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Matsuda A, Plewka J, Rawski M, Mourão A, Zajko W, Siebenmorgen T, Kresik L, Lis K, Jones AN, Pachota M, Karim A, Hartman K, Nirwal S, Sonani R, Chykunova Y, Minia I, Mak P, Landthaler M, Nowotny M, Dubin G, Sattler M, Suder P, Popowicz GM, Pyrć K, Czarna A. Despite the odds: formation of the SARS-CoV-2 methylation complex. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae165. [PMID: 38499483 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses modify their single-stranded RNA genome with a methylated cap during replication to mimic the eukaryotic mRNAs. The capping process is initiated by several nonstructural proteins (nsp) encoded in the viral genome. The methylation is performed by two methyltransferases, nsp14 and nsp16, while nsp10 acts as a co-factor to both. Additionally, nsp14 carries an exonuclease domain which operates in the proofreading system during RNA replication of the viral genome. Both nsp14 and nsp16 were reported to independently bind nsp10, but the available structural information suggests that the concomitant interaction between these three proteins would be impossible due to steric clashes. Here, we show that nsp14, nsp10, and nsp16 can form a heterotrimer complex upon significant allosteric change. This interaction is expected to encourage the formation of mature capped viral mRNA, modulating nsp14's exonuclease activity, and protecting the viral RNA. Our findings show that nsp14 is amenable to allosteric regulation and may serve as a novel target for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Matsuda
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Jacek Plewka
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michał Rawski
- SOLARIS National Synchrotron Radiation Centre, Jagiellonian University, 30-392 Kraków, Poland
| | - André Mourão
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Weronika Zajko
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Leanid Kresik
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Kinga Lis
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Kraków University of Technology, 31-155 Kraków, Poland
| | - Alisha N Jones
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Magdalena Pachota
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Abdulkarim Karim
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, 44002 Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
- Department of Community Health, College of Health Technology, Cihan University-Erbil, 44001 Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Kinga Hartman
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Shivlee Nirwal
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ravi Sonani
- Protein Crystallography Research Group, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Yuliya Chykunova
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Igor Minia
- Laboratory for RNA Biology, Berlin Institute for Medical System Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Markus Landthaler
- Laboratory for RNA Biology, Berlin Institute for Medical System Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcin Nowotny
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Protein Crystallography Research Group, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Michael Sattler
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Piotr Suder
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz M Popowicz
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, 85748 Garching, Germany
| | - Krzysztof Pyrć
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Czarna
- Virogenetics Laboratory of Virology, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Sułek M, Kordaczuk J, Mak P, Śmiałek-Bartyzel J, Hułas-Stasiak M, Wojda I. Immune priming modulates Galleria mellonella and Pseudomonas entomophila interaction. Antimicrobial properties of Kazal peptide Pr13a. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358247. [PMID: 38469316 PMCID: PMC10925678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358247] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae repeatedly infected with Pseudomonas entomophila bacteria re-induced their immune response. Its parameters, i.e. the defence activities of cell-free hemolymph, the presence and activity of antimicrobial peptides, and the expression of immune-relevant genes were modulated after the re-challenge in comparison to non-primed infected larvae, resulting in better protection. No enhanced resistance was observed when the larvae were initially infected with other microorganisms, and larvae pre-infected with P. entomophila were not more resistant to further infection with other pathogens. Then, the peptide profiles of hemolymph from primed- and non-primed larvae infected with P. entomophila were compared by quantitative RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase - High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The level of carbonic anhydrase, anionic peptide-1, proline peptide-2, and finally, unknown so far, putative Kazal peptide Pr13a was higher in the primed infected animals than in the larvae infected with P. entomophila for the first time. The expression of the Pr13a gene increased two-fold after the infection, but only in the primed animals. To check whether the enhanced level of Pr13a could have physiological significance, the peptide was purified to homogeneity and checked for its defence properties. In fact, it had antibacterial activity: at the concentration of 15 µM and 7.5 µM it reduced the number of P. entomophila and Bacillus thuringiensis CFU, respectively, to about 40%. The antibacterial activity of Pr13a was correlated with changes observed on the surface of the peptide-treated bacteria, e.g. surface roughness and adhesion force. The presented results bring us closer to finding hemolymph constituents responsible for the effect of priming on the immune response in re-infected insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Sułek
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Śmiałek-Bartyzel
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Hułas-Stasiak
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojda
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Kordaczuk J, Sułek M, Mak P, Śmiałek-Bartyzel J, Hułas-Stasiak M, Wojda I. Defence response of Galleria mellonella larvae to oral and intrahemocelic infection with Pseudomonasentomophila. Dev Comp Immunol 2023; 147:104749. [PMID: 37279831 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104749] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We report differences in the course of infection of G. mellonella larvae with P. entomophila via intrahemocelic and oral routes. Survival curves, larval morphology, histology, and induction of defence response were investigated. Larvae injected with 10 and 50 cells of P. entomophila activated a dose-dependent immune response, which was manifested by induction of immune-related genes and dose-dependent defence activity in larval hemolymph. In contrast, after the oral application of the pathogen, antimicrobial activity was detected in whole hemolymph of larvae infected with the 103 but not 105 dose in spite of the induction of immune response manifested as immune-relevant gene expression and defence activity of electrophoretically separated low-molecular hemolymph components. Among known proteins induced after the P. entomophila infection, we identified proline-rich peptide 1 and 2, cecropin D-like peptide, galiomycin, lysozyme, anionic peptide 1, defensin-like peptide, and a 27 kDa hemolymph protein. The expression of the lysozyme gene and the amount of protein in the hemolymph were correlated with inactivity of hemolymph in insects orally infected with a higher dose of P. entomophila, pointing to its role in the host-pathogen interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Kordaczuk
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Sułek
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Śmiałek-Bartyzel
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Kraków, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Hułas-Stasiak
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Immunobiology, Lublin, Poland.
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Śmiałek-Bartyzel J, Bzowska M, Mężyk-Kopeć R, Kwissa M, Mak P. BacSp222 bacteriocin as a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer. Inflamm Res 2023; 72:915-928. [PMID: 36964784 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-023-01721-3] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN BacSp222 bacteriocin is a bactericidal and proinflammatory peptide stimulating immune cells to produce selected cytokines and NO in NF-ĸB dependent manner. This study aims to identify the receptor which mediates this activity. METHODS We applied fluorescently labeled BacSp222 and a confocal microscopy imaging to analyze the direct interaction of the bacteriocin with the cells. Reporter HEK-Blue cells overexpressing human toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 or TLR2/TLR1 and TLR2/TLR6 heterodimers) were stimulated with BacSp222, and then the activity of NF-ĸB-dependent secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) was measured. In turn, formylated peptide receptor (FPR) or TLR2 antagonists were used to verify bacteriocin-stimulated TNF production by murine monocyte-macrophage cell lines. RESULTS BacSp222 undergoes internalization into cells without disturbing the cell membrane. FPR antagonists do not affect TNF produced by BacSp222-stimulated murine macrophage-like cells. In contrast, BacSp222 stimulates NF-ĸB activation in HEK-Blue overexpressing TLR2 or TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer, but not TLR2/TLR1, TLR4 or TLR5 receptors. Moreover, TLR2-specific antagonists inhibit NF-ĸB signaling in BacSp222-stimulated HEK-Blue TLR2/TLR6 cells and reduce TNF release by BacSp222-treated RAW 264.7 and P388.D1. CONCLUSIONS BacSp222 is a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer. By binding TLR complex the bacteriocin undergoes internalization, inducing proinflammatory signaling that employs MyD88 and NF-ĸB pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Śmiałek-Bartyzel
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Łojasiewicza 11 St., 30-348, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Bzowska
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Renata Mężyk-Kopeć
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Kwissa
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, 5640 South Ellis Ave., Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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Śmiałek J, Bzowska M, Hinz A, Mężyk-Kopeć R, Sołtys K, Mak P. Bacteriocin BacSp222 and Its Succinylated Forms Exhibit Proinflammatory Activities Toward Innate Immune Cells . J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:4601-4621. [PMID: 35982757 PMCID: PMC9381015 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s362066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The zoonotic opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus pseudintermedius 222 produces BacSp222 - an atypical peptide exhibiting the features of a bacteriocin, a virulence factor, and a molecule modulating the host inflammatory reaction. The peptide is secreted in an unmodified form and, additionally, two forms modified posttranslationally by succinylation. This study is a comprehensive report focusing on the proinflammatory properties of such molecules. Methods The study was performed on mouse monocyte/macrophage-like and endothelial cell lines as well as human neutrophils. The following peptides were studied: BacSp222, its succinylated forms, the form deprived of formylated methionine, and a reference bacteriocin - nisin. The measurements of the nitric oxide (NO) level, induced NO synthase (iNOS) expression, the profile of secreted cytokines, NF-kappa-B activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) biosynthesis, and the formation of extracellular traps were conducted to evaluate the proinflammatory activity of the studied peptides. Results BacSp222 and its succinylated forms effectively induced NO production and iNOS expression when combined with IFN-gamma in macrophage-like cells. All natural BacSp222 forms used alone or with IFN-gamma stimulated the production of TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and IL-1-alpha, while the co-stimulation with IFN-gamma increased IL-10 and IL-27. Upregulated TNF-alpha secretion observed after BacSp222 exposition resulted from increased expression but not from membrane TNF-alpha proteolysis. In neutrophils, all forms of bacteriocin upregulated IL-8, but did not induce ROS production or NETs formation. In all experiments, the activities of deformylated bacteriocin were lower or unequivocal in comparison to other forms of the peptide. Conclusion All naturally secreted forms of BacSp222 exhibit proinflammatory activity against monocyte-macrophage cells and neutrophils, confirming that the biological role of BacSp222 goes beyond bactericidal and cytotoxic effects. The atypical posttranslational modification (succinylation) does not diminish its immunomodulatory activity in contrast to the lower antibacterial potential or cytotoxicity of such modified form established in previous studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Śmiałek
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Bzowska
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Alicja Hinz
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Renata Mężyk-Kopeć
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamilla Sołtys
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Andrejko M, Mak P, Siemińska-Kuczer A, Iwański B, Wojda I, Suder P, Kuleta P, Regucka K, Cytryńska M. A comparison of the production of antimicrobial peptides and proteins by Galleria mellonella larvae in response to infection with two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains differing in the profile of secreted proteases. J Insect Physiol 2021; 131:104239. [PMID: 33845095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104239] [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] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The work presents identification of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) in the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (ATCC 27,853 and PA18), differing in the profile of secreted proteases. The insects were immunized with bacteria cultivated in rich (LB) and minimal (M9) media, which resulted in appearance of a similar broad set of AMPs in the hemolymph. Among them, 13 peptides and proteins were identified, i.e. proline-rich peptides 1 and 2, lebocin-like anionic peptide 1 and anionic peptide 2, defensin/galiomicin, cecropin, cecropin D-like peptide, apolipophoricin, gallerimycin, moricin-like peptide B, lysozyme, apolipophorin III, and superoxide dismutase. Bacterial strain- and/or medium-dependent changes in the level of proline-rich peptide 1, anionic peptide 1 and 2, moricin-like peptide B, cecropin D-like and gallerimycin were observed. The analysis of the expression of genes encoding cecropin, gallerimycin, and galiomicin indicated that they were differently affected by the bacterial strain but mainly by the medium used for bacterial culture. The highest expression was found for the LB medium. In addition to the antibacterial and antifungal activity, proteolytic activity was detected in the hemolymph of the P. aeruginosa-infected insects. Based on these results and those presented in our previous reports, it can be postulated that the appearance of AMPs in G. mellonella hemolymph can be triggered not only by P. aeruginosa pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) but also by bacterial extracellular proteases secreted during infection. However, although there were no qualitative differences in the set of AMPs depending on the P. aeruginosa strain and medium, differences in the level of particular AMPs synthesized in response to the bacteria used were observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariola Andrejko
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Siemińska-Kuczer
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Iwański
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojda
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Suder
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Materials Sciences and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30 Ave., 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paula Kuleta
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Regucka
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Palusińska-Szysz M, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Frąc M, Gruszecki WI, Wdowiak-Wróbel S, Reszczyńska E, Skorupska D, Mak P, Cytryńska M. Identification and characterization of Staphylococcus spp. and their susceptibility to insect apolipophorin III. Future Microbiol 2020; 15:1015-1032. [PMID: 32811181 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0328] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the effect of an insect antimicrobial protein, apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), against two newly isolated, identified and characterized clinical strains of Staphylococcus spp. Materials & methods: Both strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolic and phenotypic profiling. The antibacterial activity of apoLp-III was tested using a colony counting assay. ApoLp-III interaction with bacterial cell surface was analyzed by Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. Results: Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis were identified. ApoLp-III exerted a dose-dependent bactericidal effect on the tested strains. The differences in the Staphylococcus spp. surface components may contribute to the various sensitivities of these strains to apoLp-III. Conclusion: ApoLp-III may provide a baseline for development of antibacterial preparations against Staphylococcus spp. involved in dermatological problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Palusińska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Frąc
- Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Doświadczalna 4 St., 20-290 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wiesław I Gruszecki
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Maria Curie-Skłodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Wdowiak-Wróbel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Reszczyńska
- Department of Plant Physiology & Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology & Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
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Palusińska-Szysz M, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Luchowski R, Reszczyńska E, Śmiałek J, Mak P, Gruszecki WI, Cytryńska M. Choline Supplementation Sensitizes Legionella dumoffii to Galleria mellonella Apolipophorin III. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165818. [PMID: 32823647 PMCID: PMC7461559 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth of Legionella dumoffii can be inhibited by Galleria mellonella apolipophorin III (apoLp-III) which is an insect homologue of human apolipoprotein E., and choline-cultured L. dumoffii cells are considerably more susceptible to apoLp-III than bacteria grown without choline supplementation. In the present study, the interactions of apoLp-III with intact L. dumoffii cells cultured without and with exogenous choline were analyzed to explain the basis of this difference. Fluorescently labeled apoLp-III (FITC-apoLp-III) bound more efficiently to choline-grown L. dumoffii, as revealed by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The cell envelope of these bacteria was penetrated more deeply by FITC-apoLp-III, as demonstrated by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy analyses. The increased susceptibility of the choline-cultured L. dumoffii to apoLp-III was also accompanied by alterations in the cell surface topography and nanomechanical properties. A detailed analysis of the interaction of apoLp-III with components of the L. dumoffii cells was carried out using both purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and liposomes composed of L. dumoffii phospholipids and LPS. A single micelle of L. dumoffii LPS was formed from 12 to 29 monomeric LPS molecules and one L. dumoffii LPS micelle bound two molecules of apoLp-III. ApoLp-III exhibited the strongest interactions with liposomes with incorporated LPS formed of phospholipids isolated from bacteria cultured on exogenous choline. These results indicated that the differences in the phospholipid content in the cell membrane, especially PC, and LPS affected the interactions of apoLp-III with bacterial cells and suggested that these differences contributed to the increased susceptibility of the choline-cultured L. dumoffii to G. mellonella apoLp-III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Palusińska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.Z.-B.); (M.C.)
| | - Rafał Luchowski
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland; (R.L.); (W.I.G.)
| | - Emilia Reszczyńska
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Justyna Śmiałek
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (J.Ś.); (P.M.)
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (J.Ś.); (P.M.)
| | - Wiesław I. Gruszecki
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland; (R.L.); (W.I.G.)
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.Z.-B.); (M.C.)
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9
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Sowa-Jasiłek A, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Stączek S, Pawlikowska-Pawlęga B, Grygorczuk-Płaneta K, Skrzypiec K, Gruszecki WI, Mak P, Cytryńska M. Antifungal Activity of Anionic Defense Peptides: Insight into the Action of Galleria mellonella Anionic Peptide 2. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21061912. [PMID: 32168818 PMCID: PMC7139982 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Anionic antimicrobial peptides constitute an integral component of animal innate immunity, however the mechanisms of their antifungal activity are still poorly understood. The action of a unique Galleria mellonella anionic peptide 2 (AP2) against fungal pathogen Candida albicans was examined using different microscopic techniques and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Although the exposure to AP2 decreased the survival rate of C. albicans cells, the viability of protoplasts was not affected, suggesting an important role of the fungal cell wall in the peptide action. Atomic force microscopy showed that the AP2-treated cells became decorated with numerous small clods and exhibited increased adhesion forces. Intensified lomasome formation, vacuolization, and partial distortion of the cell wall was also observed. FTIR spectroscopy suggested AP2 interactions with the cell surface proteins, leading to destabilization of protein secondary structures. Regardless of the anionic character of the whole AP2 molecule, bioinformatics analyses revealed the presence of amphipathic α-helices with exposed positively charged lysine residues. High content of the α-helical structure was confirmed after deconvolution of the IR absorption spectrum and during circular dichroism measurements. Our results indicated that the antimicrobial properties of G. mellonella AP2 rely on the same general characteristics found in cationic defense peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sowa-Jasiłek
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 Street, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.-J.); (A.Z.-B.); (S.S.); (K.G.-P.)
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 Street, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.-J.); (A.Z.-B.); (S.S.); (K.G.-P.)
| | - Sylwia Stączek
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 Street, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.-J.); (A.Z.-B.); (S.S.); (K.G.-P.)
| | - Bożena Pawlikowska-Pawlęga
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 Street, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Grygorczuk-Płaneta
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 Street, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.-J.); (A.Z.-B.); (S.S.); (K.G.-P.)
| | - Krzysztof Skrzypiec
- Analytical Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, M.C. Skłodowska Square 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wiesław I. Gruszecki
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, M.C. Skłodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 Street, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 Street, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.S.-J.); (A.Z.-B.); (S.S.); (K.G.-P.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Vertyporokh L, Kordaczuk J, Mak P, Hułas-Stasiak M, Wojda I. Host-pathogen interactions upon the first and subsequent infection of Galleria mellonella with Candida albicans. J Insect Physiol 2019; 117:103903. [PMID: 31233768 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Insects are able to develop enhanced resistance in response to repeated infection. This phenomenon is called immune priming. In this work, so-called "primed" Galleria mellonella larvae were re-infected with a lethal dose of Candida albicans 48 h after injection of a non-lethal dose, while "non-primed" larvae were infected only with a lethal dose. The increased resistance of the primed larvae correlated with a slower rate of body colonisation by the fungus. Changes in the protein profiles were detected in the whole hemolymph of the primed insects. The analysis of low-molecular weight proteins and peptides obtained with the use of three different organic solvents and comparative quantitative HPLC analysis thereof showed that the primed larvae did not have higher amounts of any infection-inducible polypeptides than the non-primed larvae. Moreover, electrophoresis of low-molecular weight polypeptides revealed an even lower level of immune-induced peptides in the primed larvae than in the non-primed ones. Furthermore, the defence activity of larval hemolymph, i.e. the antifungal, antibacterial, and lysozyme-type activity, was up-regulated in the primed larvae at the time of re-infection and, consequently, at the early time points after the infection with the lethal dose. Twenty four hours after the infection, these parameters were equally high in the non-primed and primed larvae. Accordingly, at the time of the injection of the lethal dose, certain immune-inducible genes were up-regulated. However, 24 h after the infection with the lethal dose, their expression in both groups was incomparably higher than at the time of the infection and, in most cases, it was as high in the primed larvae as in the non-primed ones. We found that only anti yeast-like activity was enhanced 24 h after the re-infection. This correlated with results obtained by testing the priming effect in heterologous systems: the primed animals did not exhibit higher resistance to the other pathogens tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidiia Vertyporokh
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Immunobiology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Immunobiology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Hułas-Stasiak
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Comparative Anatomy and Anthropology, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojda
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Immunobiology, Lublin, Poland.
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11
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Walentowicz-Sadlecka M, Dziobek K, Grabiec M, Sadlecki P, Walentowicz P, Mak P, Szymankiewicz M, Kwinta P, Dutsch-Wicherek M. The analysis of human leukocyte antigen-G level in patients with endometrial cancer by Western blot technique. Am J Reprod Immunol 2018; 81:e13070. [DOI: 10.1111/aji.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Walentowicz-Sadlecka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Konrad Dziobek
- Center of Oncology; M. Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute, Krakow Branch; Kraków Poland
| | - Marek Grabiec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Pawel Sadlecki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Pawel Walentowicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology; Jagiellonian University; Krakow Poland
| | - Maria Szymankiewicz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; Nicolaus Copernicus University; Bydgoszcz Poland
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Stączek S, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Mak P, Sowa-Jasiłek A, Kedracka-Krok S, Jankowska U, Suder P, Wydrych J, Grygorczuk K, Jakubowicz T, Cytryńska M. Studies on localization and protein ligands of Galleria mellonella apolipophorin III during immune response against different pathogens. J Insect Physiol 2018; 105:18-27. [PMID: 29289504 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A lipid-binding protein apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), an exchangeable component of lipophorin particles, is involved in lipid transport and immune response in insects. In Galleria mellonella, apoLp-III binding to high-density lipophorins and formation of low-density lipophorin complexes upon immune challenge was reported. However, an unanswered question remains whether apoLp-III could form different complexes in a pathogen-dependent manner. Here we report on pathogen- and time-dependent alterations in the level of apoLp-III free and lipophorin-bound form that occur in the hemolymph and hemocytes shortly after immunization of G. mellonella larvae with different pathogens, i.e. Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, Gram-positive bacterium Micrococcus luteus, yeast-like fungus Candida albicans, and filamentous fungus Fusarium oxysporum. These changes were accompanied by differently persistent re-localization of apoLp-III in the hemocytes. The apoLp-III-interacting proteins were recovered from immune hemolymph by affinity chromatography on a Sepharose bed with immobilized anti-apoLp-III antibodies. ApoLp-I, apoLp-II, hexamerin, and arylphorin were identified as main components that bound to apoLp-III; the N-terminal amino acid sequences of G. mellonella apoLp-I and apoLp-II were determined for the first time. In the recovered complexes, the pathogen-dependent differences in the content of individual apolipophorins were detected. Apolipophorins may thus be postulated as signaling molecules responding in an immunogen-dependent manner in early steps of G. mellonella immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Stączek
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Aneta Sowa-Jasiłek
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Kedracka-Krok
- Department of Physical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Urszula Jankowska
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Suder
- Biochemistry and Neurobiology Department, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, AGH University of Science and Technology, Mickiewicza 30 ave., 30-059 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wydrych
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Anthropology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Grygorczuk
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Teresa Jakubowicz
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Wai AKC, Cameron P, Cheung CK, Mak P, Rainer TH. Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in a Teaching Hospital in Hong Kong: Descriptive Study Using the Utstein Style. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2017. [DOI: 10.1177/102490790501200304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To describe, using the Utstein template, the characteristics of patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest to a university teaching hospital in the New Territories of Hong Kong, and to evaluate survival. Design Prospective study. Setting The emergency department of a teaching hospital in the New Territories, Hong Kong. Participants Patients older than 12 years with non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were transported to the hospital between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2002. Main outcome measures Demographic data, characteristics of cardiac arrest and response time intervals of the emergency medical service presented according to the Utstein style, and also survival to hospital discharge rate. Results A total of 124 patients were included (49.2% male; mean age 71.9 years). The majority of cardiac arrests occurred in patients' home. The overall bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rate was 15.3% (19/124). The most common electrocardiographic rhythm at scene was asystole, whilst pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) was found in 18.0%. The overall survival was 0.8% (1/124), and survival to hospital discharge was significantly higher for patients with VF or pulseless VT than those patients with other rhythms of cardiac arrest (11.1% versus 0%). The median witnessed/recognised collapse to defibrillation time was 14 minutes. The median prehospital time interval from collapse/recognition to arrival at hospital was 33 minutes. Conclusion The prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Hong Kong was poor. Major improvements in every component of the chain of survival are necessary.
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Nowakowski M, Jaremko Ł, Wladyka B, Dubin G, Ejchart A, Mak P. Spatial attributes of the four-helix bundle group of bacteriocins - The high-resolution structure of BacSp222 in solution. Int J Biol Macromol 2017; 107:2715-2724. [PMID: 29107139 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.10.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BacSp222 is a multifunctional bacteriocin produced by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strain 222, an opportunistic pathogen of domestic animals. At micromolar concentrations, BacSp222 kills Gram-positive bacteria and is cytotoxic toward mammalian cells, while at nanomolar doses, it acts as an immunomodulatory factor, enhancing nitric oxide release in macrophage-like cell lines. The bacteriocin is a cationic, N-terminally formylated, 50-amino-acid-long linear peptide that is rich in tryptophan residues. In this study, the solution structure of BacSp222 was determined and compared to the currently known structures of similar bacteriocins. BacSp222 was isolated from a liquid culture medium in a uniformly 13C- and 15N-labeled form, and NMR data were collected. The structure was calculated based on NMR-derived constraints and consists of a rigid and tightly packed globular bundle of four alpha-helices separated by three short turns. Although the amino acid sequence of BacSp222 has no significant similarity to any known peptide or protein, a 3D structure similarity search indicates a close relation to other four-helix bundle-motif bacteriocins, such as aureocin A53, lacticin Q and enterocins 7A/7B. Assuming similar functions, biology, structure and physicochemical properties, we propose to distinguish the four-helix bundle bacteriocins as a new Type A in subclass IId of bacteriocins, containing linear, non-pediocin-like peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Nowakowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Jaremko
- Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Benedykt Wladyka
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Dubin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland; Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7a, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Andrzej Ejchart
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysiscs, Polish Academy of Science, Laboratory of Biological NMR, Pawińskiego 5A, 02-106 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Sowa-Jasiłek A, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Stączek S, Wydrych J, Skrzypiec K, Mak P, Deryło K, Tchórzewski M, Cytryńska M. Galleria mellonella lysozyme induces apoptotic changes in Candida albicans cells. Microbiol Res 2016. [PMID: 27825480 DOI: 10.1016/jmicres.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella has been increasingly used as a model host to determine Candida albicans virulence and efficacy of antifungal treatment. The G. mellonella lysozyme, similarly to its human counterpart, is a member of the c-type family of lysozymes that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal activity. However, in contrast to the relatively well explained bactericidal action, the mechanism of fungistatic and/or fungicidal activity of lysozymes is still not clear. In the present study we provide the direct evidences that the G. mellonella lysozyme binds to the protoplasts as well as to the intact C. albicans cells and decreases the survival rate of both these forms in a time-dependent manner. No enzymatic activity of the lysozyme towards typical chitinase and β-glucanase substrates was detected, indicating that hydrolysis of main fungal cell wall components is not responsible for anti-Candida activity of the lysozyme. On the other hand, pre-treatment of cells with tetraethylammonium, a potassium channel blocker, prevented them from the lysozyme action, suggesting that lysozyme acts by induction of programmed cell death. In fact, the C. albicans cells treated with the lysozyme exhibited typical apoptotic features, i.e. loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, phosphatidylserine exposure in the outer leaflet of the cell membrane, as well as chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sowa-Jasiłek
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Stączek
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wydrych
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Skrzypiec
- Analytical Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, M.C. Sklodowska Square 5, 20-031 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Deryło
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marek Tchórzewski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Palusińska-Szysz M, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Reszczyńska E, Luchowski R, Kania M, Gisch N, Waldow F, Mak P, Danikiewicz W, Gruszecki WI, Cytryńska M. The lipid composition of Legionella dumoffii membrane modulates the interaction with Galleria mellonella apolipophorin III. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2016; 1861:617-29. [PMID: 27094351 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Apolipophorin III (apoLp-III), an insect homologue of human apolipoprotein E (apoE), is a widely used model protein in studies on protein-lipid interactions, and anti-Legionella activity of Galleria mellonella apoLp-III has been documented. Interestingly, exogenous choline-cultured Legionella dumoffii cells are considerably more susceptible to apoLp-III than non-supplemented bacteria. In order to explain these differences, we performed, for the first time, a detailed analysis of L. dumoffii lipids and a comparative lipidomic analysis of membranes of bacteria grown without and in the presence of exogenous choline. (31)P NMR analysis of L. dumoffii phospholipids (PLs) revealed a considerable increase in the phosphatidylcholine (PC) content in bacteria cultured on choline medium and a decrease in the phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) content in approximately the same range. The interactions of G. mellonella apoLp-III with lipid bilayer membranes prepared from PLs extracted from non- and choline-supplemented L. dumoffii cells were examined in detail by means of attenuated total reflection- and linear dichroism-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the kinetics of apoLp-III binding to liposomes formed from L. dumoffii PLs was analysed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy using fluorescently labelled G. mellonella apoLp-III. Our results indicated enhanced binding of apoLp-III to and deeper penetration into lipid membranes formed from PLs extracted from the choline-supplemented bacteria, i.e. characterized by an increased PC/PE ratio. This could explain, at least in part, the higher susceptibility of choline-cultured L. dumoffii to G. mellonella apoLp-III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Palusińska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Emilia Reszczyńska
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland; Department of Biophysics, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Rafał Luchowski
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Kania
- Mass Spectrometry Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52 St., 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Nicolas Gisch
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany.
| | - Franziska Waldow
- Division of Bioanalytical Chemistry, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz-Center for Medicine and Biosciences, Parkallee 1-40, 23845 Borstel, Germany.
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Gronostajowa 7A St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Witold Danikiewicz
- Mass Spectrometry Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences, Kasprzaka 44/52 St., 01-224 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Wiesław I Gruszecki
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Physics, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Maria Curie-Sklodowska Square 1, 20-031 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Wladyka B, Piejko M, Bzowska M, Pieta P, Krzysik M, Mazurek Ł, Guevara-Lora I, Bukowski M, Sabat AJ, Friedrich AW, Bonar E, Międzobrodzki J, Dubin A, Mak P. A peptide factor secreted by Staphylococcus pseudintermedius exhibits properties of both bacteriocins and virulence factors. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14569. [PMID: 26411997 PMCID: PMC4585962 DOI: 10.1038/srep14569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is a common commensal bacterium colonizing the skin and mucosal surfaces of household animals. However, it has recently emerged as a dangerous opportunistic pathogen, comparable to S. aureus for humans. The epidemiological situation is further complicated by the increasing number of methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius infections and evidence of gene transmission driving antibiotic resistance between staphylococci colonizing human and zoonotic hosts. In the present study, we describe a unique peptide, BacSp222, that possesses features characteristic of both bacteriocins and virulence factors. BacSp222 is secreted in high quantities by S. pseudintermedius strain 222 isolated from dog skin lesions. This linear, fifty-amino-acid highly cationic peptide is plasmid-encoded and does not exhibit significant sequence similarities to any other known peptides or proteins. BacSp222 kills gram-positive bacteria (at doses ranging from 0.1 to several micromol/l) but also demonstrates significant cytotoxic activities towards eukaryotic cells at slightly higher concentrations. Moreover, at nanomolar concentrations, the peptide also possesses modulatory properties, efficiently enhancing interferon gamma-induced nitric oxide release in murine macrophage-like cell lines. BacSp222 appears to be one of the first examples of multifunctional peptides that breaks the convention of splitting bacteriocins and virulence factors into two unrelated groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedykt Wladyka
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcin Piejko
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.,3rd Department of General Surgery, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-008 Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Bzowska
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Pieta
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-224 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Krzysik
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Mazurek
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Ibeth Guevara-Lora
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Michał Bukowski
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Artur J Sabat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander W Friedrich
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emilia Bonar
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Jacek Międzobrodzki
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Adam Dubin
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.,Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
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Pietrzyk AJ, Bujacz A, Mak P, Potempa B, Niedziela T. Structural studies of Helix aspersa agglutinin complexed with GalNAc: A lectin that serves as a diagnostic tool. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 81:1059-68. [PMID: 26416237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.09.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lectins belong to a differentiated group of proteins known to possess sugar-binding properties. Due to this fact, they are interesting research targets in medical diagnostics. Helix aspersa agglutinin (HAA) is a lectin that recognizes the epitopes containing α-d-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), which is present at the surface of metastatic cancer cells. Although several reports have already described the use of HAA as a diagnostic tool, this protein was not characterized on the molecular level. Here, we present for the first time the structural information about lectin isolated from mucus of Helix aspersa (garden snail). The amino acid sequence of this agglutinin was determined by Edman degradation and tertiary as well as quaternary structure by X-ray crystallography. The high resolution crystal structure (1.38Å) and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis provide the detailed information about a large part of the HAA natural glycan chain. The topology of the GalNAc binding cleft and interaction with lectin are very well defined in the structure and fully confirmed by STD HSQC NMR spectroscopy. Together, this provides structural clues regarding HAA specificity and opens possibilities to rational modifications of this important diagnostic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka J Pietrzyk
- Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 4/10, Lodz 90-924, Poland
| | - Anna Bujacz
- Institute of Technical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 4/10, Lodz 90-924, Poland.
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Barbara Potempa
- University of Louisville School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Immunology and Infectious Diseases, 501 South Preston Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Tomasz Niedziela
- Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, Wrocław 53-114, Poland
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Szewczak J, Bierczyńska-Krzysik A, Piejko M, Mak P, Stadnik D. Isolation and Characterization of Acetylated Derivative of Recombinant Insulin Lispro Produced in Escherichia coli. Pharm Res 2015; 32:2450-7. [PMID: 25663326 PMCID: PMC4452257 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-015-1637-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin analogue produced by recombinant DNA technology. As a biosynthetic drug, the protein undergoes strict monitoring aiming for detection and characterization of impurities. The goal of this study was to isolate and identify a derivative of insulin lispro formed during biosynthesis. Methods For this purpose, ion exchange chromatography in combination with endoproteinase Glu-C digestion, MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry and Edman sequencing were employed. Results Ion exchange chromatography analysis of related proteins in development batches of recombinant insulin lispro revealed the existence of unknown derivative in excess of the assumed limit. Its molecular mass was 42 Da higher than the theoretical mass of Lys(B31) insulin lispro—one of the expected process-related intermediates. Endoproteinase Glu-C cleavage enabled indication of the modified peptide. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) allowed to explore the location and type of the modification. The 42 amu shift was present in the mass of y-type ions, while b-type ions were in agreement with theoretical values. It suggested that the modification is present on B31 lysine. Further inquiry revealed the presence of two diagnostic ions for lysine acetylation at m/z 143.1 and 126.1. In addition, the peptide was isolated and sequenced by Edman degradation. Standards of phenylthiohydantoin derivatives of N-ε-acetyl-L-lysine and N-ε-trimethyl-L-lysine, not available commercially, were synthesized in the laboratory. The retention time of the modified residue confirmed its identity as N-ε-acetyl-L-lysine. Conclusions The derivative of insulin lispro formed during biosynthesis of the drug was identified to be N-ε-acetyl-L-lysine (B31) insulin lispro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Szewczak
- Institute of Biotechnology and Antibiotics, Starościńska 5, 02-516, Warsaw, Poland
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20
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Piejko M, Dec R, Babenko V, Hoang A, Szewczyk M, Mak P, Dzwolak W. Highly amyloidogenic two-chain peptide fragments are released upon partial digestion of insulin with pepsin. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:5947-58. [PMID: 25586185 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.608844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteases play a well recognized role in the emergence of highly aggregation-prone protein fragments in vivo, whereas in vitro limited proteolysis is often employed to probe different phases of amyloidogenic pathways. Here, we show that addition of moderate amounts of pepsin to acidified bovine insulin at close to physiological temperature results in an abrupt self-assembly of amyloid-like fibrils from partially digested insulin fragments. Biochemical analysis of the pepsin-induced fibrils implicates peptide fragments (named H) consisting of the 13 or 15 N-terminal residues of the A-chain and 11 or 13 N-terminal residues of the B-chain linked by the disulfide bond between Cys-7A-Cys-7B as the main constituents. There are up to eight pepsin-cleavage sites remaining within the double chain peptide, which become protected upon fast fibrillation unless concentration of the enzyme is increased resulting in complete digestion of insulin. Controlled re-association of H-peptides leads to "explosive" fibrillation only under nonreducing conditions implying the key role of the disulfide bond in their amyloidogenicity. Such re-assembled amyloid is similar in terms of morphology and infrared features to typical bovine insulin fibrils, although it lacks the ability to seed the intact protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Piejko
- From the Protein Biophysics Group, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-142 Warsaw, the Department of Analytical Biochemistry
| | - Robert Dec
- the Department of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Viktoria Babenko
- From the Protein Biophysics Group, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-142 Warsaw, the Department of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Hoang
- From the Protein Biophysics Group, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-142 Warsaw, Division of Cell Biophysics, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology
| | - Monika Szewczyk
- the Department of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- the Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, and
| | - Wojciech Dzwolak
- From the Protein Biophysics Group, Institute of High Pressure Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 01-142 Warsaw, the Department of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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Zdybicka-Barabas A, Mak P, Jakubowicz T, Cytryńska M. Lysozyme and defense peptides as suppressors of phenoloxidase activity in Galleria mellonella. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2014; 87:1-12. [PMID: 25044335 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The prophenoloxidase (proPO) cascade supplies quinones and other reactive compounds for melanin formation, protein cross-linking, hemolymph coagulation, and killing of microbial invaders as well as parasites. The high cytotoxicity of the generated compounds requires a strict control of the activation of the proPO system and phenoloxidase (PO) activity to minimize damage to host tissues and cells. The PO activity in hemolymph of Escherichia coli challenged Galleria mellonella larvae increased, with a temporal drop 1 h after the challenge, reaching the highest level 24 h after the challenge. In the present study, a potential role of G. mellonella defense peptides and lysozyme in controlling the proPO system was investigated. The effects of purified defense peptides (anionic peptides 1 and 2, cecropin D-like peptide, Galleria defensin, proline-rich peptides 1 and 2) and lysozyme were analyzed. Four compounds, namely lysozyme, Galleria defensin, proline-rich peptide 1, and anionic peptide 2, decreased the hemolymph PO activity considerably, whereas the others did not affect the enzyme activity level. Our results indicate that these hemolymph factors could play multiple and distinct roles in the insect immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Broadbear J, Kabel D, Tracy L, Mak P. Oxytocinergic regulation of endogenous as well as drug-induced mood. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 119:61-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Chmiel E, Palusinska-Szysz M, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Cytryńska M, Mak P. The effect of Galleria mellonella hemolymph polypeptides on Legionella gormanii. Acta Biochim Pol 2014. [DOI: 10.18388/abp.2014_1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Among Legionella species, which are recognized to be pathogenic for humans, L. gormanii is the second prevalent causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia after L. pneumophila. Anti-L. gormanii activity of Galleria mellonella hemolymph extract and apolipophorin III (apoLp-III) was examined. The extract and apoLp-III at the concentration 0.025 mg/ml caused 75% and 10% decrease of the bacteria survival rate, respectively. The apoLp-III-induced changes of the bacteria cell surface were analyzed for the first time by atomic force microscopy. Our studies demonstrated the powerful anti-Legionella effects of the insect defence polypeptides, which could be exploited in drugs design against these pathogens.
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Chmiel E, Palusinska-Szysz M, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Cytryńska M, Mak P. The effect of Galleria mellonella hemolymph polypeptides on Legionella gormanii. Acta Biochim Pol 2014; 61:123-127. [PMID: 24649482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 02/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Among Legionella species, which are recognized to be pathogenic for humans, L. gormanii is the second prevalent causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia after L. pneumophila. Anti-L. gormanii activity of Galleria mellonella hemolymph extract and apolipophorin III (apoLp-III) was examined. The extract and apoLp-III at the concentration 0.025 mg/ml caused 75% and 10% decrease of the bacteria survival rate, respectively. The apoLp-III-induced changes of the bacteria cell surface were analyzed for the first time by atomic force microscopy. Our studies demonstrated the powerful anti-Legionella effects of the insect defence polypeptides, which could be exploited in drugs design against these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Chmiel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Palusinska-Szysz
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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Sowa-Jasiłek A, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Stączek S, Wydrych J, Mak P, Jakubowicz T, Cytryńska M. Studies on the role of insect hemolymph polypeptides: Galleria mellonella anionic peptide 2 and lysozyme. Peptides 2014; 53:194-201. [PMID: 24472857 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The lysozymes are well known antimicrobial polypeptides exhibiting antibacterial and antifungal activities. Their antibacterial potential is related to muramidase activity and non-enzymatic activity resembling the mode of action of cationic defense peptides. However, the mechanisms responsible for fungistatic and/or fungicidal activity of lysozyme are still not clear. In the present study, the anti-Candida albicans activity of Galleria mellonella lysozyme and anionic peptide 2 (AP2), defense factors constitutively present in the hemolymph, was examined. The lysozyme inhibited C. albicans growth in a dose-dependent manner. The decrease in the C. albicans survival rate caused by the lysozyme was accompanied by a considerable reduction of the fungus metabolic activity, as revealed by LIVE/DEAD staining. In contrast, although AP2 reduced C. albicans metabolic activity, it did not influence its survival rate. Our results suggest fungicidal action of G. mellonella lysozyme and fungistatic activity of AP2 toward C. albicans cells. In the presence of AP2, the anti-C. albicans activity of G. mellonella lysozyme increased. Moreover, when the fungus was incubated with both defense factors, true hyphae were observed besides pseudohyphae and yeast-like C. albicans cells. Atomic force microscopy analysis of the cells exposed to the lysozyme and/or AP2 revealed alterations in the cell surface topography and properties in comparison with the control cells. The results indicate synergistic action of G. mellonella AP2 and lysozyme toward C. albicans. The presence of both factors in the hemolymph of naive larvae suggests their important role in the early stages of immune response against fungi in G. mellonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sowa-Jasiłek
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Zdybicka-Barabas
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Stączek
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jerzy Wydrych
- Department of Comparative Anatomy and Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7 St., 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Teresa Jakubowicz
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Immunobiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19 St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Bocheńska O, Rąpała-Kozik M, Wolak N, Braś G, Kozik A, Dubin A, Aoki W, Ueda M, Mak P. Secreted aspartic peptidases of Candida albicans liberate bactericidal hemocidins from human hemoglobin. Peptides 2013; 48:49-58. [PMID: 23927842 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Secreted aspartic peptidases (Saps) are a group of ten acidic hydrolases considered as key virulence factors of Candida albicans. These enzymes supply the fungus with nutrient amino acids as well as are able to degrade the selected host's proteins involved in the immune defense. Our previous studies showed that the human menstrual discharge is exceptionally rich in bactericidal hemoglobin (Hb) fragments - hemocidins. However, to date, the genesis of such peptides is unclear. The presented study demonstrates that the action of C. albicans isozymes Sap1-Sap6, Sap8 and Sap9, but not Sap7 and Sap10, toward human hemoglobin leads to limited proteolysis of this protein and generates a variety of antimicrobial hemocidins. We have identified these peptides and checked their activity against selected microorganisms representative for human vagina. We have also demonstrated that the process of Hb hydrolysis is most effective at pH 4.0, characteristic for vagina, and the liberated peptides showed pronounced killing activity toward Lactobacillus acidophilus, and to a lower degree, Escherichia coli. However, only a very weak activity toward Staphylococcus aureus and C. albicans was noticed. These findings provide interesting new insights into pathophysiology of human vaginal candidiasis and suggest that C. albicans may be able to compete with the other microorganisms of the same physiological niche using the microbicidal peptides generated from the host protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Bocheńska
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Zdybicka-Barabas A, Stączek S, Mak P, Skrzypiec K, Mendyk E, Cytryńska M. Synergistic action of Galleria mellonella apolipophorin III and lysozyme against Gram-negative bacteria. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes 2013; 1828:1449-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Babenko V, Piejko M, Wójcik S, Mak P, Dzwolak W. Vortex-induced amyloid superstructures of insulin and its component A and B chains. Langmuir 2013; 29:5271-5278. [PMID: 23590193 DOI: 10.1021/la400612w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Insulin is an amyloid-forming polypeptide built of two disulfide-linked chains (A and B), both themselves amyloidogenic. An interesting property of insulin is that agitation strongly influences the course of its aggregation, resulting in characteristic chiral superstructures of amyloid fibrils. Here, we investigate the self-assembly of these superstructures by comparing the quiescent and vortex-assisted aggregation of insulin and its individual A and B chains in the presence or absence of reducing agent tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP). Our study shows that only the B chain in the presence of TCEP is converted into aggregates with morphology (according to atomic force microscopy) and optical activity (manifested as an extrinsic Cotton effect induced in bound thioflavin T) characteristic of amyloid superstructures that are normally formed by insulin in the absence of TCEP. In contrast to more rigid B-peptide fibrils, elongated aggregates of the A peptide become amorphous upon agitation. Moreover, the aggregation of equimolar mixture of both peptides does not produce highly ordered entities. Our results suggest that the dynamics of the B chain are the driving force for the assembly of superstructures, with the A chain being complicit as long as its own dynamics are controlled by the firm attachment to the B chain provided by the intact covalent structure of insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Babenko
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
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29
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Borden A, Fuller J, Kim D, Martinez A, Puchner J, Bell N, Bro J, Broadnax S, Gebhard J, Griffin N, Cummins C, Keuler A, Moldenhauer D, Sabatino T, Spaulding R, Sung R, Ulschmid C, Klestinski K, Vogt D, Czarnecki K, Mak P, Kincaid J. Cytochrome P450: The Metabolizer. FASEB J 2012. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.26.1_supplement.lb257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Borden
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - J. Fuller
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - D. Kim
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | | | - J. Puchner
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - N. Bell
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - J. Bro
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | | | - J. Gebhard
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - N. Griffin
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - C. Cummins
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - A. Keuler
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | | | | | | | - R. Sung
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | | | | | - D. Vogt
- Marquette University HIgh SchoolMilwaukeeWI
| | - K. Czarnecki
- Department of ChemistryMarquette UniversityMilwaukeeWI
| | - P. Mak
- Department of ChemistryMarquette UniversityMilwaukeeWI
| | - J. Kincaid
- Department of ChemistryMarquette UniversityMilwaukeeWI
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Cattermole G, Leung M, Mak P, So HK, Graham C, Rainer T. Children's Weights Correlate More Strongly with Mid-arm Circumference (MAC) than with Age, Height or Foot-length. J Emerg Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.06.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Mezyk-Kopeć R, Bzowska M, Stalińska K, Chełmicki T, Podkalicki M, Jucha J, Kowalczyk K, Mak P, Bereta J. Identification of ADAM10 as a major TNF sheddase in ADAM17-deficient fibroblasts. Cytokine 2009; 46:309-15. [PMID: 19346138 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 02/16/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease)-deficient murine fibroblasts stably transfected with proTNF cDNA release significant amounts of biologically active soluble TNF. The enzyme responsible for this activity is a membrane protein that hydrolyzes the peptide bond Ala(76):Val(77) within proTNF. Its activity is inhibited by 1,10-phenantroline and GM6001, insusceptible to TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2), and stimulated by ionomycin. These characteristics match ADAM10. The moderate silencing of ADAM10 by shRNA resulted in a significant inhibition of TNF shedding. There was no correlation between the level of ADAM10 expression and the presence of active ADAM17. Our results indicate that ADAM10 may function as the TNF sheddase in cells which lack ADAM17 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Mezyk-Kopeć
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków, Poland
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Rainer TH, Lee N, Ip M, Galvani AP, Antonio GE, Wong KT, Chan DPN, Ng AWH, Shing KK, Chau SSL, Mak P, Chan PKS, Ahuja AT, Hui DS, Sung JJY. Features discriminating SARS from other severe viral respiratory tract infections. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2007; 26:121-9. [PMID: 17219094 PMCID: PMC7088160 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-006-0246-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the discriminatory features of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and severe non-SARS community-acquired viral respiratory infection (requiring hospitalization) in an emergency department in Hong Kong. In a case-control study, clinical, laboratory and radiological data from 322 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS from the 2003 SARS outbreak were compared with the data of 253 non-SARS adult patients with confirmed viral respiratory tract infection from 2004 in order to identify discriminatory features. Among the non-SARS patients, 235 (93%) were diagnosed as having influenza infections (primarily H3N2 subtype) and 77 (30%) had radiological evidence of pneumonia. In the early phase of the illness and after adjusting for baseline characteristics, SARS patients were less likely to have lower respiratory symptoms (e.g. sputum production, shortness of breath, chest pain) and more likely to have myalgia (p < 0.001). SARS patients had lower mean leukocyte and neutrophil counts (p < 0.0001) and more commonly had “ground-glass” radiological changes with no pleural effusion. Despite having a younger average age, SARS patients had a more aggressive respiratory course requiring admission to the ICU and a higher mortality rate. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for predicting SARS when all variables were considered was 0.983. Using a cutoff score of >99, the sensitivity was 89.1% (95%CI 82.0–94.0) and the specificity was 98.0% (95%CI 95.4–99.3). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for predicting SARS when all variables except radiological change were considered was 0.933. Using a cutoff score of >8, the sensitivity was 80.7% (95%CI 72.4–87.3) and the specificity was 94.5% (95%CI 90.9–96.9). Certain clinical manifestations and laboratory changes may help to distinguish SARS from other influenza-like illnesses. Scoring systems may help identify patients who should receive more specific tests for influenza or SARS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Rainer
- Accident and Emergency Medicine Academic Unit, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Rooms 107/113, 1st Floor, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
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Graham C, Choi K, Ki C, Leung Y, Leung P, Mak P, Leung S, Rainer T. Evaluation and Validation of the Use of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in Emergency Department Observation Ward. Acad Emerg Med 2007. [DOI: 10.1197/j.aem.2007.03.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Cytryńska M, Mak P, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Suder P, Jakubowicz T. Purification and characterization of eight peptides from Galleria mellonella immune hemolymph. Peptides 2007; 28:533-46. [PMID: 17194500 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2006] [Revised: 11/17/2006] [Accepted: 11/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Defense peptides play a crucial role in insect innate immunity against invading pathogens. From the hemolymph of immune-challenged greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (Gm) larvae, eight peptides were isolated and characterized. Purified Gm peptides differ considerably in amino acid sequences, isoelectric point values and antimicrobial activity spectrum. Five of them, Gm proline-rich peptide 2, Gm defensin-like peptide, Gm anionic peptides 1 and 2 and Gm apolipophoricin, were not described earlier in G. mellonella. Three others, Gm proline-rich peptide 1, Gm cecropin D-like peptide and Galleria defensin, were identical with known G. mellonella peptides. Gm proline-rich peptides 1 and 2 and Gm anionic peptide 2, had unique amino acid sequences and no homologs have been found for these peptides. Antimicrobial activity of purified peptides was tested against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. The most effective was Gm defensin-like peptide which inhibited fungal and sensitive bacteria growth in a concentration of 2.9 and 1.9 microM, respectively. This is the first report describing at least a part of defense peptide repertoire of G. mellonella immune hemolymph.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Cytryńska
- Department of Invertebrate Immunology, Institute of Biology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, 19 Akademicka St., 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Wicherek L, Mak P, Klimek M, Banaś T. The length of menstrual bleeding and the risk of urogenital infections in the context of the activity of hemoglobin-derived microbicidal peptides. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2007; 131:97-100. [PMID: 16675092 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2004] [Revised: 02/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Well-known natural unspecific antimicrobial factors acting in the vagina are additionally reinforced during menstrual bleeding by hemocidins--a recently discovered novel class of microbicidal peptides generated proteolytically from hemoglobin. The aim of the presented research was to investigate the relation between the average length of menstrual bleeding and the frequency of urogenital infections. We expected that the shorter menstrual bleeding might increase the risk of urogenital infections because is synonymous with the shorter period of exposition on bactericidal action of hemocidins. STUDY DESIGN The study contains statistical analysis of an average declared length of menstrual bleeding in the group of 267 young, sexually active women with the symptoms of urogenital infections. The control group consisted of 300 young healthy women. RESULTS The length of menstrual bleeding in the group of patients with urogenital infections (average 4.35 days) was statistically significantly shorter than in the control group (average 4.95 days). The average length of the menstrual cycle was equal and counted ca. 28 days in both groups. CONCLUSION The length of menstrual bleeding seems to be a significant factor in the vaginal ecology maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Wicherek
- Gynecology and Infertility Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, 31-501 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa Street, 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
| | - Marek Klimek
- Gynecology and Infertility Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, 31-501 Kraków, Poland
| | - Tomasz Banaś
- Gynecology and Infertility Department, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, 31-501 Kraków, Poland
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Wicherek L, Dutsch-Wicherek M, Mak P, Klimek M. The Role of RCAS1 and oxytocinase in immune tolerance during pregnancy. Fetal Diagn Ther 2005; 20:420-5. [PMID: 16113565 DOI: 10.1159/000086824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2004] [Accepted: 07/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine and compare the level of RCAS1 (receptor-binding cancer antigen expressed in SiSo cells) in placentas at term as well as oxytocinase/cystine amino peptidase (CAP) serum level a few days before labor in order to evaluate their possible role in the regulation of maternal immune response during pregnancy and in initiation of labor. METHODS We estimated the RCAS1 content in 44 placental tissue samples, using Western blot method. We also assessed CAP serum level by its enzymatic activity, using L-cystine-di-beta-naphthylamide as a synthetic substrate. The statistical analysis was performed using Shapiro-Wilk procedure. Student's t test was applied to compare the differences between parametric data. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS RCAS1 was found in all placental tissue samples examined. The differences in the RCAS1 relative amount depended on the onset of labor, with the highest level in induced labor and the lowest in spontaneous labor. The differences were also observed in the CAP serum level with the highest level in pregnant women whose labor was induced. CONCLUSIONS We have observed a link between the expression of the two proteins examined and the onset of the labor. Therefore, we posit that RCAS1 and CAP may play a role in the downregulation of the maternal immune response during pregnancy and may participate in the initiation of the labor.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Wicherek
- Department of Gynecology and Infertility of Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
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Abstract
The increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria calls for the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Possible approaches include the development of novel, broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as specific targeting of individual bacterial virulence factors. It is impossible to decide currently which strategy will prove more successful in the future since they both promise different advantages, but also introduce diverse problems. Considering both approaches, our laboratory's research focuses on the evaluation of hemocidins, broad-spectrum antibacterial peptides derived from hemoglobin and myoglobin, and staphostatins, specific inhibitors of staphopains -- Staphylococcus aureus secreted proteases that are virulence factors regarded as possible targets for therapy. The article summarizes recent advances in both fields of study and presents perspectives for further development and possible applications.
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Dubin A, Mak P, Dubin G, Rzychon M, Stec-Niemczyk J, Wladyka B, Maziarka K, Chmiel D. New generation of peptide antibiotics. Acta Biochim Pol 2005; 52:633-8. [PMID: 16175238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2005] [Revised: 06/16/2005] [Accepted: 07/14/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The increasing antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria calls for the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Possible approaches include the development of novel, broad-spectrum antibiotics as well as specific targeting of individual bacterial virulence factors. It is impossible to decide currently which strategy will prove more successful in the future since they both promise different advantages, but also introduce diverse problems. Considering both approaches, our laboratory's research focuses on the evaluation of hemocidins, broad-spectrum antibacterial peptides derived from hemoglobin and myoglobin, and staphostatins, specific inhibitors of staphopains -- Staphylococcus aureus secreted proteases that are virulence factors regarded as possible targets for therapy. The article summarizes recent advances in both fields of study and presents perspectives for further development and possible applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Dubin
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Mezyk-Kopeć R, Bzowska M, Bzowska M, Mickowska B, Mak P, Potempa J, Bereta J. Effects of elastase and cathepsin G on the levels of membrane and soluble TNFα. Biol Chem 2005; 386:801-11. [PMID: 16201876 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2005.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophil elastase (NE) and cathepsin G (CG), the proteolytic enzymes localized in azurophil granules of neutrophils (PMN), are involved in PMN responses to various stimuli. When released at sites of inflammation, they participate in the degradation of numerous proteins involved in the regulation of the immune response. In this study, we employed ADAM17(-/-) fibroblasts stably transfected with cDNA of human pro-tumor necrosis factor alpha (proTNFalpha) (ADAM17(-/-)TNF(+)) to investigate the effects of NE and CG on shedding and degradation of TNFalpha. Both NE and CG were found to diminish the level of membrane TNFalpha (mTNFalpha) as measured by flow cytometry. This process was accompanied by the accumulation of biologically active soluble TNFalpha (sTNFalpha) in the culture medium, as determined by an increase in both the cytotoxic activity of TNFalpha and its ability to serve as a co-stimulator in the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). However, in contrast to CG, NE at high concentrations was able to degrade sTNFalpha released from the cell surface. Using soluble recombinant human TNFalpha, we identified Val(93)-Ala(94) and Val(117)-Glu(118) as the NE cleavage sites within the sTNFalpha molecule. Taken together, the ability of NE and CG to modulate levels of membrane and soluble forms of TNFalpha may contribute to the proinflammatory activity of neutrophils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Mezyk-Kopeć
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
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Mak P, Wójcik K, Wicherek L, Suder P, Dubin A. Antibacterial hemoglobin peptides in human menstrual blood. Peptides 2004; 25:1839-47. [PMID: 15501514 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2004] [Revised: 06/22/2004] [Accepted: 06/24/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This work documents that normal menstrual vaginal blood of healthy females is exceptionally rich in hemocidins--hemoglobin (Hb) fragments having bactericidal properties. The peptide fractions were isolated from the plasma of vaginal discharge of three healthy nulliparous women and subjected to identification by automatic sequencing as well as by mass spectrometry. All 44 identified peptides originate from Hb (mainly from the N-terminal part of alpha-globin) and all demonstrated differential killing activity toward Escherichia coli. The screening of antimicrobial activity was performed using two synthetic peptides identical to those found in menstrual blood. These peptides were active mainly toward Gram-negative bacteria and to a less degree toward Gram-positive bacteria. Our results confirm recent observations that Hb-derived fragments manifest pronounced antibacterial activity and suggest that these peptides help in maintaining human vaginal homeostasis during physiologic menstrual bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland.
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Abstract
Deprived of heme and partially unfolded hemoglobin, myoglobin and cytochrome c display microbicidal activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms with half maximal lethal dose estimated at micromolar concentrations. The intact proteins were ineffective. Antibacterial activity of these apohemoproteins was also sustained after digestion to approximately 50 amino acids long peptides but further fragmentation abolished microbicidal properties. The most active fragment of apomyoglobin (corresponding to 56-131 region) showed a pronounced effect on the E. coli membrane permeabilization and its action was sensitive to salt as well as to divalent cations concentrations. The membrane-directed effect was specific toward bacteria but no lipopolysaccharide binding properties were observed. No hemolytic properties, even at high peptide concentrations were found; however, a slight but dose-independent cytotoxic effect was observed on fibroblasts and hepatoma cells. The presented data suggest a 'carpet-like' mechanism of the membrane-directed activity and may result from exceptional abilities of hemoprotein-derived peptides to form alpha-helical structures. We postulate that the antimicrobial peptides obtained from the heme-containing proteins should be named hemocidins, in contrast to, e.g., hemorphins displaying opioid-like activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mak
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Jagiellonian University, Mickiewicza 3, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
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Johnson GR, Ferrarin M, Harrington M, Hermens H, Jonkers I, Mak P, Stallard J. Performance specification for lower limb orthotic devices. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon) 2004; 19:711-8. [PMID: 15288457 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2003.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2002] [Accepted: 10/02/2003] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the range of forces and moments applied to lower limb orthoses during ambulation by routine users. DESIGN Well-established gait analysis techniques were used to determine the loading at the major joints. It was assumed that the joint moments were transmitted by the orthosis encompassing any particular joint. Two hundred and five assessments of 164 patients were successfully completed by a consortium of four gait laboratories in Europe. The orthosis specification and patient clinical data were also recorded. BACKGROUND The design and development of orthoses has occurred largely by evolution rather than by formal engineering methods. In particular, formal design has been hampered by a lack of information on the forces and moments applied during ambulation. METHODS A standard gait analysis procedure was employed to capture the data. In-house biomechanical models were used to calculate the joint loading. Data were normalised with respect to patient weight and leg length. RESULTS It was found that the median maximum normalised ankle moment transmitted by an ankle foot orthosis was 0.15 and the maximum knee moment was 0.09. The greatest moment transmitted by the hip joint of a hip knee ankle foot orthosis was also 0.09. There was a wide variation in the data due to differences in the impairments of the test subjects. CONCLUSION It is possible to estimate the loads transmitted by an orthosis using established gait analysis procedures without the need for load measurement transducers. There is now a need both to collect a larger representative dataset and to perform validation studies with transducers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G R Johnson
- Centre for Rehabilitation and Engineering Studies, University of Newcastle, Newcastle NE1 7RU, UK
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Mak M, Mak P, Olczak M, Szalewicz A, Glogowski J, Dubin A, Watorek W, Ciereszko A. Isolation, characterization, and cDNA sequencing of α-1-antiproteinase-like protein from rainbow trout seminal plasma. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2004; 1671:93-105. [PMID: 15026150 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2004.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2003] [Accepted: 02/03/2004] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Seminal plasma of teleost fish contains serine proteinase inhibitors related to those present in blood. These inhibitors can be bound to Q-Sepharose and sequentially eluted with a NaCl gradient. In the present study, using a two-step procedure, we purified (73-fold to homogeneity) and characterized the inhibitor eluted as the second fraction of antitrypsin activity (inhibitor II) from Q-Sepharose. The molecular weight of this inhibitor was estimated to be 56 kDa with an isoelectric point of 5.4. It effectively inhibited trypsin and chymotrypsin but was less effective against elastase. It formed SDS-stable complexes with cod and bovine trypsin. Inhibitor II appeared to be a glycoprotein. Carbohydrate content was determined to be 16%. N-terminal Edman sequencing allowed identification of the first 30 N-terminal amino acids HDGDHAGHTEDHHHHLHHIAGEAHPQHSHG and 25 amino acids within the reactive loop IMPMSLPDTIMLNRPFLLFILEDST. The N-terminal sequence did not match any known sequence, however, the sequence within the reactive loop was significantly similar to carp and mammalian alpha1-antiproteinases. Both sequences were used to construct primers and obtain a cDNA sequence from liver. The mRNA coding the protein is 1675 nt in length including a single open reading frame of 1281 nt that encodes 426 amino acid residues. Analysis of this sequence indicated the presence of putative conserved serpin domains and confirmed the similarity to carp alpha1-antiproteinase and mammalian alpha1-antiproteinase. Our results indicate that inhibitor II belongs to the serpin superfamily and is similar to alpha1-antiproteinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Mak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Tuwima 10, 10-747 Olsztyn, Poland
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Abstract
Kininogens are multifunctional proteins involved in a variety of regulatory processes including the kinin-formation cascade, blood coagulation, fibrynolysis, inhibition of cysteine proteinases etc. A working hypothesis of this work was that the properties of kininogens may be altered by oxidation of their methionine residues by reactive oxygen species that are released at the inflammatory foci during phagocytosis of pathogen particles by recruited neutrophil cells. Two methionine-specific oxidizing reagents, N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) and chloramine-T (CT), were used to oxidize the high molecular mass (HK) and low molecular mass (LK) forms of human kininogen. A nearly complete conversion of methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide residues in the modified proteins was determined by amino acid analysis. Production of kinins from oxidized kininogens by plasma and tissue kallikreins was significantly lower (by at least 70%) than that from native kininogens. This quenching effect on kinin release could primarily be assigned to the modification of the critical Met-361 residue adjacent to the internal kinin sequence in kininogen. However, virtually no kinin could be formed by human plasma kallikrein from NCS-modified HK. This observation suggests involvement of other structural effects detrimental for kinin production. Indeed, NCS-oxidized HK was unable to bind (pre)kallikrein, probably due to the modification of methionine and/or tryptophan residues at the region on the kininogen molecule responsible for the (pro)enzyme binding. Tests on papain inhibition by native and oxidized kininogens indicated that the inhibitory activity of kininogens against cysteine proteinases is essentially insensitive to oxidation.
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Abstract
Oxidation of proteins is a common phenomenon in the inflammatory process mediated by highly reactive agents such as hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl(-)) produced by activated neutrophils. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis hypochlorite plays an important role in joint destruction. One of the major targets for HOCl/OCl(-) is collagen type II (CII) - the primary cartilage protein. In our study, HOCl/OCl(-) mediated collagen II modifications were tested using various methods: circular dichroism (CD), HPLC, ELISA, dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorimetry and spectrophotometry. It was shown that hypochlorite action causes deamination with consecutive carbonyl group formation and transformation of tyrosine residues to dichlorotyrosine. Moreover, it was shown that ammonium chloramine (NH(2)Cl) formed in the reaction mixture reacts with CII. However, in this case the yield of carbonyl groups and dichlorotyrosine is lower than that observed for HOCl/OCl(-) by 50%. CD data revealed that collagen II exists as a random coil in the samples and that chlorination is followed by CII fragmentation. In the range of low HOCl/OCl(-) concentrations (up to 1 mM) 10-90 kDa peptides are predominant whereas massive production of shorter peptides was observed for high (5 mM) hypochlorite concentration. DLS measurements showed that chlorination with HOCl/OCl(-) decreases the radius of collagen II aggregates from 30 to 6.8 nm. Taking into account the fact that chlorinated collagen is partially degraded, the DLS results suggest that smaller micelles are formed of the 10-90 kDa peptide fraction. Moreover, collagen chlorination results in epitope modification which affects CII recognition by anti-CII antibodies. Finally, since in the synovial fluid the plausible hypochlorite concentration is smaller than that used in the model the change of size of molecular aggregates seems to be the best marker of hypochlorite-mediated collagen oxidation.
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Olszowski S, Mak P, Olszowska E, Marcinkiewicz J. Collagen type II modification by hypochlorite. Acta Biochim Pol 2003; 50:471-479. [PMID: 12833171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2003] [Revised: 04/10/2003] [Accepted: 04/20/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Oxidation of proteins is a common phenomenon in the inflammatory process mediated by highly reactive agents such as hypochlorite (HOCl/OCl(-)) produced by activated neutrophils. For instance, in rheumatoid arthritis hypochlorite plays an important role in joint destruction. One of the major targets for HOCl/OCl(-) is collagen type II (CII) - the primary cartilage protein. In our study, HOCl/OCl(-) mediated collagen II modifications were tested using various methods: circular dichroism (CD), HPLC, ELISA, dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorimetry and spectrophotometry. It was shown that hypochlorite action causes deamination with consecutive carbonyl group formation and transformation of tyrosine residues to dichlorotyrosine. Moreover, it was shown that ammonium chloramine (NH(2)Cl) formed in the reaction mixture reacts with CII. However, in this case the yield of carbonyl groups and dichlorotyrosine is lower than that observed for HOCl/OCl(-) by 50%. CD data revealed that collagen II exists as a random coil in the samples and that chlorination is followed by CII fragmentation. In the range of low HOCl/OCl(-) concentrations (up to 1 mM) 10-90 kDa peptides are predominant whereas massive production of shorter peptides was observed for high (5 mM) hypochlorite concentration. DLS measurements showed that chlorination with HOCl/OCl(-) decreases the radius of collagen II aggregates from 30 to 6.8 nm. Taking into account the fact that chlorinated collagen is partially degraded, the DLS results suggest that smaller micelles are formed of the 10-90 kDa peptide fraction. Moreover, collagen chlorination results in epitope modification which affects CII recognition by anti-CII antibodies. Finally, since in the synovial fluid the plausible hypochlorite concentration is smaller than that used in the model the change of size of molecular aggregates seems to be the best marker of hypochlorite-mediated collagen oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sławomir Olszowski
- Institute of Medical Chemistry, Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, 31-121 Kraków, Czysta 18, Poland
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Nieziołek M, Kot M, Pyka K, Mak P, Kozik A. Properties of chemically oxidized kininogens. Acta Biochim Pol 2003; 50:753-763. [PMID: 14515155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2003] [Revised: 08/01/2003] [Accepted: 08/11/2003] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Kininogens are multifunctional proteins involved in a variety of regulatory processes including the kinin-formation cascade, blood coagulation, fibrynolysis, inhibition of cysteine proteinases etc. A working hypothesis of this work was that the properties of kininogens may be altered by oxidation of their methionine residues by reactive oxygen species that are released at the inflammatory foci during phagocytosis of pathogen particles by recruited neutrophil cells. Two methionine-specific oxidizing reagents, N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) and chloramine-T (CT), were used to oxidize the high molecular mass (HK) and low molecular mass (LK) forms of human kininogen. A nearly complete conversion of methionine residues to methionine sulfoxide residues in the modified proteins was determined by amino acid analysis. Production of kinins from oxidized kininogens by plasma and tissue kallikreins was significantly lower (by at least 70%) than that from native kininogens. This quenching effect on kinin release could primarily be assigned to the modification of the critical Met-361 residue adjacent to the internal kinin sequence in kininogen. However, virtually no kinin could be formed by human plasma kallikrein from NCS-modified HK. This observation suggests involvement of other structural effects detrimental for kinin production. Indeed, NCS-oxidized HK was unable to bind (pre)kallikrein, probably due to the modification of methionine and/or tryptophan residues at the region on the kininogen molecule responsible for the (pro)enzyme binding. Tests on papain inhibition by native and oxidized kininogens indicated that the inhibitory activity of kininogens against cysteine proteinases is essentially insensitive to oxidation.
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Prasankumar RP, Chudoba C, Fujimoto JG, Mak P, Ruane MF. Self-starting mode locking in a Cr:forsterite laser by use of non-epitaxially-grown semiconductor-doped silica films. Opt Lett 2002; 27:1564-1566. [PMID: 18026507 DOI: 10.1364/ol.27.001564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate RF sputtered, non-epitaxially-grown semiconductor nanocrystallite-doped silica films for mode locking a Cr:forsterite laser. We controlled the size and the optical properties of the nanocrystallites by varying the ratio of InAs to SiO(2) during fabrication. Femtosecond pump-probe measurements were performed to characterize the nonlinear optical properties of these films, revealing their lower saturation fluences. Using the InAs-doped silica films as saturable absorbers permitted self-starting Kerr-lens mode locking (KLM), generating pulses of 25-fs duration with 91-nm spectral bandwidth at 1.3 microm . We also describe saturable-absorber mode-locked operation without KLM and investigate its dependence on intracavity dispersion.
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Mak P, Chmiel D, Gacek GJ. Antibacterial peptides of the moth Galleria mellonella. Acta Biochim Pol 2002; 48:1191-5. [PMID: 11995991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The work describes purification and biochemical characterization of two inducible antimicrobial peptides from the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella. The peptides were isolated by a sequence of reversed-phase chromatography steps from the hemolymph of larvae immunized with viable bacteria. The first peptide is a member of the cecropin family while the second one is rich in proline residues and has a unique sequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mak
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Abstract
The work describes purification and biochemical characterization of two inducible antimicrobial peptides from the hemolymph of Galleria mellonella. The peptides were isolated by a sequence of reversed-phase chromatography steps from the hemolymph of larvae immunized with viable bacteria. The first peptide is a member of the cecropin family while the second one is rich in proline residues and has a unique sequence.
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