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Balhuizen MD, van Dijk A, Jansen JWA, van de Lest CHA, Veldhuizen EJA, Haagsman HP. Outer Membrane Vesicles Protect Gram-Negative Bacteria against Host Defense Peptides. mSphere 2021; 6:e0052321. [PMID: 34232080 PMCID: PMC8386409 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00523-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are part of the innate immune system and constitute a first line of defense against invading pathogens. They possess antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens. However, pathogens have been known to adapt to hostile environments. Therefore, the bacterial response to treatment with HDPs was investigated. Previous observations suggested that sublethal concentrations of HDPs increase the release of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in Escherichia coli. First, the effects of sublethal treatment with HDPs CATH-2, PMAP-36, and LL-37 on OMV release of several Gram-negative bacteria were analyzed. Treatment with PMAP-36 and CATH-2 induced release of OMVs, but treatment with LL-37 did not. The OMVs were further characterized with respect to morphological properties. The HDP-induced OMVs often had disc-like shapes. The beneficial effect of bacterial OMV release was studied by determining the susceptibility of E. coli toward HDPs in the presence of OMVs. The minimal bactericidal concentration was increased in the presence of OMVs. It is concluded that OMV release is a means of bacteria to dispose of HDP-affected membrane. Furthermore, OMVs act as a decoy for HDPs and thereby protect the bacterium. IMPORTANCE Antibiotic resistance is a pressing problem and estimated to be a leading cause of mortality by 2050. Antimicrobial peptides, also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), and HDP-derived antimicrobials have potent antimicrobial activity and high potential as alternatives to antibiotics due to low resistance development. Some resistance mechanisms have developed in bacteria, and complete understanding of bacterial defense against HDPs will aid their use in the clinic. This study provides insight into outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as potential defense mechanisms against HDPs, which will allow anticipation of unforeseen resistance to HDPs in clinical use and possibly prevention of bacterial resistance by the means of OMVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D. Balhuizen
- Section of Molecular Host Defence, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert van Dijk
- Section of Molecular Host Defence, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen W. A. Jansen
- Section of Cell Biology, Metabolism and Cancer, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris H. A. van de Lest
- Section of Cell Biology, Metabolism and Cancer, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen
- Section of Immunology, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Henk P. Haagsman
- Section of Molecular Host Defence, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Tai HM, Huang HN, Tsai TY, You MF, Wu HY, Rajanbabu V, Chang HY, Pan CY, Chen JY. Dietary supplementation of recombinant antimicrobial peptide Epinephelus lanceolatus piscidin improves growth performance and immune response in Gallus gallus domesticus. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230021. [PMID: 32160226 PMCID: PMC7065771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Supplementing chicken feed with antibiotics can improve survival and prevent disease outbreaks. However, overuse of antibiotics may promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Recently, antimicrobial peptides have been proposed as alternatives to antibiotics in animal husbandry. Here, we evaluate the effects of antimicrobial peptide, Epinephelus lanceolatus piscidin (EP), in Gallus gallus domesticus. The gene encoding EP was isolated, sequenced, codon-optimized and cloned into a Pichia pastoris recombinant protein expression system. The expressed recombinant EP (rEP) was then used as a dietary supplement for G. g. domesticus; overall health, growth performance and immunity were assessed. Supernatant from rEP-expressing yeast showed in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, according to an inhibition-zone diameter (mm) assay. Moreover, the antimicrobial peptide function of rEP was temperature independent. The fermentation broth yielded a spray-dried powder formulation containing 262.9 μg EP/g powder, and LC-MS/MS (tandem MS) analysis confirmed that rEP had a molecular weight of 4279 Da, as expected for the 34-amino acid peptide; the DNA sequence of the expression vector was also validated. We then evaluated rEP as a feed additive for G. g. domesticus. Treatment groups included control, basal diet and rEP at different doses (0.75, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 12%). Compared to control, rEP supplementation increased G. g. domesticus weight gain, feed efficiency, IL-10 and IFN-γ production. Our results suggest that crude rEP could provide an alternative to traditional antibiotic feed additives for G. g. domesticus, serving to enhance growth and health of the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsueh-Ming Tai
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Han-Ning Huang
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Tsai
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng You
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Wu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu, Taiwan
| | - Venugopal Rajanbabu
- Anbil Dharmalingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural university, Tiruchchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Hsiao-Yun Chang
- Biotechnology Department, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Yu Pan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Aquaculture, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Yih Chen
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Ilan, Taiwan
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Dai X, Huang X, Zhang Z, Zhang R, Cao X, Zhang C, Wang K, Ren Q. Molecular cloning and expression analysis of two type II crustin genes in the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2020; 98:446-456. [PMID: 31904538 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Innate immunity is the primary defense of crustaceans against pathogens. Crustins, as antimicrobial peptides, are important to crustacean innate immunity. In this study, two kinds of Gly-rich crustin genes were cloned from Macrobrachium nipponense and were referred to as Mn-Gly-Cru1 and Mn-Gly-Cru2. These crustins belong to type II crustins with typical type II crustin structures. The full-length cDNA of Mn-Gly-Cru1 is 677 bp and contains a 576 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 191 amino acids. The full-length cDNA of Mn-Gly-Cru2 is 727 bp, with 573 bp ORF encoding 190 amino acids. The constructed phylogenetic tree indicated that Mn-Gly-Cru1 and Mn-Gly-Cru2 belong to the type IIa subfamily. RT-PCR analysis showed that Mn-Gly-Cru1 and Mn-Gly-Cru2 are widely distributed in various tissues. qRT-PCR results indicated that Mn-Gly-Cru1 is mainly expressed in the gills, whereas Mn-Gly-Cru2 is expressed at the highest level in hemocytes. The transcripts of Mn-Gly-Cru1 and Mn-Gly-Cru2 respond to bacterial or white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) stimuli. After injection of 48 h dsMnRelish, the expression of MnRelish, Mn-Gly-Cru1, and Mn-Gly-Cru2 were all inhibited. After WSSV, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, or Staphylococcus aureus challenge, MnRelish, Mn-Gly-Cru1, and Mn-Gly-Cru2 were all upregulated. However, the expression levels of MnRelish, Mn-Gly-Cru1, and Mn-Gly-Cru2 at 6 h bacteria or 36 h WSSV challenge were downregulated in Relish-silenced prawns when compared with the control (bacteria or WSSV challenge only, bacteria or WSSV challenge plus dsGFP injection). Results suggest that Mn-Gly-Cru1 and Mn-Gly-Cru2 play essential roles in M. nipponense innate immunity against bacteria or WSSV, and the expression levels of both genes are regulated by Relish transcriptional factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Dai
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhuoxing Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ruidong Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xueying Cao
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Kaiqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qian Ren
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animals Breeding and Green Efficient Aquacultural Technology, College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China; Co-Innovation Center for Marine Bio-Industry Technology of Jiangsu Province, Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, 222005, China.
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González R, Brokordt K, Rojas R, Schmitt P. Molecular characterization and expression patterns of two LPS binding /bactericidal permeability-increasing proteins (LBP/BPIs) from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2020; 97:12-17. [PMID: 31843699 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins (LBPs) and bactericidal permeability-increasing proteins (BPIs) are effectors of the innate immune response which act in a coordinated manner to bind and neutralize the LPS present in Gram negative bacteria. The structural organization that confers the function of LBPs and BPIs is very similar, however, they are antagonistic to each other. In this work, we characterized two LBP/BPIs from the scallop Argopecten purpuratus, namely ApLBP/BPI1 and ApLBP/BPI2. The molecular and phylogenetic analyses of ApLBP/BPIs indicated that both isoforms display classic characteristics of LBP/BPIs from other invertebrates. Additionally, ApLBP/BPIs are constitutively expressed in scallop tissues and their transcript expression is upregulated in hemocytes and gills in response to an immune challenge. However, some structural characteristics of functional importance for the biological activity of these molecules, such as the net charge differ substantially between ApLBP/BPI1 and ApLBP/BPI2. Furthermore, each isoform displays a specific profile of basal expression among different tissues, as well as specific patterns of expression during the activation of the immune response. Results suggest that functional specialization of ApLBP/BPIs might happen, with potential role as LBP or BPI in this species of scallop. Further research on the biological activities of ApLBP/BPIs are necessary to elucidate their participation in the scallop immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana González
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Doctorado en Acuicultura, Programa Cooperativo Universidad de Chile Universidad, Universidad Católica del Norte, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Katherina Brokordt
- Laboratorio de Fisiología y Genética Marina (FIGEMA), Departamento de Acuicultura, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Rojas
- Laboratorio de Patobiología Acuática, Departamento de Acuicultura, Universidad Católica del Norte, Larrondo 1281, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - Paulina Schmitt
- Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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Wang Q, Xia R, Ji JJ, Zhu Q, Li XP, Ma Y, Xu YC. Diversity of Antimicrobial Peptides in Three Partially Sympatric Frog Species in Northeast Asia and Implications for Evolution. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E158. [PMID: 32024145 PMCID: PMC7073735 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are evolutionarily ancient molecules that play an essential role in innate immunity across taxa from invertebrates to vertebrates. The evolution system of AMP system has not been well explained in the literature. In this study, we cloned and sequenced AMP transcriptomes of three frog species, namely Rana dybowskii, Rana amurensis, and Pelophylax nigromaculatus, which are partially sympatric in northeast Asia, but show different habitat preferences. We found that each species contained 7 to 14 families of AMPs and the diversity was higher in species with a large geographic range and greater habitat variation. All AMPs are phylogenetically related but not associated with the speciation process. Most AMP genes were under negative selection. We propose that the diversification and addition of novel functions and improvement of antimicrobial efficiency are facilitated by the expansion of family members and numbers. We also documented significant negative correlation of net charges and numbers of amino acid residues between the propiece and mature peptide segments. This supports the Net Charge Balance Hypothesis. We propose the Cut Point Sliding Hypothesis as a novel diversification mechanism to explain the correlation in lengths of the two segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
| | - Rui Xia
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
- Department of Ecology, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jing Jing Ji
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
- Beijing E-young Technology Company Limited, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xiao Ping Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Detecting Centre of Wildlife, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Yan Chun Xu
- Department of Physiology, College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (Q.W.); (R.X.); (J.J.J.); (Q.Z.); (X.P.L.); (Y.M.)
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Detecting Centre of Wildlife, Harbin 150040, China
- State Forestry and Grassland Administration Research Center of Engineering Technology for Wildlife Conservation and Utilization, Harbin 150040, China
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Prasad SV, Fiedoruk K, Daniluk T, Piktel E, Bucki R. Expression and Function of Host Defense Peptides at Inflammation Sites. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010104. [PMID: 31877866 PMCID: PMC6982121 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing interest in the complex role of host defense peptides (HDPs) in the pathophysiology of several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. The physicochemical properties and selective interaction of HDPs with various receptors define their immunomodulatory effects. However, it is quite challenging to understand their function because some HDPs play opposing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles, depending on their expression level within the site of inflammation. While it is known that HDPs maintain constitutive host protection against invading microorganisms, the inducible nature of HDPs in various cells and tissues is an important aspect of the molecular events of inflammation. This review outlines the biological functions and emerging roles of HDPs in different inflammatory conditions. We further discuss the current data on the clinical relevance of impaired HDPs expression in inflammation and selected diseases.
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Yang LL, Zhan MY, Zhuo YL, Pan YM, Xu Y, Zhou XH, Yang PJ, Liu HL, Liang ZH, Huang XD, Yu XQ, Rao XJ. Antimicrobial activities of a proline-rich proprotein from Spodoptera litura. Dev Comp Immunol 2018; 87:137-146. [PMID: 29935286 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are produced by the stimulated humoral immune system. Most mature AMPs contain less than 50 amino acid residues. Some of them are generated from proproteins upon microbial challenges. Here, we report the antimicrobial activities of a proline-rich proprotein, named SlLebocin1 (SlLeb1), from the tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura. SlLebocin1 cDNA contains a 477-bp open reading frame (ORF). It is mainly expressed in hemocytes and the midgut in naïve larvae. The transcript level was significantly induced in hemocytes but repressed in the midgut and fat body by bacterial challenges. The proprotein contains 158 amino acids with 3 RXXR motifs that are characteristic of some Lepidopteral lebocin proproteins. Four peptides corresponding to the predicted processed fragments were synthesized chemically, and their antimicrobial activities against two Gram-negative and two Gram-positive bacterial strains were analyzed. The peptides showed differential antimicrobial activities. For Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, only the C-terminal fragment (124-158) showed strong inhibitory effects. For Staphylococcus aureus, all peptides showed partial inhibitions. None of them inhibited Serratia marcescens. Bacterial morphologies were examined by the scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The antimicrobial peptides either disrupted cellular membrane or inhibited cell division and caused elongated/enlarged morphologies. The results may provide ideas for designing novel antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Yang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ming-Yue Zhan
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yu-Li Zhuo
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yue-Min Pan
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Biotechnology Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xiu-Hong Zhou
- Biotechnology Center, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Pei-Jin Yang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Hong-Li Liu
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Zi-Hao Liang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xiao-Dan Huang
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 430079, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
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Kumar P, Kizhakkedathu JN, Straus SK. Antimicrobial Peptides: Diversity, Mechanism of Action and Strategies to Improve the Activity and Biocompatibility In Vivo. Biomolecules 2018; 8:E4. [PMID: 29351202 PMCID: PMC5871973 DOI: 10.3390/biom8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 616] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is projected as one of the greatest threats to human health in the future and hence alternatives are being explored to combat resistance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have shown great promise, because use of AMPs leads bacteria to develop no or low resistance. In this review, we discuss the diversity, history and the various mechanisms of action of AMPs. Although many AMPs have reached clinical trials, to date not many have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to issues with toxicity, protease cleavage and short half-life. Some of the recent strategies developed to improve the activity and biocompatibility of AMPs, such as chemical modifications and the use of delivery systems, are also reviewed in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
- Centre for Blood Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Life Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Jayachandran N Kizhakkedathu
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
- Centre for Blood Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Life Sciences Centre, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
| | - Suzana K Straus
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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An MY, Gao J, Zhao XF, Wang JX. A new subfamily of penaeidin with an additional serine-rich region from kuruma shrimp (Marsupenaeus japonicus) contributes to antimicrobial and phagocytic activities. Dev Comp Immunol 2016; 59:186-198. [PMID: 26855016 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Penaeidins are an important family of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in penaeid shrimp. To date, five groups of penaeidins have been identified in penaeid shrimp. All are composed of a proline-rich N-terminus and a C-terminus containing six cysteine residues engaged in three disulfide bridges. In this study, a new type of penaeidin from Marsupenaeus japonicus was identified. The full-length penaeidin contains a unique serine-rich region and a penaeidin domain, which consists of a proline-rich region and a cysteine-rich region. Here, we classify all penaeidins into two subfamilies. All reported penaeidins are in subfamily I, and the new penaeidin identified in M. japonicus is designated as Penaeidin subfamily II (MjPen-II). MjPen-II was expressed in hemocytes, heart, hepatopancreas, gills, stomach and intestine, and was upregulated after bacterial challenge. A liquid bacteriostatic assay showed that MjPen-II had antibacterial activity to some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. MjPen-II could bind to bacteria by binding to polysaccharides on the surface of bacteria, thus promoting bacterial agglutination. The serine-rich region enhanced the agglutination activity of MjPen-II. The proline-rich domain had a stronger bacterial-binding activity and polysaccharide-binding activity than the cysteine-rich domain. MjPen-II was also found to be involved in the phagocytosis of bacteria and efficiently improved the phagocytosis rate. Therefore, MjPen-II eliminates bacteria through direct bacterial inhibition as well as by promoting phagocytosis in shrimp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yu An
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Zhao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Jin-Xing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China.
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Abstract
Peptides with diverse amino acid sequences, structures, and functions are essential players in biological systems. The construction of well-annotated databases not only facilitates effective information management, search, and mining but also lays the foundation for developing and testing new peptide algorithms and machines. The antimicrobial peptide database (APD) is an original construction in terms of both database design and peptide entries. The host defense antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) registered in the APD cover the five kingdoms (bacteria, protists, fungi, plants, and animals) or three domains of life (bacteria, archaea, and eukaryota). This comprehensive database ( http://aps.unmc.edu/AP ) provides useful information on peptide discovery timeline, nomenclature, classification, glossary, calculation tools, and statistics. The APD enables effective search, prediction, and design of peptides with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, insecticidal, spermicidal, anticancer activities, chemotactic, immune modulation, or antioxidative properties. A universal classification scheme is proposed herein to unify innate immunity peptides from a variety of biological sources. As an improvement, the upgraded APD makes predictions based on the database-defined parameter space and provides a list of the sequences most similar to natural AMPs. In addition, the powerful pipeline design of the database search engine laid a solid basis for designing novel antimicrobials to combat resistant superbugs, viruses, fungi, or parasites. This comprehensive AMP database is a useful tool for both research and education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangshun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 986495 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198-6495, USA,
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11
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Abstract
Host defense peptides (HDPs) are important effector molecules of the innate immune system of vertebrates. These antimicrobial peptides are also present in invertebrates, plants and fungi. HDPs display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities and fulfill an important role in the first line of defense of many organisms. It is becoming increasingly clear that in the animal kingdom the functions of HDPs are not confined to direct antimicrobial actions. Research in mammals has indicated that HDPs have many immunomodulatory functions and are also involved in other physiological processes ranging from development to wound healing. During the past five years our knowledge about avian HDPs has increased considerably. This review addresses our current knowledge on the evolution, regulation and biological functions of HDPs of birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tryntsje Cuperus
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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12
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Al-Ghaferi N, Kolodziejek J, Nowotny N, Coquet L, Jouenne T, Leprince J, Vaudry H, King JD, Conlon JM. Antimicrobial peptides from the skin secretions of the South-East Asian frog Hylarana erythraea (Ranidae). Peptides 2010; 31:548-54. [PMID: 20015460 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 12/06/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Peptidomic analysis of norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions of the South-East Asian frog Hylarana erythraea (formerly Rana erythraea partim) has led to the identification of multiple peptides with antimicrobial activity. Structural characterization of the peptides demonstrated that they belong to the brevinin-1 (3), brevinin-2 (2), esculentin-2 (4), and temporin (1) families. The values in parentheses indicate the number of paralogs. In addition, a peptide (GVIKSVLKGVAKTVALG ML.NH(2)) was isolated that shows some structural similarity to the brevinin-2-related peptides (B2RP) previously isolated from North American frogs of the genus Lithobates. A synthetic replicate of the species B2RP showed broad-spectrum growth inhibitory activity against reference strains of Escherichia coli (MIC=12.5 microM), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC=12.5 microM) and Candida albicans (MIC=50 microM) and was active against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of Acetinobacter baumannii (MIC in the range 6-12.5 microM). The hemolytic activity of the peptide was relatively low (LC(50)=280 microM). Phylogenetic analysis based upon the amino acid sequences of 47 brevinin-2 peptides from 17 Asian species belonging to the family Ranidae provides support for the placement of H. erythraea in the genus Hylarana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Al-Ghaferi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
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13
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14
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Pisuttharachai D, Fagutao FF, Yasuike M, Aono H, Yano Y, Murakami K, Kondo H, Aoki T, Hirono I. Characterization of crustin antimicrobial proteins from Japanese spiny lobster Panulirus japonicus. Dev Comp Immunol 2009; 33:1049-1054. [PMID: 19465048 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Accepted: 05/16/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Crustin antimicrobial proteins (PJC1-4) were identified from a phyllosoma library of Japanese spiny lobster, Panulirus japonicus. The deduced amino acid sequences of PJC1-4 contained open reading frames of 130, 139, 124 and 150 amino acid residues, respectively. These proteins contained a glycine-rich region at the N-terminus and 12 conserved cysteine residues containing a single whey acidic protein (WAP) domain at the C-terminus. A phylogenetic tree and sequences alignment analyses revealed that PJC1-4 are more closely related to shrimp crustins than to other lobster crustins. Transcripts of PJC1, 3 and 4 were detected in heart, nerves, intestine, hemocytes, gills and hepatopancreas, while transcripts of PJC2 were detected only in nerves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangjai Pisuttharachai
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8477, Japan
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15
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Sperstad SV, Haug T, Paulsen V, Rode TM, Strandskog G, Solem ST, Styrvold OB, Stensvåg K. Characterization of crustins from the hemocytes of the spider crab, Hyas araneus, and the red king crab, Paralithodes camtschaticus. Dev Comp Immunol 2009; 33:583-591. [PMID: 19041340 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2008.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Crustins are distributed across the decapods and are believed to play a significant part in the humoral defense system of their host. In this study, two crustin isoforms from Hyas araneus hemocytes were purified and tested for antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. They show both antibacterial and antifungal activity, with highest activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Corynebacterium glutamicum. Sequencing of the transcripts showed them to have a mature peptide of 90 amino acids and differing in three positions in the mature peptide. They were named CruHa1 and CruHa2. Real-time RT-PCR revealed that they mainly are expressed in hemocytes. Screening a cDNA library detected a crustin sequence in Paralithodes camtschaticus hemocytes, coding for a mature peptide of 98 amino acids. It was named CruPc. Based on phylogenetic inference and primary structure, CruHa1 and CruHa2 were placed within the Type I group of crustins, while CruPc belongs to the Type II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigmund V Sperstad
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, The Norwegian College of Fishery Science, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
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16
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Amiche M, Ladram A, Nicolas P. A consistent nomenclature of antimicrobial peptides isolated from frogs of the subfamily Phyllomedusinae. Peptides 2008; 29:2074-82. [PMID: 18644413 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 05/05/2008] [Revised: 06/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of cationic antimicrobial peptides have been isolated from the skin of hylid frogs belonging to the Phyllomedusinae subfamily. The amino acid sequences of these peptides are currently located in several databases under identifiers with no consistent system of nomenclature to describe them. In order to provide a workable terminology for antimicrobial peptides from Phyllomedusid frogs, we have made a systematic effort to collect, analyze, and classify all the Phyllomedusid peptide sequences available in databases. We propose that frogs belonging to the Phyllomedusinae subfamily should be described by the species names set out in Amphibian Species of the World: http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/index.php, American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA. Multiple alignments analysis of at least 80 antimicrobial peptides isolated from 12 Phyllomedusinae species were distributed in seven distinct peptide families including dermaseptin, phylloseptin, plasticin, dermatoxin, phylloxin, hyposin and orphan peptides, and will be considered as the name of the headgroup of each family. The parent peptide's name should be followed by the first upper letter of the species for orthologous peptides and publication date determines priority. For example, the abbreviation B for bicolor and H for hypochondrialis. When two species begin with the same letter, two letters in upper case should be used (the first letter followed by the second or the third letter and so on). For example, the abbreviation DI for distincta, DU for duellmani, VA for vaillanti and VN for vanzolinii. Paralogous peptides should bear letter(s) in upper case followed by numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Amiche
- FRE 2852 CNRS/UPMC, Peptidome de la Peau des Amphibiens, F-75005 Paris, France.
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17
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Conlon JM. Reflections on a systematic nomenclature for antimicrobial peptides from the skins of frogs of the family Ranidae. Peptides 2008; 29:1815-9. [PMID: 18585417 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 05/09/2008] [Revised: 05/29/2008] [Accepted: 05/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Frogs belonging to the extensive family Ranidae represent a valuable source of antimicrobial peptides with therapeutic potential but there is currently no consistent system of nomenclature to describe these peptides. Terminology based solely on species name does not reflect the evolutionary relationships existing between peptides encoded by orthologous and paralogous genes. On the basis of limited structural similarity, at least 14 well-established peptide families have been identified (brevinin-1, brevinin-2, esculentin-1, esculentin-2, japonicin-1, japonicin-2, nigrocin-2, palustrin-1, palustrin-2, ranacyclin, ranalexin, ranatuerin-1, ranatuerin-2, temporin). It is proposed that terms that are synonymous with these names should no longer be used. Orthologous peptides from different species may be characterized by the initial letter of that species, set in upper case, with paralogs belonging to the same peptide family being assigned letters set in lower case, e.g. brevinin-1Pa, brevinin-1Pb, etc. When two species begin with the same initial letter, two letters may be used, e.g. P for pipiens and PL for palustris. Species names and assignments to genera may be obtained from Amphibian Species of the World Electronic Database, accessible at http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/index.php. American Museum of Natural History, New York, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha, Qatar.
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18
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Abstract
It is proposed that the current nomenclature by which individual antimicrobial peptides from the skins of frogs belonging to the genus Leptodactylus are named from the species of frog from which they were isolated should be replaced by one that emphasizes the fact that these peptides are evolutionarily related. As the ocellatins from Leptodactylus ocellatus were the first such peptides to be characterized, it is suggested that all orthologous peptides should be described as "ocellatins". Consistent with accepted terminology for other families of antimicrobial peptides, the upper case initial letter of the species is used to indicate their origin and isoforms are designated by numbers. When two species begin with the same initial letter, a second distinguishing letter shall be employed. Thus, the terms ocellatin-1, -2, -3, and -4 are retained for the parent peptides. Fallaxin is replaced by ocellatin-F1, pentadactylin by ocellatin-P1, laticeptin by ocellatin-L1, syphaxin by ocellatin-S1, and the paralogs from L. validus are termed ocellatin-V1, -V2, and -V3.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar.
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19
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Quan Z, Zhou M, Chen W, Chen T, Walker B, Shaw C. Novel brevinins from Chinese piebald odorous frog (Huia schmackeri) skin deduced from cloned biosynthetic precursors. Peptides 2008; 29:1456-60. [PMID: 18423796 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 02/01/2008] [Revised: 03/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides represent the most characterized and diverse class of peptides within the defensive skin secretions of anuran amphibians. With an ever expanding database of primary structures, the current accepted rules for nomenclature have become increasingly difficult to apply to peptides whose primary structural attributes are either unique or that fall between those that define existing groups. An additional factor that adds to the confusion is the regular re-classification or revision of existing taxa. In the present study, we have identified five new antimicrobial peptide homologs in the defensive skin secretion of the Chinese piebald odorous frog, Huia schmackeri (formerly Rana (Odorrana) schmackeri), by cloning of their respective biosynthetic precursors. As these peptides are obvious homologs of the brevinin-1 and brevinin-2 families we have named these in accordance: (1) brevinin-1HS1, (2) brevinin-2HS1, (3) brevinin-2HS2, (4) brevinin-2HS3 and (5) brevinin-1HS2. The reasons for adopting these names are discussed. It is clear that with an ever-increasing number of amphibian skin antimicrobial peptides appearing in the literature that a consistent nomenclature scheme needs to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Quan
- Molecular Therapeutics Research, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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20
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Zhou M, Wang L, Owens DE, Chen T, Walker B, Shaw C. Rapid identification of precursor cDNAs encoding five structural classes of antimicrobial peptides from pickerel frog (Rana palustris) skin secretion by single step "shotgun" cloning. Peptides 2007; 28:1605-10. [PMID: 17698247 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/12/2007] [Revised: 07/16/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The skin secretion of the North American pickerel frog (Rana palustris) has long been known to have pronounced noxious/toxic properties and to be highly effective in defence against predators and against other sympatric amphibians. As it consists largely of a complex mixture of peptides, it has been subjected to systematic peptidomic study but there has been little focus on molecular cloning of peptide-encoding cDNAs and by deduction, the biosynthetic precursors that they encode. Here, we demonstrate that the cDNAs encoding the five major structural families of antimicrobial peptides can be elucidated by a single step "shotgun" cloning approach using a cDNA library constructed from the source material of the peptidomic studies--the defensive skin secretion itself. Using a degenerate primer pool designed to a highly conserved nucleic acid sequence 5' to the initiation codon of known antimicrobial peptide precursor transcripts, we amplified cDNA sequences representing five major classes of antimicrobial peptides, such as esculentins, brevinins, ranatuerins, palustrins and temporins. Bioinformatic comparisons of precursor open-reading frames and nucleic acid sequences revealed high degrees of structural similarities between analogous peptides of R. palustris and the Chinese bamboo odorous frog, Rana versabilis. This approach thus constitutes a robust technique that can be used either alone or ideally, in parallel with peptidomic analysis of skin secretion, to rapidly extract primary structural information on amphibian skin secretion peptides and their biosynthetic precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhou
- Molecular Therapeutics Research, School of Pharmacy, Queen's University, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
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21
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Sun BJ, Xie HX, Song Y, Nie P. Gene structure of an antimicrobial peptide from mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi (Basilewsky), suggests that moronecidins and pleurocidins belong in one family: the piscidins. J Fish Dis 2007; 30:335-43. [PMID: 17498177 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2761.2007.00789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The gene of piscidin, an antimicrobial peptide, has been cloned from the mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi. From the first transcription initiation site, the mandarin fish piscidin gene extends 1693 nucleotides to the end of the 3' untranslated region and contains four exons and three introns. A predicted 79-residue prepropeptide consists of three domains: a signal peptide (22 aa), a mature peptide (22 aa) and a C-terminal prodomain (35 aa). The shortage of XQQ motif in the prodomain of mandarin fish piscidin and the similar gene structure between moronecidins (piscidins) and pleurocidins may indicate that they are derived from the same ancestor gene. We thus suggest that piscidin should be used as a terminology for these antimicrobial peptides in the future. The mandarin fish piscidin mRNA was abundant in intestine, spleen, pronephros and kidney analysed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. After stimulation with lipopoly saccharides (LPS), a marked increase in transcripts was observed in most tissues, indicating that piscidin is not only a constitutively expressed molecule, but also has an increased response to bacterial infection. The synthetic, amidated mandarin fish piscidin exhibited different antimicrobial activity against different fish bacterial pathogens, especially against species of Aeromonas, which may to certain extent reflect the pathogenicity of these bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, and Laboratory of Fish Diseases, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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22
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Kang CJ, Xue JF, Liu N, Zhao XF, Wang JX. Characterization and expression of a new subfamily member of penaeidin antimicrobial peptides (penaeidin 5) from Fenneropenaeus chinensis. Mol Immunol 2007; 44:1535-43. [PMID: 17049988 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2006.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 07/10/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 08/28/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Penaeidins are members of a special family of antimicrobial peptides existing in penaeid shrimp and play an important role in the immunological defence of shrimp. Here, we report one penaeidin with a putative isotype newly cloned from fleshy prawn Fenneropenaeus chinensis. The penaeidin open reading frame encodes a 79 amino acid peptide while two exons and an intron were identified within the 1126bp genomic sequence of Fenchi-penaeidin 5. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence comparison with other known penaeidins suggest the new gene belongs to a novel subfamily of penaeidins and the two isoforms were named Fenchi-penaeidin 5-1 and 5-2, respectively. Fenchi-penaeidin 5 mRNA was examined in normal and microbial challenged shrimp and was found to be constitutively expressed in heamocytes, heart, gill, intestine and ovary. Bacterial challenge resulted in mRNA up-regulation, inducing expression in hepatopancreas and stomach. Fenchi-penaeidin 5-1 was also expressed in Pichia pastoris, and recombinant Fenchi-penaeidin 5-1 exhibited activities against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui-Jie Kang
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 Shandong, China
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23
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Kokriakov VN, Koval'chuk LV, Aleshina GM, Shamova OV. [Cationic antimicrobial peptides as molecular immunity factors: multi-functionality]. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol 2006:98-105. [PMID: 16758910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMP) of mammals (defensins, cathelicidins, protegrins and many others) are regarded as important components of congenital immunity. AMP are multifunctional molecules, capable of killing microorganisms directly by acting as endogenic, natural antibiotics ("immediate immunity"); in addition, they may take part in congenital and adaptive immune reactions (immunoregulation) and function as signal molecules, involved into tissue reparation, inflammation (including sepsis), blood coagulation and other important processes in the body. The molecular mechanisms of the direct antimicrobial action of AMP are considered. In addition to antimicrobial and immunoregulating action, AMP have influence on immunoneuroendocrine interactions, taking part in the pathogenesis of stress reactions (corticostatic action), as well as play the role of regulatory peptides of adaptogenic action. The many-sided character of the action of AMP opens prospects to the creation of new medicinal remedies on their basis. Such requirements are met by the Russian preparation "Superlymph" (a complex of natural cytokines), containing protegrin-like AMP.
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Abstract
All sequenced peptide toxins of the cecropin, pleurocidin and dermaceptin/ceratotoxin families in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database as of May 2005 were identified and shown to comprise a single superfamily. The peptide sequences were multiply aligned, revealing conserved residues that may play roles in structure and function. Signature sequences were derived for each of the 3 constituent families. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the relationships of these peptides to each other, and average hydropathy/amphipathicity studies provided structural information. This study serves to characterize a large superfamily of toxic peptides that perform host defense functions in a range of animal kingdoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorjee G Tamang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92093-0116, USA
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25
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been isolated and characterized from tissues and organisms representing virtually every kingdom and phylum. Their amino acid composition, amphipathicity, cationic charge, and size allow them to attach to and insert into membrane bilayers to form pores by 'barrel-stave', 'carpet' or 'toroidal-pore' mechanisms. Although these models are helpful for defining mechanisms of AMP activity, their relevance to resolving how peptides damage and kill microorganisms still needs to be clarified. Moreover, many AMPs employ sophisticated and dynamic mechanisms of action to carry out their likely roles in antimicrobial host defense. Recently, it has been speculated that transmembrane pore formation is not the only mechanism of microbial killing by AMPs. In fact, several observations suggest that translocated AMPs can alter cytoplasmic membrane septum formation, reduce cell-wall, nucleic acid, and protein synthesis, and inhibit enzymatic activity. In this review, we present the structures of several AMPs as well as models of how AMPs induce pore formation. AMPs have received special attention as a possible alternative way to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. It may be possible to design synthetic AMPs with enhanced activity for microbial cells, especially those with antibiotic resistance, as well as synergistic effects with conventional antibiotic agents that lack cytotoxic or hemolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonkyung Park
- Research Center for Proteineous Materials, Chosun University, Dong-Ku, Kwangju, Korea
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26
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Saito A, Ueda K, Imamura M, Atsumi S, Tabunoki H, Miura N, Watanabe A, Kitami M, Sato R. Purification and cDNA cloning of a cecropin from the longicorn beetle, Acalolepta luxuriosa. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 142:317-23. [PMID: 16165382 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2005.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 04/07/2005] [Revised: 08/04/2005] [Accepted: 08/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned and characterized a novel antibacterial peptide from the hemolymph of the coleopteran insect Acalolepta luxuriosa, of the superfamily Cerambyocidea. This peptide is active against Micrococcus luteus and Escherichia coli, and the amino acid sequence deduced by cloning of the cDNA identifies it as a coleopteran cecropin. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analyses performed using Clustal X suggest that this cecropin is evolutionarily intermediate between dipteran and lepidopteran cecropins. The results of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry indicate that the mature form of this antibacterial peptide is 35 amino acid residues in length and has an amidated C-terminal isoleucine. This report is the first description of a cecropin from a coleopteran insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaka Saito
- Graduate School of Bio-Applications and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Naka-cho 2-24-16, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
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27
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effector molecules of the innate immune system. AMPs have a broad antimicrobial spectrum and lyse microbial cells by interaction with biomembranes. Besides their direct antimicrobial function, they have multiple roles as mediators of inflammation with impact on epithelial and inflammatory cells influencing diverse processes such as cytokine release, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, wound healing, chemotaxis, immune induction, and protease-antiprotease balance. Furthermore, AMPs qualify as prototypes of innovative drugs that may be used as antibiotics, anti-lipopolysaccharide drugs, or modifiers of inflammation. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the basic and applied biology of antimicrobial peptides and discusses features of AMPs in host defense and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Beisswenger
- Hospital of the University of Marburg, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, Germany
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28
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Conlon JM, Sonnevend A, Davidson C, Smith DD, Nielsen PF. The ascaphins: a family of antimicrobial peptides from the skin secretions of the most primitive extant frog, Ascaphus truei. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 320:170-5. [PMID: 15207717 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.05.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 05/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The tailed frog Ascaphus truei occupies a unique position in phylogeny as the most primitive extant anuran and is regarded as the sister taxon to the clade of all other living frogs. Eight structurally related peptides, termed ascaphins 1-8, were isolated from norepinephrine-stimulated skin secretions of A. truei and were shown to possess differential growth inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Ascaphins 2-7 may be represented by the consensus amino acid sequence GX2DX2KGAAKX3KTVAX2IANX.COOH whereas ascaphin-1 (GFRDVLKGAAKAFVKTVAGHIAN.NH2) and ascaphin-8 (GFKDLLKGAAKALVKTVLF.NH2) contain a C-terminally alpha-amidated residue. The ascaphins show no appreciable structural similarity with other families of antimicrobial peptides from frog skin but display limited sequence identity with the cationic, amphipathic alpha-helical peptides pandinin 1 and opistoporin 1, isolated from the venoms of African scorpions. Ascaphin-8 shows the highest potency against a range of pathogenic microorganisms but has the greatest haemolytic activity. The data indicate that the host defence strategy of using antimicrobial peptides in skin secretions arose early in the evolution of anurans.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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29
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Abstract
Many different types of organisms use antimicrobial peptides, typically 20-40 amino acids in length, for defence against infection. Most are capable of rapidly killing a wide range of microbial cells. They have been classified according to their active structures into six extensive groups. It is not yet clear how these peptides kill bacterial cells, but it is widely believed that some cationic antimicrobial peptides kill by disrupting bacterial membranes, allowing the free exchange of intra- and extra-cellular ions. The selectivity of these peptides appears to relate to differences between the external membranes of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The action of the peptides may involve the formation of 'barrel-stave' or 'torroidal' pores, the introduction of packing defects in the membrane phospholipids, or large-scale disruption of the membrane by a very dense aggregation of parallel-oriented peptide, called the 'carpet mechanism'. Antimicrobial peptides are attractive candidates for clinical development because of their selectivity, their speed of action and because bacteria may not easily develop resistance against them. Some antimicrobial peptides are already in clinical and commercial use, including ambicin (nisin), polymixin B and gramicidin S. There have been several attempts at developing peptides to make them more suitable for clinical use. For those peptides that act against bacterial membranes, it is possible to differentiate between those structural features that contribute to the specificity of initial membrane binding and those that contribute to the subsequent breach of membrane integrity. The design of novel antimicrobial peptides would necessitate the optimisation of multiple parameters, a problem that has proved difficult to solve. Potential problems to be overcome include high production costs, toxicity against eukaryotic cells, susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and the development of allergies to the peptides. Biosynthesis, using recombinant DNA techniques, could make commercial-scale synthesis feasible but the peptides are usually lethal to the micro-organisms used to produce them. Proteolytic degradation can be reduced by modifying the peptides to contain nonstandard amino acids, or by restricting the use of peptides to topical applications. The problem of sensitisation could be overcome by the use of our own natural antibiotics to prevent or treat infections. Despite early hopes that bacteria would not easily develop resistance to antimicrobial peptides, it is clear that some strains of bacteria already have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Bradshaw
- Department of Preclinical Veterinary Sciences, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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Oster CG, Wittmar M, Unger F, Barbu-Tudoran L, Schaper AK, Kissel T. Design of Amine-Modified Graft Polyesters for Effective Gene Delivery Using DNA-Loaded Nanoparticles. Pharm Res 2004; 21:927-31. [PMID: 15212155 DOI: 10.1023/b:pham.0000029279.50733.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was the design of a polymeric platform for effective gene delivery using DNA-loaded nanoparticles. METHODS The polymers were synthesized by carbonyldiimidazole (CDI)-mediated coupling of diamines diethylaminopropylamine (DEAPA), dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) or diethylaminoethylamine (DEAEA) to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with subsequent grafting of D,L-lactide and glycolide (1:1) in the stoichiometric ratios of 1:10 and 1:20 (free hydroxyl groups/monomer units). The polymers were characterized by 1H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography-multiple-angle laser-light-scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. DNA-loaded nanoparticles prepared by a modified solvent displacement method were characterized with regard to their zeta (zeta)-potential and size. The transfection efficiency was assessed with the plasmid DNA pCMV-luc in L929 mouse fibroblasts. RESULTS The polymers were composed of highly branched, biodegradable cationic polyesters exhibiting amphiphilic properties. The amine modification enhanced the rapid polymer degradation and resulted in the interaction with DNA during particle preparation. The nanoparticles exhibited positive zeta-potentials up to +42 mV and high transfection efficiencies, comparable to polyethylenimine (PEI) 25 kDa/DNA complexes at a nitrogen to phosphate ratio of 5. CONCLUSIONS The polymers combined amine-functions and short poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) chains resulting in water-insoluble polymers capable of forming biodegradable DNA nanoparticles through coulombic interactions and polyester precipitation in aqueous medium. The high transfection efficiency was based on fast polymer degradation and the conservation of DNA bioactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine G Oster
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmacy, Philipps-University, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
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Conlon JM, Kolodziejek J, Nowotny N. Antimicrobial peptides from ranid frogs: taxonomic and phylogenetic markers and a potential source of new therapeutic agents. Biochim Biophys Acta 2004; 1696:1-14. [PMID: 14726199 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2003.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 300] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Granular glands in the skins of frogs of the genus Rana, a widely distributed group with over 250 species, synthesize and secrete a remarkably diverse array of peptides with antimicrobial activity that are believed to have arisen as a result of multiple gene duplication events. Almost without exception, these components are hydrophobic, cationic and form an amphipathic alpha-helix in a membrane-mimetic solvent. The peptides can be grouped into families on the basis of structural similarity. To date, brevinin-1, esculentin-1, esculentin-2, and temporin peptides have been found in ranid frogs of both Eurasian and North American origin; ranalexin, ranatuerin-1, ranatuerin-2 and palustrin peptides only in N. American frogs; and brevinin-2, tigerinin, japonicin, nigrocin and melittin-related peptides only in Eurasian frogs. It is generally assumed that this structurally diversity serves to protect the organism against a wide range of pathogens but convincing evidence in support of this hypothesis is still required. The possibility that "antimicrobial peptides" fulfill additional or alternative biological functions should not be rejected. The molecular heterogeneity of the peptide families, particularly brevinin-1, brevinin-2 and ranatuerin-2, may be exploited for the purposes of unequivocal identification of specimens and for an understanding of phylogenetic interrelationships between species. The broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities of certain peptides, for example esculentin-1, ranalexin-1 and ranatuerin, together with their relatively low hemolytic activity, make them candidates for development into therapeutically useful anti-infective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, PO Box 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Moerman L, Verdonck F, Willems J, Tytgat J, Bosteels S. Antimicrobial peptides from scorpion venom induce Ca(2+) signaling in HL-60 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 311:90-7. [PMID: 14575699 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.09.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Parabutoporin (PP) and opistoporin 1 (OP1) are amphipathic alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides that were recently isolated from scorpion venom. In assays in which single granulocyte-like HL-60 cells as well as cells in suspension were used, both peptides were able to induce a reversible Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores and to increase Ca(2+) influx. Both effects could be clearly differentiated for OP1, inducing Ca(2+) release at lower concentrations. The Ca(2+) release was pertussis toxin-sensitive indicating the involvement of G-proteins. Ca(2+) release depended on the stage of differentiation of the cells with undifferentiated cells being the most sensitive. Desensitization occurred with OP1. No cross-desensitization occurred between OP1 and the bacterial chemoattractant fMLP indicating the involvement of different types of receptors. Ca(2+) release by OP1 was found not to be mediated via interaction with the formyl peptide receptor-like 1. Although some of the results might favor a receptor-like interaction, the receptor involved could not be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leentje Moerman
- Interdisciplinary Research Center, Catholic University Leuven Campus Kortrijk, Belgium.
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Belokoneva OS, Villegas E, Corzo G, Dai L, Nakajima T. The hemolytic activity of six arachnid cationic peptides is affected by the phosphatidylcholine-to-sphingomyelin ratio in lipid bilayers. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes 2003; 1617:22-30. [PMID: 14637016 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2003.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The hemolytic activity of six cationic amphipathic peptides (Oxki1, Oxki2, Pin1, Pin2, IsCT1 and IsCT2) from arachnids strongly depends on the source of red blood cells. The hemolytic activity of the amphipathic peptides was correlated to the phosphocholine-to-sphingomyelin ratio (PC/SM) content, the potency order of which on mammal erythrocytes ranked as follows Guinea pig>pig>sheep. The spider peptides, Oxki1 and Oxki2, prefer small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) composed of PC, but they could not disrupt SUVs made of SM only. Moreover, the membrane-disrupting activity of the scorpion peptide Pin1 was affected by increasing concentrations of SM. Only the scorpion hemolytic peptide Pin2 was able to disrupt SUVs composed merely of SM at high concentrations. Finally, the short scorpion peptides IsCT1 and IsCT2 seem to tolerate high concentrations of SM in the presence of PC for disruption of SUVs; however, the disrupting activities of IsCT1 and IsCT2 are much lower than that of the other four hemolytic peptides. The hemolytic activity caused by all six cationic peptides in mammalian erythrocytes was positively correlated to increases in temperature and increases in the concentration of benzyl alcohol, a membrane fluidizing agent. It was concluded that the hemolytic activity of the cationic peptides strongly depends on the PC/SM content of mammalian erythrocytes, in which cell membranes with a low PC/SM ratio (i.e., of low fluidity) were less disturbed than membranes with a high PC/SM ratio (i.e., of high fluidity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga S Belokoneva
- Suntory Institute for Bioorganic Research, 1-1-1 Wakayamadai, Shimamoto-Cho, Mishima-Gun, 618-8503 Osaka, Japan.
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides have long been presumed to act as effector molecules of innate immunity. However, direct evidence that antimicrobial peptides have central roles in host defence has only recently become available. An overview of the types and characteristics of endogenous human antimicrobial peptides and proteins is presented, with particular emphasis on peptides that are active against HIV. These antiviral peptides are discussed in the context of utilising natural peptides for the design of effective topical microbicides for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Several antimicrobial peptides, termed minidefensins, are potently active against HIV, and bear structural similarity to their larger defensin cousins. Strategies to develop potent peptide antibiotics based on defensin and minidefensin templates are promising in the development of antiviral therapeutics and preventatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Cole
- UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Vanhoye D, Bruston F, Nicolas P, Amiche M. Antimicrobial peptides from hylid and ranin frogs originated from a 150-million-year-old ancestral precursor with a conserved signal peptide but a hypermutable antimicrobial domain. Eur J Biochem 2003; 270:2068-81. [PMID: 12709067 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1033.2003.03584.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The dermal glands of frogs produce antimicrobial peptides that protect the skin against noxious microorganisms and assist in wound repair. The sequences of these peptides are very dissimilar, both within and between species, so that the 5000 living anuran frogs may produce approximately 100 000 different antimicrobial peptides. The antimicrobial peptides of South American hylid frogs are derived from precursors, the preprodermaseptins, whose signal peptides and intervening sequences are remarkably conserved, but their C-terminal domains are markedly diverse, resulting in mature peptides with different lengths, sequences and antimicrobial spectra. We have used the extreme conservation in the preproregion of preprodermaseptin transcripts to identify new members of this family in Australian and South American hylids. All these peptides are cationic, amphipathic and alpha-helical. They killed a broad spectrum of microorganisms and acted in synergy. 42 preprodermaseptin gene sequences from 10 species of hylid and ranin frogs were analyzed in the context of their phylogeny and biogeography and of geophysical models for the fragmentation of Gondwana to examine the strategy that these frogs have evolved to generate an enormous array of peptide antibiotics. The hyperdivergence of modern antimicrobial peptides and the number of peptides per species result from repeated duplications of a approximately 150-million-year-old ancestral gene and accelerated mutations of the mature peptide domain, probably involving a mutagenic, error-prone, DNA polymerase similar to Escherichia coli Pol V. The presence of antimicrobial peptides with such different structures and spectra of action represents the successful evolution of multidrug defense by providing frogs with maximum protection against infectious microbes and minimizing the chance of microorganisms developing resistance to individual peptides. The hypermutation of the antimicrobial domain by a targeted mutagenic polymerase that can generate many sequence changes in a few steps may have a selective survival value when frogs colonizing a new ecological niche encounter different microbial predators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Vanhoye
- Laboratoire de Bioactivation des Peptides, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
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Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are important host-defense molecules of innate immunity. Cathelicidins are a diverse family of potent, rapidly acting and broadly effective antimicrobial peptides, which are produced by a variety of cells. This review examines the classification, antimicrobial spectrum, mechanism of action, and regulation of cathelicidins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramanathan
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-5802, USA
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Risso A. Leukocyte antimicrobial peptides: multifunctional effector molecules of innate immunity. J Leukoc Biol 2000; 68:785-92. [PMID: 11129645] [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: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides are effector molecules of innate immunity that provide a first line of defense against pathogens. In mammals, they are stored in granules of leukocytes and are present in those sites that are exposed to microbial invasion, such as mucosal surfaces and skin. In the last decade, biochemical investigations and recombinant DNA technology have allowed the identification and characterization of several antimicrobial peptides from various animal and vegetal species. Most of the mammalian peptides have been grouped in two broad families: defensins and cathelicidin-derived peptides. Functional studies have shown that the toxicity mechanisms for many peptides consist of a rapid permeabilization of the target cell membrane. In addition to their microbicidal activity, some members of both families are multifunctional molecules, playing a modulating role in the inflammation and the antigen-driven immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Risso
- Department of Biomedical Science and Biotechnology, University of Udine, Italy.
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Abstract
Mammalian epithelial surfaces are remarkable for their ability to provide critical physiologic functions in the face of frequent microbial challenges. The fact that these mucosal surfaces remain infection-free in the normal host suggests that highly effective mechanisms of host defense have evolved to protect these environmentally exposed tissues. Throughout the animal and plant kingdoms, endogenous genetically encoded antimicrobial peptides have been shown to be key elements in the response to epithelial compromise and microbial invasion. In mammals, a variety of such peptides have been identified, including the well-characterized defensins and cathelicidins. A major source of these host defense molecules is circulating phagocytic leukocytes. However, more recently, it has been shown that resident epithelial cells of the skin and respiratory, alimentary, and genitourinary tracts also synthesize and release antimicrobial peptides. Both in vitro and in vivo data support the hypothesis that these molecules are important contributors to intrinsic mucosal immunity. Alterations in their level of expression or biologic activity can predispose the organism to microbial infection. The regulatory and developmental aspects of antimicrobial peptide synthesis are discussed from a perspective that emphasizes the possible relevance to pediatric medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Huttner
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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