peptides are potential molecules to be tested against SARS-CoV-2 and to develop new drugs to treat COVID-19. Synthetic peptides bind to SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Synthetic peptides induced conformational changes on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein structure. Synthetic peptides bind to ACE2 protein but did not affect its structure. Synthetic peptides induced the wrong interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with ACE2 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil.
| | - Francisco E S Lopes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jackson L Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará CEP 60.440-554, Brazil
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24
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Souza PFN, Lima PG, Freitas CDT, Sousa DOB, Neto NAS, Dias LP, Vasconcelos IM, Freitas LBN, Silva RGG, Sousa JS, Silva AFB, Oliveira JTA. Antidermatophytic activity of synthetic peptides: Action mechanisms and clinical application as adjuvants to enhance the activity and decrease the toxicity of Griseofulvin. Mycoses 2020; 63:979-992. [PMID: 32628303 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dermatophytes belonging to the Trichophyton genus are important human pathogens, but they have developed resistance to griseofulvin, the most common antifungal drug used to treat dermatophytosis. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed to evaluate the antidermatophytic activity of synthetic peptides, as well as mechanisms of action and synergistic effect with griseofulvin. METHODS Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and fluorescence microscopy (FM) were employed to understand the activity and the mechanism of action of peptides. RESULTS Here we report that synthetic peptides at 50 μg/mL, a concentration 20-fold lower than griseofulvin, reduced the microconidia viability of T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum by 100%, whereas griseofulvin decreased their viability by only 50% and 0%, respectively. The action mechanism of peptides involved cell wall damage, membrane pore formation and loss of cytoplasmic content. Peptides also induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the activity of griseofulvin 10-fold against both fungi, suggesting synergistic effects, and eliminated the toxicity of this drug to human erythrocytes. Docking analysis revealed ionic and hydrophobic interactions between peptides and griseofulvin, which may explain the decline of griseofulvin toxicity when mixed with peptides. CONCLUSION Therefore, our results strongly suggest six peptides with high potential to be employed alone as new drugs or as adjuvants to enhance the activity and decrease the toxicity of griseofulvin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F N Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Patrícia G Lima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Daniele O B Sousa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Nilton A S Neto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Lucas P Dias
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ilka M Vasconcelos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Larissa B N Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Rafael G G Silva
- Department of Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Jose T A Oliveira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Morais FS, Canuto KM, Ribeiro PRV, Silva AB, Pessoa ODL, Freitas CDT, Alencar NMN, Oliveira AC, Ramos MV. Chemical profiling of secondary metabolites from Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel latex with inhibitory action against the enzymes α-amylase and α-glucosidase: In vitro and in silico assays. J Ethnopharmacol 2020; 253:112644. [PMID: 32058007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Himatanthus drasticus is an important medicinal plant whose latex is traditionally used in Northeast Brazil to treat various diseases, including diabetes. The use of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors can be an effective strategy to modulate levels of postprandial hyperglycemia via control of starch metabolism. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aimed to verify if H. drasticus latex has inhibitory activity against enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes, besides chemically characterizing the metabolites responsible for such activities. In addition, in silico analysis was performed to support the traditional claim of possible antidiabetic activity of this latex. MATERIALS AND METHODS Latex from H. drasticus stems was sequentially partitioned with n-hexane (FHDH), CHCl3 (FHDC) and EtOH (FHDHA). Wash extraction of the FHDHA fraction was performed to obtain the other extract fractions. The FHDHA was submitted to chromatography in a SPE C18 cartridge using gradient elution with MeOH/H2O to produce five fractions: FHDHA1, FHDHA2, FHDHA3, FHDHA4 and FHDHA5. The FHDHA1 was subjected to semi-preparative reverse phase HPLC. Lineweaver-Burk plots were used to investigate the kinetic parameters of α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The interactions between plumieride and porcine pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase were analyzed through an in silico molecular docking study. RESULTS Phytochemical identification of compounds present in the FHDHA fraction of H. drasticus latex was possible by 1H, 13C NMR analysis and mass spectrometry, and the results were compared with the literature. The identified compounds were α-ethyl glucoside, protocatechuic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 15-demethylplumieride acid, 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, plumieride, and catechin. The inhibition results of the fractions tested against α-amylase and α-glucosidase showed inhibitory activities dependent on the increase of fractions and compound concentrations. The IC50 results obtained from FHDHA, FHDHA1 and plumieride fractions against α-amylase were 36.46, 72.61, 33.87 μg/mL respectively. The IC50 of plumieride was the closest to that of acarbose (22.52 μg/mL), a result similar to that obtained for α-glucosidase. The type of inhibition was competitive for both enzymes. CONCLUSIONS There was strong inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase by FHDHA, FHDHA1 and plumieride, suggesting that these enzymes slow glucose absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francimauro S Morais
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Alison B Silva
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brazil
| | - Otilia D L Pessoa
- Departamento de Química Orgânica e Inorgânica, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Nylane M N Alencar
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Brazil
| | - Ariclecio C Oliveira
- Instituto Superior de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará. Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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Silva MZR, Oliveira JPB, Ramos MV, Farias DF, de Sá CA, Ribeiro JAC, Silva AFB, de Sousa JS, Zambelli RA, da Silva AC, Furtado GP, Grangeiro TB, Vasconcelos MS, Silveira SR, Freitas CDT. Biotechnological potential of a cysteine protease (CpCP3) from Calotropis procera latex for cheesemaking. Food Chem 2020; 307:125574. [PMID: 31648178 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
This article reports the characterization and evaluation of the biotechnological potential of a cysteine protease purified from Calotropis procera (CpCP3). This enzyme was highly stable to different metal ions and was able to hydrolyze κ-casein similarly to bovine chymosin. Atomic force microscopy showed that the process of casein micelle aggregation induced by CpCP3 was similar to that caused by chymosin. The cheeses made using CpCP3 showed higher moisture content than those made with chymosin, but protein, fat, and ash were similar. The sensory analysis showed that cheeses made with CpCP3 had high acceptance index (>80%). In silico analysis predicted the presence of only two short allergenic peptides on the surface of CpCP3, which was highly susceptible to digestive enzymes and did not alter zebrafish embryos' morphology and development. Moreover, recombinant CpCP3 was expressed in Escherichia coli. All results support the biotechnological potential of CpCP3 as an alternative enzyme to chymosin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Z R Silva
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - João P B Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Davi F Farias
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Chayenne A de Sá
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Juliana A C Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Departamento de Biologia Molecular, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Ayrles F B Silva
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S de Sousa
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Física, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Rafael A Zambelli
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Engenharia de Alimentos, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - Ana C da Silva
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Engenharia de Alimentos, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | | | - Thalles B Grangeiro
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Biologia, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Mirele S Vasconcelos
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Ceará/IFCE, Campus Baturité, Baturité, CE, Brazil.
| | - Sandro R Silveira
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Freitas CDT, Silva RO, Ramos MV, Porfírio CTMN, Farias DF, Sousa JS, Oliveira JPB, Souza PFN, Dias LP, Grangeiro TB. Identification, characterization, and antifungal activity of cysteine peptidases from Calotropis procera latex. Phytochemistry 2020; 169:112163. [PMID: 31605904 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.112163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Cysteine peptidases (EC 3.4.22) are the most abundant enzymes in latex fluids. However, their physiological functions are still poorly understood, mainly related to defense against phytopathogens. The present study reports the cDNA cloning and sequencing of five undescribed cysteine peptidases from Calotropis procera (Aiton) Dryand (Apocynaceae) as well as some in silico analyses. Of these, three cysteine peptidases (CpCP1, CpCP2, and CpCP3) were purified. Their enzymatic kinetics were determined and they were assayed for their efficacy in inhibiting the hyphal growth of phytopathogenic fungi. The mechanism of action was investigated by fluorescence and atomic force microscopy as well as by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The deduced amino acid sequences showed similar biochemical characteristics and high sequence homology with several other papain-like cysteine peptidases. Three-dimensional models showed two typical cysteine peptidase domains (L and R domains), forming a "V-shaped" active site containing the catalytic triad (Cys, His, and Asn). Proteolysis of CpCP1 was higher at pH 7.0, whereas for CpCP2 and CpCP3 it was higher at 7.5. All peptidases exhibited optimum activity at 35 °C and followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. However, the major difference among them was that CpCP1 exhibited highest Vmax, Km, Kcat and catalytic efficiency. All peptidases were deleterious to the two fungi tested, with IC50 of around 50 μg/mL. The peptidases promoted membrane permeabilization, morphological changes with leakage of cellular content, and induction of ROS in F. oxysporum spores. These results corroborate the hypothesis that latex cysteine peptidases play a role in defense against fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil.
| | - Rafaela O Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Camila T M N Porfírio
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Davi F Farias
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Campus I, CEP, 58051-900, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Jeanlex S Sousa
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - João P B Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas P Dias
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Centro de Ciências, Campus do Pici, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP, 60440-900, Brazil
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Abstract
Background:Amino acid based surfactants constitute an important class of surface active biomolecules showing remarkable biocompatible properties. Antimicrobial activity is one of the most remarkable biological properties of this kind of surfactants, which have been widely studied against a broad spectrum of microorganisms. However, the antifungal activity of this kind of compound has been less well investigated. The aim of this work is the study of the antifungal activity of two novel argininebased surfactants (Nα-benzoyl-arginine decylamide, Bz-Arg-NHC10 and Nα-benzoyl-arginine dodecylamide, Bz-Arg-NHC12), obtained by an enzymatic strategy, against phytopathogenic filamentous fungi and dermatophyte strains.Methods:Four phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) and two human pathogenic fungi (dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes) were tested. Inhibition of vegetative growth and conidia germination was investigated for the phytopathogenic fungi. In order to elucidate the possible mechanism of biocide action, membrane integrity, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated. Additionally, the inhibition of germination of dermatophyte microconidia due to both arginine-based surfactants was studied. Minimum inhibitory concentration, as well as the concentration that inhibits 50% of germination were determined for both compounds and both fungal strains.Results:For the vegetative growth of phytopathogenic fungi, the most potent arginine-based compound was Bz-Arg-NHC10. All the tested compounds interfered with the conidia development of the studied species. Investigation of the possible mechanism of toxicity towards phytopathogenic fungi indicated direct damage of the plasma membrane and production of ROS. For the two strains of dermatophyte fungi tested, all the proved compounds showed similar fungistatic efficacy.Conclusion:: Bz-Arg-NHC10 and Bz-Arg-NHC12 were demonstrated to have broad biocidal ability against the proliferative vegetative form and the asexual reproductive conidia. Results suggest that both membrane permeabilization and induction of oxidative stress are part of the antifungal mechanisms involved in the interruption of normal conidia development by Bz-Arg-NHCn, leading to cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Fait
- Centro de Investigacion de Proteinas Vegetales (CIPROVE-Centro Asociado CICPBA), Depto. de Cs. Biologicas, Facultad de Cs. Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Helen P. S. da Costa
- Laboratorio de Toxinas Vegetais, Depto. de Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Laboratorio de Biotecnologia de Proteases Vegetais, Depto. de Bioquimica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceara, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Laura Bakás
- Centro de Investigacion de Proteinas Vegetales (CIPROVE-Centro Asociado CICPBA), Depto. de Cs. Biologicas, Facultad de Cs. Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
| | - Susana R. Morcelle
- Centro de Investigacion de Proteinas Vegetales (CIPROVE-Centro Asociado CICPBA), Depto. de Cs. Biologicas, Facultad de Cs. Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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Lopes FES, da Costa HPS, Souza PFN, Oliveira JPB, Ramos MV, Freire JEC, Jucá TL, Freitas CDT. Peptide from thaumatin plant protein exhibits selective anticandidal activity by inducing apoptosis via membrane receptor. Phytochemistry 2019; 159:46-55. [PMID: 30577001 DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Osmotin- and thaumatin-like proteins (OLPs and TLPs) have been associated with plant defense responses to different biotic stresses. In the present work, several in silico sequences from OLPs and TLPs were investigated by means of bioinformatics tools aiming to prospect for antimicrobial peptides. The peptide sequences chosen were further synthesized and characterized, and their activities and action mechanisms were assayed against some phytopathogenic fungi, bacteria and yeasts of clinical importance. From this survey approach, four peptide sequences (GDCKATSC, CPRALKVPGGCN, IVGQCPAKLKA, and CAADIVGQCPAKLK) were selected considering some chemical parameters commonly attributed to antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial assays showed that these peptides were unable to inhibit mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi and they did not affect bacterial cell growth. Nevertheless, significant inhibitory activity was found for CPRALKVPGGCN and CAADIVGQCPAKLK against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy assays suggested that CAADIVGQCPAKLK did not damage the overall cell structure, or its activity was negligible on yeast membrane and cell wall integrity. However, it induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis. Molecular docking analysis showed that CAADIVGQCPAKLK had strong affinity to interact with specific plasma membrane receptors of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae, which have been described as promoting the induction of apoptosis. The results indicate that CAADIVGQCPAKLK can be a valuable target for the development of a desired antimicrobial agent against the pathogen C. albicans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco E S Lopes
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CEP 60.440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Helen P S da Costa
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CEP 60.440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Pedro F N Souza
- Nebraska Center for Virology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - João P B Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CEP 60.440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CEP 60.440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - José E C Freire
- Faculdade UniNassau, Campus Parangaba, Av. Dr. Silas Munguba, 403-433, Parangaba, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Thiago L Jucá
- Refinaria de Lubrificantes e Derivados do Nordeste (Lubnor), Petrobras, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, CEP 60.440-970, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
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Souza ICC, Ramos MV, Costa JH, Freitas CDT, Oliveira RSB, Moreno FB, Moreira RA, Carvalho CPS. The osmotin of Calotropis procera latex is not expressed in laticifer-free cultivated callus and under salt stress. Plant Physiol Biochem 2017; 119:312-318. [PMID: 28938177 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The latex of Calotropis procera has previously been reported to contain osmotin. This protein (CpOsm) inhibited phytopathogens and this was mechanistically characterized. Here, the time-course profile of CpOsm transcripts was examined in the salt-stressed cultivated callus of C. procera in order to better understand its role in the physiology of the plant. Stressed callus (80 mM NaCl) showed an unbalanced content of organic compounds (proline and total soluble sugar) and inorganic ions (Na+, Cl-, and K+). Under salt treatment, the transcripts of CpOsm were detected after 12 h and slightly increased to a maximum at day seven, followed by reduction. Interestingly, CpOsm was not detected in the soluble protein fraction recovered from the salt-stressed callus as probed by electrophoresis, dot/Western blotting and mass spectrometry. The results suggested that (1) CpOsm is not constitutive in cultivated cells (laticifer-free tissues); (2) CpOsm transcripts appear under salt-stressed conditions; (3) the absence of CpOsm in the protein fractions of stressed cultivated cells indicated that salt-induced transcripts were not used for protein synthesis and this accounts to the belief that CpOsm may be a true laticifer protein in C. procera. More effort will be needed to unveil this process. In this study we show evidences that CpOsm gene is responsive to salt stress. However the corresponding protein is not produced in cultivated cells. Therefore, presently the hypothesis that CpOsm is involved in abiotic stress is not fully supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel C C Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
| | - José H Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Frederico B Moreno
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Renato A Moreira
- Núcleo de Biologia Experimental (NUBEX), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Cristina P S Carvalho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, CEP 60451-970, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
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Freitas CDT, Freitas DC, Cruz WT, Porfírio CTMN, Silva MZR, Oliveira JS, Carvalho CPS, Ramos MV. Identification and characterization of two germin-like proteins with oxalate oxidase activity from Calotropis procera latex. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 105:1051-1061. [PMID: 28754622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.07.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Germin-like proteins (GLPs) have been identified in several plant tissues. However, only one work describes GLP in latex fluids. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate GLPs in latex and get new insights concerning the structural and functional aspects of these proteins. Two complete sequences with high identity (>50%) with other GLPs, termed CpGLP1 and CpGLP2, were obtained and consecutively presented 216 and 206 amino acid residues, corresponding to molecular masses of 22.7 and 21.7kDa, pI 6.8 and 6.5. The three-dimensional models revealed overall folding similar to those reported for other plant GLPs. Both deduced sequences were grouped into the GER 2 subfamily. Molecular docking studies indicated a putative binding site consisting of three highly conserved histidines and a glutamate residue, which interacted with oxalate. This interaction was later supported by enzymatic assays. Superoxide dismutase (common activity in GLPs) was not detected for CpGLP1 and CpGLP2 by zymogram. The two proteins were detected in the latex, but not in non-germinated or germinated seeds and calli. These results give additional support that germin-like proteins are broadly distributed in plants and they are tissue-specific. This particularity deserves further studies to better understand their functions in latex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson D T Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil.
| | - Deborah C Freitas
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil
| | - Wallace T Cruz
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil
| | - Camila T M N Porfírio
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil
| | - Maria Z R Silva
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil
| | - Jefferson S Oliveira
- Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus Ministro Reis Velloso, Departamento de Biomedicina, Parnaíba, Piauí, CEP 64202-020, Brazil
| | - Cristina Paiva S Carvalho
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60440-554, Brazil
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Freitas CDT, Viana CA, Vasconcelos IM, Moreno FBB, Lima-Filho JV, Oliveira HD, Moreira RA, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Ramos MV. First insights into the diversity and functional properties of chitinases of the latex of Calotropis procera. Plant Physiol Biochem 2016; 108:361-371. [PMID: 27521700 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) found in the latex of Calotropis procera (Ait) R. Br. were studied. The proteins were homogeneously obtained after two ion exchange chromatography steps. Most proteins were identified individually in 15 spots on 2-D gel electrophoresis with isoelectric points ranging from 4.6 to 6.0 and molecular masses extending from 27 to 30 kDa. Additionally, 66 kDa proteins were identified as chitinases in SDS-PAGE. Their identities were further confirmed by mass spectrometry (MS) analysis of the tryptic digests of each spot and MS analysis of the non-digested proteins. Positive reaction for Schiff's reagent suggested the proteins are glycosylated. The chitinases exhibited high catalytic activity toward to colloidal chitin at pH 5.0, and this activity underwent decay in the presence of increasing amounts of reducing agent dithiothreitol. Spore germination and hyphae growth of two phytopathogenic fungi were inhibited only marginally by the chitinases but were affected differently. This suggested a complex relationship might exist between the specificity of the proteins toward the fungal species. The chitinases showed potent insecticidal activity against the Bruchidae Callosobruchus maculatus, drastically reducing survival, larval weight and adult emergence. It is concluded that closely related chitinases are present in the latex of C. procera, and the first experimental evidence suggests these proteins are involved more efficiently in defence strategies against insects rather than fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
| | - Carolina A Viana
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Ilka M Vasconcelos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Frederico B B Moreno
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - José V Lima-Filho
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Hermogenes D Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | - Renato A Moreira
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Fortaleza (UNIFOR), Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, CE CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
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Sousa-Filho LM, Freitas CDT, Lobo MDP, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Silva RO, Santana LAB, Ribeiro RA, Souza MHLP, Ferreira GP, Pereira ACTC, Barbosa ALR, Lima MSCS, Oliveira JS. Biochemical Profile, Biological Activities, and Toxic Effects of Proteins in theRhinella schneideriParotoid Gland Secretion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 325:511-523. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.2035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Sousa-Filho
- Departamento de Biomedicina; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Parnaíba Piauí Brasil
| | - Cleverson D. T. Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará; Campus do Pici; Fortaleza Ceará Brasil
| | - Marina D. P. Lobo
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde; Universidade de Fortaleza, Unifor; Fortaleza Ceará Brasil
| | | | - Renan O. Silva
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia; Universidade Federal do Ceará; Fortaleza Ceará Brasil
| | - Lucas A. B. Santana
- Departamento de Biomedicina; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Parnaíba Piauí Brasil
| | - Ronaldo A. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia; Universidade Federal do Ceará; Fortaleza Ceará Brasil
| | - Marcellus H. L. P. Souza
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia; Universidade Federal do Ceará; Fortaleza Ceará Brasil
| | - Gustavo P. Ferreira
- Departamento de Biomedicina; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Parnaíba Piauí Brasil
| | - Anna C. T. C. Pereira
- Departamento de Biomedicina; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Parnaíba Piauí Brasil
| | - André L. R. Barbosa
- Departamento de Fisioterapia; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Parnaíba Piauí Brasil
| | - Mauro S. C. S. Lima
- Departamento de Biologia; Campus Almicar Ferreira Sobral; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Floriano Piauí Brasil
| | - Jefferson S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Biomedicina; Campus Ministro Reis Velloso; Universidade Federal do Piauí; Parnaíba Piauí Brasil
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Alencar NMN, Oliveira JS, Mesquita RO, Lima MW, Vale MR, Etchells JP, Freitas CDT, Ramos MV. Pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of the latex from Calotropis procera (Ait.) R.Br. are triggered by compounds fractionated by dialysis. Inflamm Res 2016; 55:559-64. [PMID: 17221170 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-006-6025-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AND DESIGN Previous studies have described pro- and anti-inflammatory activities displayed by the latex from Calotropis procera. This report aims to clarify these observations and shows that such activities can be segregated from the whole latex. METHODS The latex was divided into water-soluble fractions devoid of poly-isoprene by centrifugation and dialysis and both the activities were assayed by the peritonitis model in rats. The drugs dexamethasone, thalidomide, meclizine, indomethacin and celecoxib were used to modulate the inflammatory stimuli. RESULTS Inflammation in rats was observed 2 h after intraperitoneal administration of the stimulus (DL fraction) in a dose dependent manner. This activity was inhibited by previous intravenous injection of dexamethasone, thalidomide and meclizine. Indomethacin and celecoxib did not reverse inflammation. These results suggest the involvement of histamine release and TNF-alpha mediated inflammation while prostaglandins seem not to be required. The anti-inflammatory fraction (NDL) inhibited inflammation triggered by proinflammatory fraction (DL) suggesting that NDL ought to follow a similar pathway of action to that of the anti-inflammatory drugs that were able to inhibit inflammation triggered by DL. CONCLUSIONS Pro- and anti-inflammatory activities of the latex are displayed by compounds suitable to be fractionated on the basis of their molecular size.
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Affiliation(s)
- N M N Alencar
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx, Postal 6033, Fortaleza-Ceará, CEP 60.451-970, Brasil
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Freitas CDT, Silva MZR, Bruno-Moreno F, Monteiro-Moreira ACO, Moreira RA, Ramos MV. New constitutive latex osmotin-like proteins lacking antifungal activity. Plant Physiol Biochem 2015; 96:45-52. [PMID: 26231325 DOI: 10.1016/j.plaphy.2015.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Proteins that share similar primary sequences to the protein originally described in salt-stressed tobacco cells have been named osmotins. So far, only two osmotin-like proteins were purified and characterized of latex fluids. Osmotin from Carica papaya latex is an inducible protein lacking antifungal activity, whereas the Calotropis procera latex osmotin is a constitutive antifungal protein. To get additional insights into this subject, we investigated osmotins in latex fluids of five species. Two potential osmotin-like proteins in Cryptostegia grandiflora and Plumeria rubra latex were detected by immunological cross-reactivity with polyclonal antibodies produced against the C. procera latex osmotin (CpOsm) by ELISA, Dot Blot and Western Blot assays. Osmotin-like proteins were not detected in the latex of Thevetia peruviana, Himatanthus drasticus and healthy Carica papaya fruits. Later, the two new osmotin-like proteins were purified through immunoaffinity chromatography with anti-CpOsm immobilized antibodies. Worth noting the chromatographic efficiency allowed for the purification of the osmotin-like protein belonging to H. drasticus latex, which was not detectable by immunoassays. The identification of the purified proteins was confirmed after MS/MS analyses of their tryptic digests. It is concluded that the constitutive osmotin-like proteins reported here share structural similarities to CpOsm. However, unlike CpOsm, they did not exhibit antifungal activity against Fusarium solani and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. These results suggest that osmotins of different latex sources may be involved in distinct physiological or defensive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cleverson D T Freitas
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
| | - Maria Z R Silva
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - Renato A Moreira
- Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Fortaleza, Unifor, Fortaleza-CE, Brazil
| | - Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Brazil.
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Ramos MV, Pereira DA, Souza DP, Silva MLS, Alencar LMR, Sousa JS, Queiroz JFN, Freitas CDT. Peptidases and peptidase inhibitors in gut of caterpillars and in the latex of their host plants. Planta 2015; 241:167-178. [PMID: 25246317 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-014-2174-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies investigating the resistance-susceptibility of crop insects to proteins found in latex fluids have been reported. However, latex-bearing plants also host insects. In this study, the gut proteolytic system of Pseudosphinx tetrio, which feeds on Plumeria rubra leaves, was characterized and further challenged against the latex proteolytic system of its own host plant and those of other latex-bearing plants. The gut proteolytic system of Danaus plexippus (monarch) and the latex proteolytic system of its host plant (Calotropis procera) were also studied. The latex proteins underwent extensive hydrolysis when mixed with the corresponding gut homogenates of the hosted insects. The gut homogenates partially digested the latex proteins of foreign plants. The fifth instar of D. plexippus that were fed diets containing foreign latex developed as well as those individuals who were fed diets containing latex proteins from their host plant. In vitro assays detected serine and cysteine peptidase inhibitors in both the gut homogenates and the latex fluids. Curiously, the peptidase inhibitors of caterpillars did not inhibit the latex peptidases of their host plants. However, the peptidase inhibitors of laticifer origin inhibited the proteolysis of gut homogenates. In vivo analyses of the peritrophic membrane proteins of D. plexippus demonstrate resistance against latex peptidases. Only discrete changes were observed when the peritrophic membrane was directly treated with purified latex peptidases in vitro. This study concludes that peptidase inhibitors are involved in the defensive systems of both caterpillars and their host plants. Although latex peptidase inhibitors inhibit gut peptidases (in vitro), the ability of gut peptidases to digest latex proteins (in vivo) regardless of their origin seems to be important in governing the resistance-susceptibility of caterpillars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcio V Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60451-970, Brazil,
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Souza DP, Freitas CDT, Pereira DA, Nogueira FC, Silva FDA, Salas CE, Ramos MV. Laticifer proteins play a defensive role against hemibiotrophic and necrotrophic phytopathogens. Planta 2011; 234:183-193. [PMID: 21394468 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-011-1392-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Proteins from latex of Calotropis procera (CpLP), Plumeria rubra (PrLP), Carica candamarcensis (P1G10) and Euphorbia tirucalli (EtLP) were tested for antifungal activity against phytopathogens. CpLP and P1G10 inhibited each fungi analyzed. PrLP and EtLP did not exert inhibition. CpLP and P1G10 exhibited preferential inhibitory activity towards R. solani (IC₅₀ = 20.7 and 25.3 µg/ml, respectively). The inhibitory activity was lost after heat treatment or proteolysis, providing evidence for the involvement of proteins in the inhibitory effect. Treatment of CpLP or P1G10 with Dithiothreitol improved both, the endogenous proteolytic activity and the antifungal properties. Conversely, pre-treatment of CpLP or P1G10 with iodoacetamide drastically reduced endogenous proteolytic activities and partially abrogated antifungal activity. Similar results were observed when spores were challenged to germinate in the presence of laticifer proteins. The purified cysteine proteinase CMS2MS2 from Carica candamarcensis latex or papain (E.C. 3.4.22.2), a cysteine proteinase from latex of Carica papaya L., but not trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) or chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1), two serine proteases, replicated the results obtained with CpLP or P1G10, thus restricting the antifungal property to latex plant cysteine proteinases. CpLP, CMS2MS2 and papain induced production of reactive oxygen species in spores of F. solani, suggesting that inhibition could be linked to oxidative stress. Proteome analysis of CpLP by 2-D electrophoresis and MALDI-TOF-TOF confirmed the existence of various pathogenic-related proteins such as chitinases, peroxidases and osmotins. The results support that laticifer proteins are part of plant defense repertoire against phytopathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego P Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia, Molecular da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Campus do Pici, Cx. Postal 6033, Fortaleza, Ceará, CEP 60451-970, Brazil
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