Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Antonio Ibarra-Valencia, Gerardo Pavel Espino-Solis, Blanca Elisa Estrada, Gerardo Corzo
Summary: The peptides Pin2[G] and FA1 were found to stimulate phagocytosis in in vitro assays, impacting cytokine release and improving the physical condition of mice with gastric infections caused by S. Typhimurium.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maryam Atef, Yasmina Ait Chait, Seyed Mahdi Ojagh, Ali Mohammad Latifi, Mina Esmaeili, Riadh Hammami, Chibuike C. Udenigwe
Summary: Peptide fractions from fish skin collagen showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains, with papain hydrolysate demonstrating the best activity against E. coli. After acetone fractionation, the peptide fractions from Neutrase and papain hydrolysates exhibited enhanced dose-dependent inhibition of the growth of four Salmonella strains.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Patricia G. Lima, Pedro F. N. Souza, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Leandro P. Bezerra, Nilton A. S. Neto, Ayrles F. B. Silva, Jose T. A. Oliveira, Daniele O. B. Sousa
Summary: The study found that the AMPs tested were more effective in inhibiting the growth of T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum compared to griseofulvin and itraconazole. AMPs caused severe damage to hyphal morphology by inducing cell wall rupture, hyphal content leakage, and cell death, which was not observed with the commercial drugs. These findings suggest that the synthetic peptides have the potential to be developed as new antidermatophytic drugs or used as adjuvants to existing ones.
Article
Polymer Science
Alexandra M. S. Soares, Luciana M. R. Alencar, Lucas P. Dias, Ruana C. Lima, Carolina Rocha Silva, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Jose T. A. Oliveira, Livio M. C. Junior, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: The designed and synthesized RcAlb-PepIII peptide effectively inhibited the larval development of Haemonchus contortus, showing potential as a new anthelmintic compound. Atomic force microscopy revealed the high affinity of RcAlb-PepIII with the nematode cuticle, forming a film-like structure that reduces roughness.
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eman Ali, Gisele LaPointe
Summary: The hydrolysis of milk proteins produces bioactive peptides that can decrease the expression of virulence genes in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica typhimurium. Five synthetic peptides derived from milk showed antivirulence activity and exhibited a synergistic interaction in downregulating the expression of virulence genes.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Brand, Lei Wang, Stefano Agnello, Silvia Gazzola, Flavio M. Gall, Luka Raguz, Marcel Kaiser, Remo S. Schmidt, Amelie Ritschl, Jennifer Jelk, Andrew Hemphill, Pascal Maser, Peter Butikofer, Michael Adams, Rainer Riedl
Summary: Researchers used Trypanosoma brucei as a model organism to study the potent antiprotozoal compound Leucinostatin A and its derivatives, showing that the main site of action is destabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Resistance to the synthetic derivatives was not observed after long-term exposure and screening of thousands of mutants.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Nilton A. S. Neto, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Ayrles F. B. Silva, Leandro P. Bezerra, Ellen A. Malveira, Levi A. C. Branco, Felipe P. Mesquita, Gustavo H. Goldman, Luciana M. R. Alencar, Jose T. A. Oliveira, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: In this study, synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) were found to have antifungal effects on Cryptococcus neoformans. The SAMPs inhibited fungal growth by damaging the cell membrane and inducing DNA degradation. These findings suggest that SAMPs could be potential alternative molecules for controlling C. neoformans growth and treating cryptococcal infection.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Nilton A. S. Neto, Romerio R. S. Silva, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Felipe P. P. Mesquita, Luciana M. R. Alencar, Ralph Santos-Oliveira, Gustavo H. H. Goldman, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: In this study, the mechanisms of action of synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) against Cryptococcus neoformans were investigated through computational and experimental analyses. The results revealed that SAMPs interacted with the PHO36 membrane receptor, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Additionally, SAMPs affected ergosterol biosynthesis, lactate dehydrogenase activity, and induced apoptosis by decoupling cytochrome c from the mitochondria in C. neoformans cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of SAMPs in treating C. neoformans infections by targeting multiple mechanisms and interfering with resistance development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaorui Wang, Liubin Feng, Mengmiao Li, Weibing Dong, Xueyue Luo, Dejing Shang
Summary: A series of peptide sequences based on the structure-activity relationships of natural antimicrobial peptides were designed and synthesized. The peptide W3R6 and its analogs demonstrated potent antimycobacterial activity against M. smegmatis and no hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. The mechanism of action of W3R6 and its analogs involved lytic interaction with the mycobacterial membrane and formation of pores on the outer membrane of M. smegmatis, as well as colocalization with and disruption of mycobacterial DNA.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
N. Amirkhanov, A. Bardasheva, N. Tikunova, D. Pyshnyi
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial and hemolytic activities of synthetic antimicrobial peptides with a 'circular' type of amphipathicity. It was found that peptides containing arginine residues have the highest antibacterial activity, while those containing histidine residues exhibit the highest fungicidal activity.
RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne-Beatrice Blanc-Potard, Eduardo A. Groisman
Summary: Host organisms use nutritional immunity to restrict the availability of essential nutrients to invading pathogens, with magnesium deprivation playing a significant role in limiting the growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in host tissues. Pathogens' responses to factors promoting nutritional immunity may be more reflective of their internal cytoplasmic environment rather than the nutrient concentration in host cell compartments.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Malika Moussouni, Laurence Berry, Tamara Sipka, Mai Nguyen-Chi, Anne-Beatrice Blanc-Potard
Summary: The study demonstrates that a P. aeruginosa oprF mutant is attenuated in zebrafish embryos with functional macrophages, but not due to increased macrophage recruitment or enhanced phagocytosis. Additionally, inhibition of acidification increases embryo sensitivity to both wild-type and oprF mutant, partially reversing the attenuation caused by oprF mutation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohamed Ibrahem Elhawy, Sylvaine Huc-Brandt, Linda Patzold, Laila Gannoun-Zaki, Ahmed Mohamed Mostafa Abdrabou, Markus Bischoff, Virginie Molle
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus remains a significant public health threat, especially in hospital settings. Studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis, host adaptation, and virulence is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies. The modulation of phosphatases-mediated regulation plays a critical role in various host-pathogen interactions, including oxidative stress adaptation during infection.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Isabel Ferreiro, Coralie Genevois, Karidia Konate, Eric Vives, Prisca Boisguerin, Sebastien Deshayes, Franck Couillaud
Summary: The study demonstrates the in vivo efficiency of WRAP5:siRNA nanoparticles delivering siRNA to cancer cells in solid tumors, achieving specific gene silencing through RNA interference and significantly downregulating the expression of firefly luciferase, with no toxicity and sustained presence in the tumor for at least 10 days.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadhuma Youssouf, Clara Recasens-Zorzo, Virginie Molle, Guillaume Bossis, Philippe Soubeyran, Laila Gannoun-Zaki
Summary: During S. aureus infection, the bacterium decreases SUMOylation in infected macrophages, which is correlated with reduced levels of the SUMO-conjugating enzyme Ubc9. Over-expression of SUMO proteins inhibits bacterial intracellular proliferation, while inhibition of SUMOylation promotes it. These findings reveal the impact of host SUMOylation response on S. aureus infection for the first time.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ruben Faria, Eric Vives, Prisca Boisguerin, Angela Sousa, Diana Costa
Summary: Mitochondria are cellular organelles that produce cellular energy in the form of ATP. Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA can lead to various disorders, prompting the exploration of gene therapy as a promising treatment approach. Targeting mitochondria using mitochondrial DNA and peptide-based complexes shows potential for restoring normal mitochondrial function and advancing mitochondrial gene therapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Prisca Boisguerin, Karidia Konate, Emilie Josse, Eric Vives, Sebastien Deshayes
Summary: Gene therapy offers the potential to address faulty genes by delivering therapeutic nucleic acids or stimulating the immune system, but the delivery of these exogenous nucleic acids remains a challenge. Cell-penetrating peptides are gaining interest as delivery systems for their ability to form a variety of nanocomplexes, with common features including defined formulation conditions for optimal delivery.
Article
Immunology
Zachary N. Phillips, Preeti Garai, Greg Tram, Gael Martin, Annelies Van den Bergh, Asma-Ul Husna, Megan Staples, Keith Grimwood, Amy Jennison, Patrice Guillon, Mark von Itzstein, Michael P. Jennings, Kenneth L. Brockman, John M. Atack
Summary: Lay is an autotransporter protein found in pathogenic Haemophilus and Neisseria species. Its expression status is reversible and related to pathogenicity in non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae. Understanding the role of Lay can provide insights into different pathological processes.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Quentin Seisel, Israpong Lakumpa, Emilie Josse, Eric Vives, Jessica Varilh, Magali Taulan-Cadars, Prisca Boisguerin
Summary: Therapeutic peptides have regained interest as they can address unmet medical needs and can be an excellent complement to pharmaceutic small molecules and other macromolecular therapeutics. In this study, the optimization of a peptidyl inhibitor and the screening of cell-penetrating peptides resulted in the identification of an optimal peptide for CFTR stabilization. Using this peptide, an additive increase in CFTR amount was observed when combined with a small-molecule treatment. This finding is significant for the development of CFTR-stabilizing peptides as additional treatments for CF patients.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ruben Faria, Milan Paul, Swati Biswas, Eric Vives, Prisca Boisguerin, Angela Sousa, Diana Costa
Summary: Mitochondria have their own genome and mutations in mitochondrial DNA can lead to various diseases. Developing a gene delivery system specifically targeting mitochondria is crucial for mitochondrial gene therapy. This study compared polymer- and peptide-based systems and found that peptides have a better capability to complex with DNA, forming smaller particles suitable for cellular transfection and mitochondrial gene therapy.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ana Raquel Neves, Tania Albuquerque, Ruben Faria, Ana M. Goncalves, Cecilia Santos, Eric Vives, Prisca Boisguerin, Luis A. Passarinha, Angela Sousa, Diana Costa
Summary: Despite progress in cancer diagnosis and treatment, glioblastoma remains the most lethal brain tumor. Gene therapy focused on non-viral vectors, such as transferrin (Tf), has been developed as a promising approach. In this study, a cell-penetrating peptide (WRAP5) targeting Tf was used to condense tumor suppressor p53-encoding plasmid DNA (pDNA), forming nanocomplexes. These complexes showed efficient cellular internalization, gene expression, and decreased viability of glioblastoma cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nour Ahmad-Mansour, Mohamed Ibrahem Elhawy, Sylvaine Huc-Brandt, Nadhuma Youssouf, Linda Paetzold, Marianne Martin, Noran Abdel-Wadood, Ahmad Aljohmani, Madjid Morsli, Gabriela Krasteva-Christ, Soeren L. Becker, Daniela Yildiz, Jean-Philippe Lavigne, Laila Gannoun-Zaki, Markus Bischoff, Virginie Molle
Summary: This study demonstrates that the acid phosphatase SapS plays a significant role in Staphylococcus aureus infection by promoting intracellular survival in macrophages, inhibiting host immune responses, and influencing the bacterium's adaptation to oxidative stress. The SA564 sapS mutant shows reduced bacterial burden and pathogenicity in animal models, indicating the importance of SapS in virulence. Overall, this research provides new insights into the immune evasion mechanisms of S. aureus and highlights the potential of targeting SapS for the development of therapeutic strategies against this pathogen.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Gautier Tejedor, Prisca Boisguerin, Eric Vives, Christian Jorgensen, Jerome Guicheux, Claire Vinatier, Claire Gondeau, Farida Djouad
Summary: An interfering peptide was designed and synthesized to enhance the immunoregulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells.
STEM CELLS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jona Karam, Fabien P. Blanchet, Eric Vives, Prisca Boisguerin, Yves-Marie Boudehen, Laurent Kremer, Wassim Daher
Summary: It has been discovered that neutralizing anti-CD81 antibodies and deletion of the large extracellular loop (LEL) of CD81 significantly reduce the uptake of Mab by macrophages. Saturation of Mab with soluble GST-CD81-LEL or CD81-LEL-derived peptides also decreases the internalization of the bacteria. The study unveils AhpC as a major interactant of CD81-LEL, and pre-exposure of macrophages with soluble AhpC inhibits mycobacterial uptake while overexpression of AhpC in Mab enhances its internalization. These findings highlight the previously unexplored role of CD81/AhpC in promoting the uptake of pathogenic mycobacteria by host cells.
Article
Microbiology
Nadhuma Youssouf, Marianne Martin, Markus Bischoff, Philippe Soubeyran, Laila Gannoun-Zaki, Virginie Molle
Summary: Staphylococcus aureus inhibits the host SUMOylation response to enhance its survival and persistence within the host.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)