Article
Chemistry, Physical
Josefine Eilso Nielsen, Victoria Ariel Bjornestad, Vitaliy Pipich, Havard Jenssen, Reidar Lund
Summary: By combining state-of-the-art small angle X-ray/neutron scattering techniques, this study found that various natural antimicrobial peptides accelerate essential lipid transport processes without altering the overall structure of lipid membranes, potentially triggering lethal signaling processes and enhancing ion transport.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Priyadarshini, Josip Ivica, Frances Separovic, Maurits R. R. de Planque
Summary: Many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are cationic host defence peptides (HDPs) that interact with microbial membranes, potentially serving as therapeutics to combat antibiotic resistance. Studying the effects of four AMPs and a bee toxin on different phospholipid membranes highlights the importance of using appropriate bilayer compositions and peptide concentrations for AMP research. The research confirms existing peptide-bilayer interaction models and emphasizes the significance of understanding AMP behavior in relation to lipid bilayers mimicking bacterial and human cell membranes.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Morgane Adelaide, Evgeniy Salnikov, Francisco Ramos-Martin, Christopher Aisenbrey, Catherine Sarazin, Burkhard Bechinger, Nicola D'Amelio
Summary: SAAP-148 is an antimicrobial peptide derived from LL-37 with excellent activity against drug-resistant bacteria and biofilms. Its mechanism of action at the molecular level has not been explored despite its optimal pharmacological properties.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Claudia Herrera-Leon, Francisco Ramos-Martin, Hassan El Btaouri, Viviane Antonietti, Pascal Sonnet, Laurent Martiny, Fabrizia Zevolini, Chiara Falciani, Catherine Sarazin, Nicola D'Amelio
Summary: This study demonstrates that specific arrangements of amino acids in anticancer peptides significantly impact their activity, with changes in amino acid order or substitutions in key motifs affecting the efficacy against cancer cell lines. The study also reveals that the insertion capability in cancer-mimicking membranes is crucial for the activity of the peptides, with specific amino acids playing a role in anchoring and insertion into these membranes.
Article
Microbiology
Meng Wang, Zifeng Deng, Yanmei Li, Keyong Xu, Yi Ma, Shang-Tian Yang, Jufang Wang
Summary: In this study, a novel antibacterial peptide named PEW300 was found to have strong antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was able to disperse mature biofilms and target extracellular DNA, leading to the death of the bacteria. PEW300 also exhibited multiple actions including destroying cell membrane integrity, inducing high levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, and interacting with genomic DNA.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mario R. Felicio, Gislaine G. O. S. Silveira, Karen G. N. Oshiro, Beatriz T. Meneguetti, Octavio L. Franco, Nuno C. Santos, Sonia Goncalves
Summary: This study evaluated the applicability and mechanisms of action of two synthetic AMPs against a clinically isolated multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli strain. The results showed that both peptides have potential antimicrobial activity, but with different mechanisms of action, with Pa-MAP 1.9 being more effective than Pa-MAP 2. These findings highlight the potential use of these AMPs as antimicrobial agents against MDR bacteria.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Animesh Halder, Sanat Karmakar
Summary: In this study, it was observed that NK-2 can form transmembrane pores on negatively charged phospholipid membranes and has significant interaction with anionic membranes. Additionally, an increase in NK-2 concentration leads to the aggregation of large vesicles.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jose J. L. Silva, Maria R. A. de Miranda, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: Fungal contamination is a major cause of food spoilage, posing serious risks to human health and economic losses. This review discusses the recent advances in using synthetic peptides as agents to address foodborne fungal resistance and their applications in food preservation.
CURRENT OPINION IN FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Deborah L. Gater, Keontre I. Hughes, Vivian Stojanoff, Abdel F. Isakovic
Summary: Pseudo-ternary mixtures of lamellar phase phospholipids were studied to investigate the influence of cholesterol content, temperature, and the presence of small quantities of vitamin D binding protein or vitamin D receptor. X-ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements were conducted to analyze the lipids' behavior and their headgroup location variations under different experimental conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Filomena Battista, Rosario Oliva, Pompea Del Vecchio, Roland Winter, Luigi Petraccone
Summary: LL-III, a cationic antimicrobial peptide, exhibits strong toxicity to bacteria, fungi, and tumors, with low toxicity to eukaryotic cells. Studies have shown that LL-III interacts preferentially with anionic lipids, inducing the formation of lipid domains and increasing membrane permeability in a non-disruptive manner, indicating intracellular targeting mode of action. This peptide also shows interaction with plasmid DNA, suggesting a possible intracellular target.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Morgan A. Hitchner, Matthew R. Necelis, Devanie Shirley, Gregory A. Caputo
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have high selectivity and are widely studied for their activity against bacterial targets. This study explored the impact of amino acid substitutions on peptide activity, finding that non-natural amino acid substitutions can enhance antimicrobial activity. Additionally, peptides exhibited deeper binding to anionic lipids and stronger bacterial membrane disruption, with a promising peptide showing high activity and low hemolysis levels.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
John Yun Niu, Iris Xiaoxue Yin, William Ka Kei Wu, Quan-Li Li, May Lei Mei, Chun Hung Chu
Summary: This study successfully developed a novel dual-action peptide, GA-KR12, with antimicrobial and mineralising properties. Results showed that GA-KR12 exhibited good antimicrobial effects against cariogenic species and mineralised enamel.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Manuel Carrer, Josefine Eilso Nielsen, Henrique Musseli Cezar, Reidar Lund, Michele Cascella, Thereza A. Soares
Summary: We investigate the lipid transport properties of model lipid membranes in the presence of antimicrobial peptide indolicidin. Experimental techniques are used to compare with fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that lipid flip-flop dynamics is greatly accelerated upon peripheral binding of the peptides, even at low concentrations. Computer modeling explains the interplay between structural changes and lipid dynamics induced by peptides and proposes a universal mechanism for the mode of action of antimicrobial peptides.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jehangir Cama, Kareem Al Nahas, Marcus Fletcher, Katharine Hammond, Maxim G. Ryadnov, Ulrich F. Keyser, Stefano Pagliara
Summary: This study investigates the structure-activity relationships of polypeptide antibiotics using two microfluidic platforms. The researchers find strong correlations between the physicochemical activity of each peptide at the membrane level and its biological activity at the cellular level. They demonstrate the capability of their strategy to detect differential responses for peptides with single amino acid substitutions, which can accelerate the rational design and development of peptide antimicrobials.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mauricio Arias, Evan F. Haney, Ashley L. Hilchie, Jennifer A. Corcoran, M. Eric Hyndman, Robert E. W. Hancock, Hans J. Vogel
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
William F. Porto, Luz N. Irazazabal, Vincent Humblot, Evan F. Haney, Suzana M. Ribeiro, Robert E. W. Hancock, Ali Ladram, Octavio L. Franco
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2020)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bing (Catherine) Wu, Evan F. Haney, Noushin Akhoundsadegh, Daniel Pletzer, Michael J. Trimble, Alwin E. Adriaans, Peter H. Nibbering, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: A human epidermis organoid model was developed for studying host-microbe interplay and screening for novel antibiofilm agents. Treatment with antibiofilm peptide DJK-5 significantly reduced bacterial burden of MRSA and PAO1 biofilms. Application of DJK-5 on thermally wounded skin infected with MRSA biofilms led to decreased bacterial load, cytotoxicity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Evan F. Haney, Michael J. Trimble, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: The protocol outlines simple and reproducible methods for assessing the biofilm inhibition and eradication capacities of novel antibiofilm agents against adherent bacterial biofilms grown in 96-well microtiter plates. It is accessible to any laboratory with a plate reader, requires minimal technical expertise or training, and takes 4 to 5 days to complete.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hashem Etayash, Evan F. Haney, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: The protocol presented in this article allows high-throughput screening of SPOT-peptide arrays to assess the antibiofilm, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory activities of synthetic peptides. It enables rapid evaluation of hundreds of synthetic host defense peptides to define their overall activity profiles and identify candidate sequences for further characterization and development as anti-infectives.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kai Yu, Amal Alzahrani, Sara Khoddami, John T. J. Cheng, Yan Mei, Arshdeep Gill, Haiming D. Luo, Evan F. Haney, Kai Hilpert, Robert E. W. Hancock, Dirk Lange, Jayachandran N. Kizhakkedathu
Summary: Bifunctional coatings integrating nonfouling components and antimicrobial peptides offer a promising approach for developing potent antibiofilm coatings. A new strategy has been developed to rapidly assemble stable and substrate-independent AMP-based antibiofilm coatings with excellent antibiofilm activity. By altering the organization of hydrophilic polymer chains within the coatings, optimal peptide combinations can be identified for potent antibiofilm activity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Robert E. W. Hancock, Morgan A. Alford, Evan F. Haney
Summary: This review discusses how the complex functional attributes of host defence peptides offer opportunities for antimicrobial therapeutics, with a focus on their emerging antibiofilm properties. The mechanisms of action of antibiofilm peptides are compared with antimicrobial peptides. Additionally, obstacles to translating candidate peptides into therapeutics and potential solutions are discussed.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Felix L. Santana, Ivan Arenas, Evan F. Haney, Karel Estrada, Robert E. W. Hancock, Gerardo Corzo
Summary: In this study, five new crocodylian beta-defensin variants were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Among them, the Am23SK variant showed promising activity against bacterial pathogens and biofilms, while also displaying no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells and exerting immunomodulatory effects in vitro. These results have expanded the understanding of the activity landscape of crocodylian and reptilian beta-defensins.
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
Engineering, Biomedical
Mauricio Goncalves da Costa Sousa, Gabriela Conceicao de Almeida, Danilo Cesar Martins Mota, Rosiane Andrade da Costa, Simoni Campos Dias, Samuel Nunes Limberger, Frank Ko, Li Ting Lin, Evan F. Haney, Hashem Etayash, Beverlie Baquir, Michael J. Trimble, Ya Shen, Zheng Su, Markus Haapasalo, Daniel Pletzer, Leticia Chaves de Souza, Glaucia Schuindt Teixeira, Renato M. Silva, Robert E. W. Hancock, Octavio Luiz Franco, Taia Maria Berto Rezende
Summary: This article introduces a multifunctional scaffold material for dental pulp regeneration, which has antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities, and achieves pulp-like tissue formation in vivo.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Chelsea Woods, Lindsey Woolley, Gavin Partridge, Mengqi Chen, Evan F. Haney, Robert E. W. Hancock, Nicky Buller, Andrew Currie
Summary: This study found that most antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) had reduced potency in high salt concentrations and were ineffective at reducing bacterial load in a typical commercial rotifer culture. Only two AMPs showed effectiveness against specific bacterial strains.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tullio V. F. Esposito, Cristina Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Colin Blackadar, Evan F. Haney, Daniel Pletzer, Robert E. W. Hancock, Katayoun Saatchi, Urs O. Hafeli
Summary: This study investigated the pharmacokinetics of a well-characterized IDR molecule, IDR-1018. The distribution and clearance of the peptide were found to vary depending on the route of administration and dose. The study also revealed that local administration could avoid peptide toxicity associated with systemic administration.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Bing (Catherine) Wu, Travis M. Blimkie, Evan F. Haney, Reza Falsafi, Noushin Akhoundsadegh, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: Using a human organoid skin model, the study investigated the transcriptomic changes of thermally-injured epidermis to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilm colonization. It was found that synthetic antibiofilm peptide DJK-5 effectively diminished MRSA biofilm and associated skin inflammation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Felix L. Santana, Karel Estrada, Morgan A. Alford, Bing C. Wu, Melanie Dostert, Lucas Pedraz, Noushin Akhoundsadegh, Pavneet Kalsi, Evan F. Haney, Suzana K. Straus, Gerardo Corzo, Robert E. W. Hancock
Summary: Host defense peptides (HDPs) are an alternative approach to combat antibiotic resistance. Crocodylians have a robust immune system and researchers have discovered novel cathelicidin sequences with broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Among them, As-CATH8 exhibited similar activity profiles to last-resort antibiotics, killed planktonic and biofilm cells, caused cell membrane depolarization and binding to DNA. As-CATH8 also showed superior antibiofilm activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) compared to human cathelicidin LL-37. Moreover, As-CATH8 demonstrated strong antibacterial effects against clinical isolates of S. aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii in a murine abscess model. This study expands the understanding of cathelicidin peptides in crocodylians and highlights the therapeutic potential of As-CATH8 for common skin infections.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evan F. Haney, Kelli C. Wuerth, Negin Rahanjam, Nazila Safaei Nikouei, Arvin Ghassemi, Mahsa Alizadeh Noghani, Anthony Boey, Robert E. W. Hancock
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raja Narayanasamy, Dandamudi Usharani, Ram Rajasekharan
Summary: This study investigated the role of ABHD16B in lipid metabolism. The overexpression of ABHD16B was found to decrease cellular triacylglycerol levels and increase phospholipid synthesis in yeast cells. Additionally, ABHD16B overexpression led to a reduction in lipid droplets and significant modifications in fatty acid composition. These findings highlight the importance of ABHD16B in lipid homeostasis and provide insights into its regulatory function in cellular lipid metabolism.
CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS OF LIPIDS
(2024)