Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taoran Wang, Cunbin Zou, Na Wen, Xingdong Liu, Zhao Meng, Siliang Feng, Zhibing Zheng, Qingbin Meng, Chenhong Wang
Summary: This study made a series of modifications on an antimicrobial peptide F2,5,12W to enhance antimicrobial activity, plasma stability, and reduce hemolytic activity. The results showed that mPEG conjugation improved plasma stability and reduced hemolytic activity, but decreased antimicrobial activity. Altering the peptide sequence had little impact on antimicrobial activity and plasma stability, while introduction of cysteine enhanced plasma stability but increased hemolysis.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
YuHao You, HongYu Liu, YouZhuo Zhu, Heng Zheng
Summary: The global increase in antimicrobial drug resistance has reduced the effectiveness of traditional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides, as part of innate immunity, are promising candidates due to their diverse sequences and mechanisms of action. However, their usage is restricted due to low chemical stability, susceptibility to proteases, and high hemolytic effect.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seong-Cheol Park, Jong-Kook Lee, Young-Min Kim, Jung Ro Lee
Summary: Due to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens, scientists have discovered antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with high antibacterial activity and cell selectivity. By modifying the amino acids in the peptide chain, they have enhanced the antimicrobial effects and salt tolerance, while reducing cytotoxicity.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Hyunhee Lee, Sungtae Yang, Sung-Heui Shin
Summary: This study compared KL18 with KL-PxxP to investigate the effects of the central PxxP motif in AHPs on their structure, antibiotic activity, and mode of action. It was found that KL-PxxP exhibited higher antibacterial activity and lower hemolytic activity compared to KL18. Furthermore, KL-PxxP showed strong binding to anionic liposomes and weak binding to zwitterionic liposomes, suggesting its selectivity for bacteria. These findings are important for the development of novel peptide antibiotics.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xiangdong Ye, Huajun Zhang, Xudong Luo, Fengyin Huang, Fang Sun, Liangbin Zhou, Li Ding, Chenhu Qin, Haimei Zhou, Xin Liu, Zongyun Chen
Summary: Biologically active peptides, such as mastoparans, found in wasp venom have diverse biological effects but their potential hemolytic activity restricts their clinical applications. This study systematically investigated the hemolytic activity of mastoparans and identified functional variations in their molecular diversity. It was revealed that hydrophobicity plays a critical role in the hemolytic activity of mastoparans. Four promising mastoparan peptides were identified with high antimicrobial activity and low hemolytic activity. This research not only provides new leads for the antimicrobial application of mastoparans but also supports the molecular design and optimization of mastoparan family peptides with low hemolytic activity regardless of net charge or amphiphilicity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Byeong Jun Jeon, Nayeon Yoo, Jeong Do Kim, Jaeyoung Choi
Summary: This study identified highly conserved protein sequence profiles within the genus Streptomyces and discovered a highly conserved sequence with antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. This sequence could be a potential antimicrobial agent for controlling plant diseases.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hai Bui Thi Phuong, Chi Le Uyen, Hoa Doan Ngan, Huy Luong Xuan
Summary: Insect venom contains potential antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that can be used as alternatives to antibiotics. Lasioglossin IIILL-III, in particular, shows broad spectrum activity against many fungi strains and bacteria types, while being non-toxic to red blood cells. Various chemical approaches have been used to enhance its pharmacological properties and understand the structure-activity relationships. This review provides insights for future design of potent, selective, and metabolically stable AMPs.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gopal Pandit, Nabarupa Chowdhury, Sk. Abdul Mohid, Anil P. Bidkar, Anirban Bhunia, Sunanda Chatterjee
Summary: This study reports the efficacy and toxicity of three de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against a range of pathogens, highlighting the importance of optimal hydrophobic interactions in generating highly potent non-cytotoxic AMPs. Among the AMPs tested, VV-14 was found to be non-cytotoxic and highly potent under physiological salt concentrations, able to form amphipathic helical conformations in the presence of microbial membrane mimics. The activity of these AMPs is related to their ability to interact with cell membrane lipids through hydrophobic interactions, determining their antimicrobial potency and cytotoxicity.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tianyi Yan, Fuqiu Li, Jinran Li, Feng Chen
Summary: The antimicrobial peptides ToAP2A, ToAP2C, and ToAP2D were synthesized based on peptide ToAP2 and were found to have stronger anti-fungal activity, with ToAP2D showing the most potent effect. The treatment with ToAP2D inhibited the growth of S. globosa and induced apoptosis, suggesting its potential for sporotrichosis therapy.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Benjamin L. Woods, Amy S. Gladfelter
Summary: Septins are conserved guanine nucleotide-binding proteins that play important roles in cell morphogenesis and signaling events. They form scaffolds crucial for cytokinetic machinery recruitment, plasma membrane organization, and cell polarity orientation. Despite being relatively poorly understood compared to other cytoskeletal proteins, recent developments in septin cell biology have highlighted their significance in various aspects of cellular processes and diseases.
CURRENT OPINION IN CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ping-Chien Lee, Chi-Fang Yen, Ching-Chun Lin, Feng-Di T. Lung
Summary: Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are a serious health issue and could lead to 10 million deaths per year by 2050. This study aimed to design antimicrobial peptides with improved activity by substituting amino acids in specific positions. Results showed that adding leucine on the hydrophobic side and glutamic acid at the centrosymmetric position enhanced antimicrobial activity and salt resistance. The THL-2-3 peptide exhibited the strongest antimicrobial activity and highest salt resistance and cell selectivity among all the designed peptides. The findings provide useful references for enhancing antimicrobial activity through peptide design.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyunhee Lee, Sung-Heui Shin, Sungtae Yang
Summary: PMAP-NC, derived from PMAP-23, has improved bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains with fast killing kinetics. It also exhibits better anticancer activity against tumor cells and low hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sanjoy Paul, Anjon Audhya, Qiang Cui
Summary: The Sar1 GTPase plays a key role in COPII-mediated protein transport by generating membrane curvature on the endoplasmic reticulum. However, the molecular mechanism by which Sar1 is activated and regulates membrane remodeling remains unclear. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we show that Sar1-GTP inserts into the membrane more efficiently and generates higher positive curvature compared to Sar1-GDP. Dimerization of Sar1-GTP further amplifies curvature generation.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haixin Qin, Weimin Zuo, Lilin Ge, Shirley W. I. Siu, Lei Wang, Xiaoling Chen, Chengbang Ma, Tianbao Chen, Mei Zhou, Zhijian Cao, Hang Fai Kwok
Summary: A novel brevinin peptide, B1AW, isolated from the skin secretions of the Wuyi torrent frog, showed antimicrobial activities and anticancer potency. By introducing a lysine residue, B1AW-K was designed to broaden the antimicrobial spectrum and inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines. B1AW-K demonstrated faster adsorption to the anionic membrane compared to B1AW, suggesting its potential as a dual-action drug prototype that warrants further clinical investigation and validation.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyun Mo, Suwen Zhao, Jie Zhao, Yongjie Huang, Tao Li, Yongqiao Zhu, Gang Li, Yang Li, Hong Shan
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have potential as anti-infective drugs, but their effectiveness is limited by short retention at the infection site and non-targeted uptake. Researchers have developed a strategy to overcome these limitations by immobilizing AMPs to damaged collagen, creating a reservoir for sustained release. This approach has shown enhanced antimicrobial efficacy and tissue repair in vitro and in vivo, offering a new avenue for antimicrobial treatments in a range of infected tissues.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Do-Hee Kim, Sung-Min Kang, Sung Jean Park, Chenglong Jin, Hye-Jin Yoon, Bong-Jin Lee
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2018)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyo Jung Kim, Ae-Ran Kwon, Bong-Jin Lee
BIOSCIENCE REPORTS
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Huy X. Luong, Do-Hee Kim, Bong-Jin Lee, Young-Woo Kim
ARCHIVES OF PHARMACAL RESEARCH
(2018)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Yong-Hyun Han, Kyong-Oh Shin, Ju-Yeon Kim, Daulat B. Khadka, Hyeon-Ji Kim, Yong-Moon Lee, Won-Jea Cho, Ji-Young Cha, Bong-Jin Lee, Mi-Ock Lee
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Youngim Kim, Sang Jae Lee, Hye-Jin Yoon, Nak-Kyoon Kim, Bong-Jin Lee, Yong Suh
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sung-Min Kang, Do-Hee Kim, Chenglong Jin, Hee-Chul Ahn, Bong-Jin Lee
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dong-Gyun Kim, Sujin Cho, Kyu-Yeon Lee, Seung-Ho Cheon, Hye-Jin Yoon, Joo-Youn Lee, Dongyoon Kim, Kwang-Soo Shin, Choong-Hyun Koh, Ji Sung Koo, Yuri Choi, Hyung Ho Lee, Yu-Kyoung Oh, Yoo-Seong Jeong, Suk-Jae Chung, Moonkyu Baek, Kwan-Young Jung, Hyo Jin Lim, Hyoun Sook Kim, Sung Jean Park, Jeong-Yeon Lee, Sang Jae Lee, Bong-Jin Lee
Summary: NSDHL, a crucial enzyme in human cholesterol synthesis and regulator of EGFR, has been studied for its potential therapeutic applications. Two X-ray crystal structures of human NSDHL were reported, revealing coenzyme-binding details and a conformational change. A novel inhibitor for NSDHL was identified, showing suppressive activity towards EGFR, enhancing antitumor effects in EGFR-driven cancer cells. These findings may serve as a platform for developing therapeutic agents against NSDHL-related diseases.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
DongWon Park, Hye-Jin Yoon, Ki-Young Lee, Sung-Jean Park, Seung-Ho Cheon, Hyung Ho Lee, Sang Jae Lee, Bong-Jin Lee
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyo Jung Kim, Bong-Jin Lee, Ae-Ran Kwon
JOURNAL OF LIPID RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyu-Yeon Lee, Seung-Ho Cheon, Dong-Gyun Kim, Sang Jae Lee, Bong-Jin Lee
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-Jong Eun, Ki-Young Lee, Dong-Gyun Kim, Daseul Im, Bong-Jin Lee
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Do-Hee Kim, Sung-Min Kang, Sung-Min Baek, Hye-Jin Yoon, Dong Man Jang, Hyoun Sook Kim, Sang Jae Lee, Bong-Jin Lee
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogenic bacterium with global distribution, has been the focus of recent research on developing novel antibiotics based on its toxin-antitoxin systems. This study investigates the structure and function of the PemIK system in S. aureus, providing valuable information for the discovery and development of antibiotics that inhibit the direct binding between PemI and PemK.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ki-Young Lee, Bong-Jin Lee
Summary: Type II toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules are commonly found in prokaryotes and play roles in maintaining cell survival under adverse conditions. The antitoxins' intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) have been shown to have helical conformations and function as central hubs in regulatory protein interaction networks. However, the biological and pathogenic functions of these IDRs are not well discussed compared to those in eukaryotic proteomes. This article focuses on the versatile roles of IDRs in type II antitoxins and provides insights into the discovery of new antibiotic candidates.
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Bong Jin Lee
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sung-Min Kang, Chenglong Jin, Do-Hee Kim, Yuno Lee, Bong-Jin Lee
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2020)