Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew Drayton, Julia P. Deisinger, Kevin C. Ludwig, Nigare Raheem, Anna Mueller, Tanja Schneider, Suzana K. Straus
Summary: The rapid rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria has raised concerns about the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides, with their diverse mechanisms of actions, offer a promising solution to combat these pathogens. This review discusses the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the potential of antimicrobial peptides in providing a more robust treatment of bacterial infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew Drayton, Morgan A. Alford, Daniel Pletzer, Evan F. Haney, Yoan Machado, Haiming D. Luo, Christopher M. Overall, Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu, Robert E. W. Hancock, Suzana K. Straus
Summary: A novel PEG-HDP conjugate was designed targeting MMPs at sites of inflammation and infection, enhancing antimicrobial activity through enzymatic cleavage while improving biocompatibility, demonstrated by strong antibacterial efficacy in a mouse abscess model with high-density MRSA infection.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarika Kumari, Valerie Booth
Summary: The majority of research on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) focuses on how they permeabilize lipid bilayers, but AMPs must also pass through non-lipid cell envelope components before reaching the lipid bilayer. There is a growing number of AMPs that target non-lipid structures inside the cell. It is therefore valuable to study AMP mechanisms in intact bacteria using biophysical methods traditionally applied to liposomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Blazej Slazak, Aleksandra Jedrzejska, Bogna Badyra, Reza Shariatgorji, Anna Nilsson, Per E. Andren, Ulf Goransson
Summary: Cyclotides are macrocycle peptides produced by plants, with potential applications in medicine, bioengineering and crop protection. This study found that different plant stress hormones and biological elicitors can enhance cyclotide production in Viola uliginosa suspension cultures.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chenjing Shang, Ting Ye, Qiao Zhou, Pengyu Chen, Xiangyu Li, Wenyi Li, Si Chen, Zhangli Hu, Wei Zhang
Summary: By analyzing the genomes of three mangrove species, Snakin/GASA family members were identified and categorized into three subfamilies. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction verified the expression of these family members in mangrove plants after microbial infection. This study provides a research basis for verifying host defense peptides from mangrove plants and suggests directions for the development and utilization of marine biological antimicrobial peptides.
Article
Immunology
Aetas Amponnawarat, Chalatip Chompunud Na Ayudhya, Hydar Ali
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat due to biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance, but a lipidated HDP mimetic called murepavadin has shown antibacterial activity against multi-drug-resistant strains. Murepavadin activates human MCs via MRGPRX2 and murine MCs via MrgprB2, potentially contributing to bacterial clearance and wound healing.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Xi Chen, Songcai Liu, Jiayuan Fang, Shuo Zheng, Zhaoguo Wang, Yingying Jiao, Peijun Xia, Hongyan Wu, Ze Ma, Linlin Hao
Summary: This review discusses the origin, structure, and functions of peptides secreted from amphibians' skin. These peptides have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and insulin-releasing properties. The review aims to provide further information and promote the research and application of amphibian skin secretions.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marija Petkovic, Michelle Vang Mouritzen, Biljana Mojsoska, Havard Jenssen
Summary: Cutaneous wound healing is a crucial biological process, with chronic wounds often arising from persistent inflammatory conditions caused by factors such as autoimmune diseases. Host defense peptides play a significant role in modulating immune skin function and offer potential for inspiring topical treatments for chronic wounds.
Review
Agronomy
Fernando Lobo, Alicia Boto
Summary: Host-defense peptides (HDP) are emerging as promising phytosanitaries due to their potency, low toxicity, and low induction of antimicrobial resistance. They are natural compounds that have been used by animals and plants for millions of years to defend against pathogens. HDPs are being discovered through genome mining and produced using biofactories. Truncated or modified peptides have been developed to improve their bioactivities and reduce production costs. The combination of HDP and other antimicrobials, as well as the development of hybrid molecules, has shown promising results. However, cautionary measures need to be taken for the sustainable use of HDPs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suemin Lee, Bethany R. Schefter, Sattar Taheri-Araghi, Bae-Yeun Ha
Summary: In this study, a biophysical model was used to quantitatively demonstrate the dependence of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) selectivity on the presence and density of host cells and peptide trapping in a mixture of bacteria and host cells. The results showed that the selectivity increases with increasing host-cell density, but decreases with bacterial cell density. The model also clarified the difference between cell selectivity and membrane selectivity of AMPs.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Sylvia Indriani, Supatra Karnjanapratum, Nilesh Prakash Nirmal, Sitthipong Nalinanon
Summary: Everywhere in the world, amphibians are being consumed as an alternative protein source due to their deliciousness. However, their edible skin, especially from frogs and giant salamanders, often goes to waste without further utilization. This review discusses the extraction and identification of protein and bioactive peptides (BPs) from various amphibian skins and their biological activities. It also describes the nutritional composition and production status of amphibians, as well as the constraints against utilizing their skin and secretions. Furthermore, prospective applications of BPs in the food and biomedical industries, such as multifunctional food additives and drug delivery agents, are presented.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hashem Etayash, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: Amphiphilic antimicrobial polymers and surface engineered polymeric-brush-tethered HDP are promising strategies that aim to overcome limitations of HDPs, enhance physicochemical properties and therapeutic performance, and address unmet therapeutic needs.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Isabel Tobin, Guolong Zhang
Summary: The rise of antimicrobial resistance has led to an urgent need for antibiotic alternatives in disease control and prevention. Host defense peptides (HDPs), with their antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, offer a promising solution to treating infections without the risk of developing resistance. Polyphenols, natural compounds found in plants, have been found to stimulate HDP synthesis and show potential as antibiotic alternatives.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Wu-Bin Shao, Rong-Shuang Luo, Jiao Meng, Xiao-Kang Lv, Hong-Mei Xiang, Wan-Lin Xiao, Xiang Zhou, Li-Wei Liu, Zhi-Bing Wu, Song Yang
Summary: Phenothiazine derivatives showed excellent bioactivity against different bacteria and demonstrated potential as pesticide candidates for plant diseases. Compound C-2 had high effectiveness against rice leaf blight, outperforming commonly used pesticides.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ernest Y. Lee, Liana C. Chan, Huiyuan Wang, Juelline Lieng, Mandy Hung, Yashes Srinivasan, Jennifer Wang, James A. Waschek, Andrew L. Ferguson, Kuo-Fen Lee, Nannette Y. Yount, Michael R. Yeaman, Gerard C. L. Wong
Summary: This study confirms the antimicrobial role of PACAP and reveals its selective induction in the brain during infection. Through various mechanisms, including disruption of pathogen membrane integrity and activation of cell death pathways, PACAP exhibits antimicrobial activity.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Parvin Abraham, Anand Sundaram, R. Asha, V Reshmy, Sanil George, K. Santhosh Kumar
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
K. J. Kochurani, Annie A. Suganya, Madhumathy G. Nair, Jiss Maria Louis, Aditi Majumder, Santhosh K. Kumar, Parvin Abraham, Debasree Dutta, Tessy T. Maliekal
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2015)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parvin Abraham, Tessy Thomas Maliekal
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2017)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annie A. S. Suganya, K. J. Kochurani, Madhumathy G. Nair, Jiss Maria Louis, Santhosh Sankaran, R. Rajagopal, K. Santhosh Kumar, Parvin Abraham, P. G. Balagopal, Paul Sebastian, Thara Somananthan, Tessy Thomas Maliekal
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2016)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. Reshmy, V. Preeji, A. Parvin, K. Santhoshkumar, S. George
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2011)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parvin Abraham, Leny Jose, Tessy Thomas Maliekal, R. Ajay Kumar, K. Santhosh Kumar
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
V. K. Priya, Satish Prasad Rath, Parvin Abraham
Summary: By utilizing a computational approach, a peptide named Peptide 7 was designed to bind to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, preventing viral entry into host cells. Docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations demonstrated that Peptide 7 binds with higher affinity to the RBDs than native receptors, forming stable complexes and inhibiting viral-receptor interactions effectively. This peptide inhibitor shows promise as a potential candidate for peptide-based antiviral therapy against Coronaviruses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Siva Santhiya Arul, Brinda Balakrishnan, Savithri S. Handanahal, Sangita Venkataraman
Summary: Viral nanoparticles are self-assembling delivery systems used for vaccines and therapeutic agents. They have improved biocompatibility and are widely used in various biomedical applications. However, large-scale production of VNPs still faces challenges.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wisely Chua, Carl O. Marsh, Si En Poh, Winston LC. Koh, Melody Li Ying Lee, Li Fang Koh, Xin-Zi Emily Tang, Peter See, Zheng Ser, Shi Mei Wang, Radoslaw M. Sobota, Thomas L. Dawson Jr, Yik Weng Yew, Steven Thng, Anthony J. O'Donoghue, Hazel H. Oon, John E. Common, Hao Li
Summary: In this study, the gene expression of enzymes secreted by Malassezia globosa in the skin was investigated using targeted RNA sequencing. The study found that the expression of these enzymes is regulated by the fungus's environment and differs significantly from healthy skin sites. Additionally, a pseudoprotease MGL_3331 was identified to elicit an immune reaction in patients with atopic dermatitis. This highlights the importance of studying fungal proteins in physiologically relevant environments and their role in host immunity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Belisa Parmeggiani, Marian Flores Signori, Cristiane Cecatto, Marina Rocha Frusciante, Manuela Bianchin Marcuzzo, Debora Guerini Souza, Rafael Teixeira Ribeiro, Bianca Seminotti, Diogo Onofre Gomes de Souza, Cesar Augusto Joa o Ribeiro, Moacir Wajner, Guilhian Leipnitz
Summary: Non ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a disorder caused by mutations in the genes encoding glycine cleavage system proteins, leading to severe neurodegeneration and white matter alterations. The study found that glycine affects myelin structure, glutamatergic system, and induces oxidative stress in neonatal rats and MO3.13 oligodendroglial cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie Rose Ndella Thiaw, Pascal Gantet
Summary: Mini zinc fingers play important roles in plant development, including control of cell division and expansion, meristem state transition, and growth and organ development. They have diverse modes of action, such as direct gene activation, interaction with specific transcription factors, and aggregation of protein complexes for chromatin remodeling. Further research is needed to explore their wider range of biological functions and their involvement in biotic and abiotic stress responses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shao-Jui Lai, Takahiro Kameda, Maasa Morita, Yuka Yamagata, Kaoruko Nishizaka, Yuna Horiuchi, Yukihiro Kobayashi, Yoko Usami, Jun-Jen Liu, Takeshi Kasama, Minoru Tozuka, Ryunosuke Ohkawa
Summary: In this study, the co-modification and impact of chymase and MPO on HDL were investigated. Sequential treatment with MPO and chymase generated two novel apoA-I fragments from HDL, one of which has a specific immunological property and can be used to predict patients with normal HDL-C levels and cardiovascular diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiao-Mi Sun, Asami Yoshida, Takuya Ishii, Yan-Rong Jiang, Yi-Li Gao, Mikinori Ueno, Katsuya Hirasaka, Kiyoshi Osatomi
Summary: This study found that infection with the causative bacteria of edwardsiellosis, Edwardsiella tarda NUF251, leads to the production of superoxide radicals, causing oxidative stress. The research on the Jfsod1 gene suggests that the transcription factor NF-IL6 plays a significant role in upregulating the transcriptional activity of the gene in response to oxidative stress induced by NUF251 infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shane M. Carey, Sean P. Kearns, Matthew E. Millington, Gregory S. Buechner, Beda E. Alvarez Jr, Leily Daneshian, Brendan Abiskaroon, Maksymilian Chruszcz, Edward L. D'Antonio
Summary: The importance of F337 in TcGlcK was investigated using the hole mutagenesis approach, revealing its key interactions with aromatic tail groups in inhibitor molecules. Mutants retaining activity and structural similarity were obtained, suggesting the possibility of TcHxK existing as a monomer lacking the F337 residue. Similar D-glucosamine inhibitors may bind less strongly to TcHxK due to the absence of van der Waals contacts from residue side chains.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catia Barria, Diogo Athayde, Guillem Hernandez, Leonor Fonseca, Jorge Casinhas, Tiago N. Cordeiro, Margarida Archer, Cecilia M. Arraiano, Jose A. Brito, Rute G. Matos
Summary: Ribonucleases play a crucial role in RNA regulation by processing, degrading, and quality controlling cellular transcripts. Campylobacter jejuni, the main cause of human gastroenteritis, relies on the exoribonuclease PNPase (CjPNP) for low-temperature survival, virulence factor synthesis, and swimming, cell adhesion/invasion, and chick colonization abilities. The crystallographic structure of CjPNP, along with SAXS analysis, confirms its trimeric arrangement and provides insight into domain arrangement and flexibility. Mutations in highly conserved residues reveal unexpected RNA degradation activity even under conditions favoring polymerization. These findings have significant implications for the development of strategies to combat C. jejuni infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elvira R. Shaykhutdinova, Maria S. Severyukhina, Inna V. Kholoshenko, Elena A. Gondarenko, Irina V. Shelukhina, Elena V. Kryukova, Alina M. Ismailova, Elena S. Sadovnikova, Igor A. Dyachenko, Arkady N. Murashev, Victor I. Tsetlin, Yuri N. Utkin
Summary: Evidence suggests that activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can reduce cardiac injury caused by ischemia and reperfusion. In this study, the expression of a4, a6, and a132 nAChR subunits in the rat heart's left ventricle was demonstrated. The nAChR agonists cytisine and varenicline, commonly used for nicotine addiction treatment, were found to significantly reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, with varenicline showing greater protection. The presence of a4132, a7, and/or a6132-containing receptors suggests that the protective effect of varenicline may be mediated by these subunits. These findings indicate a potential new use for cytisine and varenicline as cardioprotective agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xinhai Xiong, Wenjie Chen, Cheng Chen, Qi Wu, Chaopeng He
Summary: This article summarizes the important roles of Cx43 in disease development from the perspective of subcellular localization and provides new ideas for Cx43 as a therapeutic target and the search for related pathological mechanisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Bastos, Simone Pascoal, Kamila Lopes, Marcia Mortari, Helena Oliveira
Summary: Cancer, especially melanoma, is a major global health problem due to its metastatic capacity, treatment resistance, and high mortality rates. The Chartergellus-CP1 peptide isolated from Chartergellus communis wasp venom showed selective cytotoxicity towards melanoma cell lines, inducing apoptosis, cell cycle impairment, and intracellular ROS increase.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charlotte Claeyssen, Nathan Bulangalire, Bruno Bastide, Onnik Agbulut, Caroline Cieniewski-Bernard
Summary: Maintenance of striated muscle tissue relies on a dynamic network of protein-protein interactions. Desmin intermediate filaments play a crucial role in heart and skeletal muscle by maintaining cell structure and contributing to various cellular processes. The assembly of desmin intermediate filaments requires aB-crystallin, which is involved in multiple cellular functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dhritiman Dey, Adhiraj Dasgupta, Dipanjan Ghosh, Oindrila Bhattacharjee, Abhrajyoti Ghosh, Ayae Honda, Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay
Summary: This study successfully identified host factors that interact with Chandipura Virus (CHPV) and play a critical role in infection, including A2M, LRP1, and GRP78. Knocking out A2M has a severe effect on viral infection, indicating the potential role of these host proteins in viral entry into host cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Dotsenko, Igor Sinelnikov, Aleksandra Rozhkova, Ivan Zorov, Arkady Sinitsyn
Summary: Xylanases play important roles in various industrial applications, such as feed additives, pulp and paper bleaching, and the production of bread, food, and drinks. Xylanases from the GH10 family show high thermostability and resistance to protein inhibitors, making them promising candidates for these processes. This study successfully improved the thermostability and enzymatic activity of GH10 xylanase, which could enhance its effectiveness as a feed additive and during pulp and paper bleaching.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Jaquet, M. Bengue, K. Lambert, G. Carnac, D. Misse, C. Bisbal
Summary: Changes to our environment have led to the emergence of human pathogens such as chikungunya virus, which is now a major public health concern. In this study, the interconnection between skeletal muscle cells metabolism, their differentiation stage, and the infectivity of chikungunya virus was investigated. The results showed that chikungunya virus infectivity is dependent on cell differentiation and metabolism and that the virus interferes with cellular metabolism.
