Article
Fisheries
Shui-Sheng Yu, Zeng-Hui Zhao, Xiao-Fei Gong, Xiao-Li Fan, Zhi-Hua Lin, Jie Chen
Summary: The study identified an 8-defensin cDNA from the skin transcriptome of Chinese spiny frog, Quasipaa spinosa, which showed antibacterial activity against various bacteria. Synthetic QS-BD demonstrated bactericidal activity by destroying cell membrane integrity. This is the first evidence of immunomodulatory activity by an amphibian 8-defensin.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jie Chen, You-Fu Lin, Jia-Hao Chen, Xiang Chen, Zhi-Hua Lin
Summary: The study revealed that tiger frog Cathelicidin has high antimicrobial activity, with the mature peptide showing high variability in amphibians while the cathelin domain remains conserved.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
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.
Article
Infectious Diseases
J. Michael Conlon, Laure Guilhaudis, Samir Attoub, Laurent Coquet, Jerome Leprince, Thierry Jouenne, Milena Mechkarska
Summary: Peptidomic analysis of skin secretions from Boana boans frogs led to the isolation and structural characterization of five host-defense peptides with limited structural similarity to figainin 2 and picturin peptides. These peptides showed antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity against human tumor-derived cells.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jie Shi, Jing Wu, Qian Chen, Yan Shen, Kai Mi, Hailong Yang, Lixian Mu
Summary: In this study, a novel peptide called Nv-CATH with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was identified. The peptide not only protected mice from bacterial infections, but also suppressed excessive inflammatory responses and modulated immune cell activity. Nv-CATH shows promise as a template for the development of novel antimicrobial and antibiotic-resistant agents.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jie Yang, Chengliang Tong, Junmei Qi, Xiaoying Liao, Xiaokun Li, Xu Zhang, Mei Zhou, Lei Wang, Chengbang Ma, Xinping Xi, Tianbao Chen, Yitian Gao, Di Wu
Summary: The Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor family is a well-studied group of proteins mainly found in plants. Recently, attenuated peptides with inhibitory motifs have been discovered in the skin secretions of amphibians, with one peptide named livisin identified in the skin secretion of the green cascade frog. Livisin was found to be a potent inhibitor against several serine proteases. Comparative activity studies were conducted to investigate the structure-activity relationship of livisin, and it was suggested as a potential tool for drug discovery and development.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Domenico D'Andrea, Alessandra Romanelli
Summary: This review provides an overview of Temporins, short peptides secreted by frogs worldwide. They possess antimicrobial activity, primarily against Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains. Recent studies have explored their potential as anticancer or antiviral agents. The review focuses on the most extensively studied peptides, discussing their mechanism of action, three-dimensional structure, and analogues designed to enhance bioactivity and reduce toxicity. It also touches on the potential applications of Temporins in drug development, antimicrobial materials, and other technologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenjie Wang, Wanqing Yang, Shouying Du, Xinping Xi, Chengbang Ma, Lei Wang, Mei Zhou, Tianbao Chen
Summary: Bioactive proteins secreted by amphibian skin glands exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, offering potential for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The antimicrobial peptide temporin-FL and its analogues show potent activity against MRSA, with enhanced efficiency and lower cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. These peptides disrupt bacterial membranes, block biofilm formation, and provide insights for developing new drugs for MRSA infections.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Izabela Jeskowiak-Kossakowska, Paulina Jawien, Edward Krzyzak, Marcin Maczynski, Roman Szafran, Adam Szelag, Maciej Janeczek, Benita Wiatrak
Summary: A series of isoxazole compounds with immunomodulatory activity were tested on A375 melanoma cells and showed multidirectional antitumor activity, including binding to P-glycoprotein, induction of free radical formation and DNA damage, leading to cancer cell death. Some compounds exhibited pro-apoptotic activity, and the most active compound induced apoptosis through three distinct pathways and acted synergistically with doxorubicin.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Matias M. Malleret, Marcelo D. Freire, Priscila Lemes, Fernanda T. Brum, Arley Camargo, Laura Verrastro
Summary: Understanding the factors that drive genetic structure and geographic distribution patterns of populations/species is important in ecology and evolutionary biology. In this study, the authors investigated the evolutionary diversity of the Scinax granulatus complex in the Pampa and Southern Atlantic Forest biomes using distribution, environmental, and genetic data. They identified four mitochondrial lineages within the complex and used genetic data and ecological divergence to define species boundaries. The study suggests that there is species-level evolutionary divergence among lineages of the S. granulatus complex and highlights the importance of comprehensive evaluation of diagnostic characters to confirm the existence of distinct species.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Haixin Qin, Hantian Fang, Xiaoling Chen, Lei Wang, Chengbang Ma, Xinping Xi, Tianbao Chen, Chris Shaw, Mei Zhou
Summary: Amphibian skin-derived antimicrobial peptides are gaining increasing attention for their low drug resistance and potential for further bioactivity optimization. This study isolated a novel dermaseptin peptide with antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities, and designed cationicity-enhanced analogues to explore activity enhancement thresholds. The research suggests that improving net charge can enhance bioactivities up to a certain limit, beyond which bioactivities decrease or remain constant.
Review
Immunology
Ewa Oleszycka, Kamila Kwiecien, Patrycja Kwiecinska, Agnieszka Morytko, Natalia Pocalun, Michelle Camacho, Piotr Brzoza, Brian A. A. Zabel, Joanna Cichy
Summary: The skin, as the largest organ exposed to the environment, plays a critical role in integrating signals and defending against external threats. The interactions between the epidermis, immune system, and nervous system are now recognized for their importance in regulating and maintaining the skin barrier function in relation to skin pathophysiology. Dysregulation of these connections can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases and conditions associated with chronic pain or itch.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Gabrielle Barros Dantas, Rafael Limongi de Souza, Anderson Rodrigues de Almeida, Francisco Humberto Xavier Junior, Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta, Moacyr Jesus Barreto de Melo Rego, Elquio Eleamen Oliveira
Summary: The study developed a stable carvacrol-loaded nanoemulsion (CVNE) that improved the immunomodulatory activity of carvacrol in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuaiqi Yang, Xinyi Xu, Ailong Zhang, Yunchao Wang, Guangdong Ji, Chen Sun, Hongyan Li
Summary: This study investigates the evolution of the Zc3h12 family in zebrafish and their immunomodulatory role. The findings reveal that the number of Zc3h12 family members is more complex and diverse in zebrafish. They can recognize the 3'-UTR regions of inflammatory cytokines through binding to specific RNA secondary structures and negatively regulate their expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cigdem Yucel, Gokce Seker Karatoprak, Ozlem Bahadir Acikara, Esra Kupeli Akkol, Timur Hakan Barak, Eduardo Sobarzo-Sanchez, Michael Aschner, Samira Shirooie
Summary: Ginger is a popular spice and medicinal plant, containing phenolic compounds such as gingerols. Gingerols have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. However, low bioavailability is a challenge, and new drug delivery systems have been developed to enhance the effectiveness of gingerols.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rogier A. Gaiser, Jaione Ayerra Mangado, Milena Mechkarska, Wendy E. Kaman, Peter van Baarlen, J. Michael Conlon, Jerry M. Wells
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY & DRUG DESIGN
(2020)
Article
Oncology
Andra Jevtovic, Jelena Pantic, Ivan Jovanovic, Marija Milovanovic, Ivan Stanojevic, Danilo Vojvodic, Nebojsa Arsenijevic, Miodrag L. Lukic, Gordana D. Radosavljevic
CANCER IMMUNOLOGY IMMUNOTHERAPY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sasa Benazic, Zana Besser Silconi, Andra Jevtovic, Milena Jurisevic, Jelena Milovanovic, Marina Mijajlovic, Milos Nikolic, Tatjana Kanjevac, Ivan Potocnak, Erika Samolova, Zoran R. Ratkovic, Gordana Radic, Marija Milovanovic, Jelena Pantic, Nebojsa Arsenijevic, Gordana D. Radosavljevic
FUTURE MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Review
Immunology
Jelena Milovanovic, Aleksandar Arsenijevic, Bojana Stojanovic, Tatjana Kanjevac, Dragana Arsenijevic, Gordana Radosavljevic, Marija Milovanovic, Nebojsa Arsenijevic
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Gervonne Barran, Jolanta Kolodziejek, Laurent Coquet, Jerome Leprince, Thierry Jouenne, Norbert Nowotny, J. Michael Conlon, Milena Mechkarska
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Galyna Graham, J. Michael Conlon, R. Charlotte Moffett, Yasser H. Abdel-Wahab, Peter R. Flatt
Summary: The study showed that long-acting, dual-agonist anti-diabetic peptides can induce alpha-cell to beta-cell transdifferentiation, leading to increased pancreatic insulin content and plasma insulin concentrations. This suggests therapeutic potential for using proglucagon-derived peptides from phylogenetical ancient fish in diabetes treatment.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Milica M. Borovcanin, Gordana D. Radosavljevic, Jelena Pantic, Jelena Milovanovic, Natasa R. Mijailovic, Aleksandar N. Arsenijevic, Nebojsa N. Arsenijevic
Summary: Gal-3 has been explored for its role in somatic diseases and neuroinflammation, leading to the possibility of its involvement in neuroprogression in schizophrenia. Its potential role in early life programming of schizophrenia, unique response to viral infections later in life, and somatic dysfunction leading to mental changes are also highlighted. This review aims to integrate these observations into understanding schizophrenia onset, clinical symptoms presentation, somatic comorbid states, and potential Gal-3 centered treatment options.
CURRENT TOPICS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Michael Conlon, Finbarr P. M. O'Harte, Peter R. Flatt
Summary: Peptides derived from ancient fish, such as lamprey GLP-1 and paddlefish glucagon, act as naturally occurring dual agonists at GLP1R and GCPR receptors, showing potential in improving glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and beta-cell proliferation. Studies suggest that these fish-derived peptides have therapeutic potential for obesity-related T2DM.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zana Besser Silconi, Vesna Rosic, Sasa Benazic, Gordana Radosavljevic, Marina Mijajlovic, Jelena Pantic, Zoran R. Ratkovic, Gordana Radic, Aleksandar Arsenijevic, Marija Milovanovic, Nebojsa Arsenijevic, Jelena Milovanovic
Summary: The study demonstrates that PtCl2(S-pr-thiosal)2 exhibits antitumor activity against B cell malignancies by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and reducing phosphorylation of STAT3 and NF kappa B.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Aleksandra Koricanac, Aleksandra Tomic Lucic, Mirjana Veselinovic, Danijela Bazic Sretenovic, Gorica Bucic, Anja Azanjac, Olivera Radmanovic, Mirjana Matovic, Marijana Stanojevic, Aleksandra Jurisic Skevin, Bojana Simovic Markovic, Jelena Pantic, Nebojsa Arsenijevic, Gordana D. Radosavljevic, Maja Nikolic, Nenad Zornic, Jelena Nesic, Nemanja Muric, Branimir Radmanovic
Summary: This study aimed to determine the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and identify the factors that predispose them to it. Findings suggest that patients treated with risperidone and clozapine may be at higher risk for metabolic syndrome compared to patients treated with aripiprazole.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Michael Conlon, Lauren Hunter, Samir Attoub, Bruno Casciaro, Milena Mechkarska, Yasser H. A. Abdel-Wahab
Summary: Ocellatin-3N is a peptide that inhibits the growth of various bacteria and pathogens, and has potential therapeutic effects. It also regulates insulin release and intracellular calcium ion concentration.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
J. Michael Conlon, Laure Guilhaudis, Samir Attoub, Laurent Coquet, Jerome Leprince, Thierry Jouenne, Milena Mechkarska
Summary: Peptidomic analysis of skin secretions from Boana boans frogs led to the isolation and structural characterization of five host-defense peptides with limited structural similarity to figainin 2 and picturin peptides. These peptides showed antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity against human tumor-derived cells.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Milena Mechkarska, Taylor S. Cunning, Megan G. Taggart, Nigel G. Ternan, Jerome Leprince, Laurent Coquet, Thierry Jouenne, Jordi Tena-Garces, Juan J. Calvete, J. Michael Conlon
Summary: The venom of the Trinidad thick-tailed scorpion contains peptides with antimicrobial activity and potassium channel and sodium channel toxins. Among the peptides, TtAP-1 exhibits strong bactericidal activity against various bacteria and can rapidly kill clinically relevant bacteria. However, its high hemolytic activity limits its potential as an anti-infective agent.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nasrin Abbasi Gharibkandi, J. Michael Conlon, Seyed Jalal Hosseinimehr
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Pacini, Bo Ahren
Summary: Tirzepatide stimulates both insulin secretion and glucose effectiveness, with stimulation of glucose effectiveness being the prominent process to reduce glucose.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Si -yu Wang, Yu-zhe Zhang, Xiao-han Liu, Xue-ci Guo, Xiao-fang Wang, Feng-tong Han, Yao Zhang, Chang -lin Wang
Summary: In the formalin pain test, the EM-2 analogs EM-2-Me, EM-2-Et, and EM-2-Bu showed significant analgesic effects with reduced tolerance and gastrointestinal side effects. These effects were mediated through central opioid mechanisms, with EM-2-Me possibly involving dynorphin A release and EM-2-Bu directly activating multiple opioid receptors.
