Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Irina S. Panina, Sergey V. Balandin, Andrey V. Tsarev, Anton O. Chugunov, Andrey A. Tagaev, Ekaterina I. Finkina, Daria V. Antoshina, Elvira V. Sheremeteva, Alexander S. Paramonov, Jasmin Rickmeyer, Gabriele Bierbaum, Roman G. Efremov, Zakhar O. Shenkarev, Tatiana V. Ovchinnikova
Summary: To date, several lantibiotics have been found to target lipid II, a peptidoglycan precursor in bacterial cytoplasmic membrane. The alpha-component of lichenicidin, a two-component lantibiotic, contains potential lipid II binding sites. NMR spectroscopy and MD simulations provided evidence that the C-terminal domain of lichenicidin interacts with lipid II. The contact area of lipid II includes pyrophosphate, disaccharide residues, and bactoprenol's first isoprene units.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rudramani Pokhrel, Nisha Bhattarai, Prabin Baral, Bernard S. Gerstman, Jae H. Park, Martin Handfield, Prem P. Chapagain
Summary: The rise in antibiotic resistant infections has led to a need for new antibiotics with novel mechanisms of action. Lantibiotics, with unique modes of action, show promise in combating resistant bacteria. The study found that nisin is the most efficient at forming water channels, while gallidermin and MU1140 excel in binding lipid II molecules, providing insights for the design and development of novel lantibiotics.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL THEORY AND COMPUTATION
(2022)
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
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
Microbiology
Oliver Goldbeck, Dominik Weixler, Bernhard J. Eikmanns, Christian U. Riedel
Summary: Post-translationally modified, (methyl-)lanthionine-containing peptides produced by Gram-positive bacteria, known as lantibiotics, show potent activity against various bacterial pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains. The genus Corynebacterium presents widespread lantibiotic resistance traits, such as cell envelope modifications, ABC-transporters, and peptidases. Identification of conserved lantibiotic resistance operons in Corynebacterium highlights potential targets for further research on lantibiotic resistance mechanisms.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joana C. Barbosa, Eva Moesker, Raquel Faria, Roderich D. Sussmuth, Sonia Mendo, Tania Caetano
Summary: This study investigated the activity of lichenicidin A2 (LicA2) trimming proteases (LicP and LicT). The presence of a negatively charged amino acid residue at the cleavage site was found to be important for the efficacy of LicP. Mutations in the lichenicidin hexapeptide and alterations in the GG-motif resulted in higher processing rates. This research is important for understanding the activity of lantibiotic-related transporters and proteases and their potential application in industrial processes.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joana C. Barbosa, Itala C. Silva, Tania Caetano, Eva Mosker, Maria Seidel, Joana Lourenco, Roderich D. Suessmuth, Nuno C. Santos, Sonia Goncalves, Sonia Mendo
Summary: Lichenicidin is a promising natural antimicrobial peptide with strong bactericidal activity and no cytotoxicity towards human cells.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anton Du Preez van Staden, Winschau F. van Zyl, Marla Trindade, Leon M. T. Dicks, Carine Smith
Summary: Lanthipeptides are a class of ribosomally synthesized and posttranslationally modified peptides, with diverse modifications that offer bioactive properties for combatting various diseases. Novel bioactive lanthipeptides can be identified through genome mining tools and accelerated through rapid screening and heterologous expression technologies.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
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
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
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)
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
Matko Males, Larisa Zoranic
Summary: This study investigated the interaction between antimicrobial peptide adepantin-1 and different types of membranes through simulations, revealing that the amphipathic structure of the peptide facilitates its self-association and binding to bacterial membranes, and the aggregates diffuse in the membrane to insert. These findings are important for the development of new anti-infective agents to combat bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Banzhaf, Hamish C. L. Yau, Jolanda Verheul, Adam Lodge, George Kritikos, Andre Mateus, Baptiste Cordier, Ann Kristin Hov, Frank Stein, Morgane Wartel, Manuel Pazos, Alexandra S. Solovyova, Eefjan Breukink, Sven van Teeffelen, Mikhail M. Savitski, Tanneke den Blaauwen, Athanasios Typas, Waldemar Vollmer
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rhythm Shukla, Joao Medeiros-Silva, Anish Parmar, Bram J. A. Vermeulen, Sanjit Das, Alessandra Lucini Paioni, Shehrazade Jekhmane, Joseph Lorent, Alexandre M. J. J. Bonvin, Marc Baldus, Moreno Lelli, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen, Eefjan Breukink, Ishwar Singh, Markus Weingarth
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adrien Boes, Jean Michel Brunel, Adeline Derouaux, Frederic Kerff, Ahmed Bouhss, Thierry Touze, Eefjan Breukink, Mohammed Terrak
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adrien Boes, Frederic Kerff, Raphael Herman, Thierry Touze, Eefjan Breukink, Mohammed Terrak
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Biology
Victor M. Hernandez-Rocamora, Natalia Baranova, Katharina Peters, Eefjan Breukink, Martin Loose, Waldemar Vollmer
Summary: Peptidoglycan is a crucial part of the bacterial cell envelope, and the Class A penicillin-binding proteins are essential enzymes involved in its synthesis. Researchers have developed a new assay to study the mechanisms of these enzymes in a lipid-bilayer environment, opening up possibilities for new directions in peptidoglycan synthesis research.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martin van Eijk, Albert van Dijk, Cornelis K. van Der Ent, Hubertus G. M. Arets, Eefjan Breukink, Nico van Os, Roy Adrichem, Sven van Der Water, Rita Lino Gomez, Maartje Kristensen, Martin Hessing, Shehrazade Jekhmane, Markus Weingarth, Ruud A. W. Veldhuizen, Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen, Henk P. Haagsman
Summary: PepBiotics, a novel class of antimicrobial peptides, showed promising antibacterial properties against CF-related respiratory pathogens, with CR-163 demonstrating the most potential for treatment. These observations highlight the therapeutic potential of PepBiotics against CF-related bacterial respiratory infections.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xinghong Zhao, Xiaoqi Wang, Rhythm Shukla, Raj Kumar, Markus Weingarth, Eefjan Breukink, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: The study identified and characterized a novel antimicrobial candidate, brevibacillin 2V, from Brevibacillus laterosporus DSM 25, which exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacterial pathogens and low cytotoxicity to eukaryotic cells compared to other NRPs of the same family. Brevibacillin 2V showed good stability in human plasma and has the potential to be developed as a promising antibiotic with low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Xinghong Zhao, Xiaoqi Wang, Rhythm Shukla, Raj Kumar, Markus Weingarth, Eefjan Breukink, Oscar P. Kuipers
Summary: Lipo-tridecapeptides are effective against Gram-positive pathogens, but often exhibit high hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, limiting their potential as antibiotics. However, a novel lipo-tridecapeptide, brevibacillin 2V, shows low hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity, and acts as a bactericidal agent against MRSA by binding to and permeabilizing the bacterial membrane. This study provides insight into the antimicrobial mode of action of brevibacillin 2V, aiding in its development as an alternative antimicrobial agent.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ying Li, Adrien Boes, Yuanyuan Cui, Shan Zhao, Qingzhen Liao, Han Gong, Eefjan Breukink, Joe Lutkenhaus, Mohammed Terrak, Shishen Du
Summary: The study identified dominant-negative mutations in FtsW, a SEDS protein critical for septal PG synthesis, which likely constitute the active site of FtsW. These mutations block septal PG synthesis without affecting FtsW localization or activity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rhythm Shukla, Francesca Lavore, Sourav Maity, Maik G. N. Derks, Chelsea R. Jones, Bram J. A. Vermeulen, Adela Melcrova, Michael A. Morris, Lea Marie Becker, Xiaoqi Wang, Raj Kumar, Joao Medeiros-Silva, Roy A. M. van Beekveld, Alexandre M. J. J. Bonvin, Joseph H. Lorent, Moreno Lelli, James S. Nowick, Harold D. MacGillavry, Aaron J. Peoples, Amy L. Spoering, Losee L. Ling, Dallas E. Hughes, Wouter H. Roos, Eefjan Breukink, Kim Lewis, Markus Weingarth
Summary: The mechanism of action of Teixobactin has been revealed, showing that it damages bacterial cell membranes by binding to lipid II. This unique mode of action allows Teixobactin to target bacteria without harming human cells, making it a highly effective antibiotic.
Article
Microbiology
Manuel Pazos, Katharina Peters, Adrien Boes, Yalda Safaei, Calem Kenward, Nathanael A. Caveney, Cedric Laguri, Eefjan Breukink, Natalie C. J. Strynadka, Jean-Pierre Simorre, Mohammed Terrak, Waldemar Vollmer
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philipp Grad, Katarina Edwards, Lars Gedda, Victor Agmo Hernandez
Summary: This study investigates the effects of polyethylene glycol-(PEG) modified lipids and gangliosides on the Ca2+ induced interaction between liposomes composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) and palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylserine (POPS) at physiological ionic strength. The results show that naked liposomes tend to adhere, rupture, and collapse on each other's surfaces upon addition of Ca2+, eventually resulting in the formation of large multilamellar aggregates and bilayer sheets. However, the presence of gangliosides or PEGylated lipids leads to the formation of small, long-lived bilayer fragments/disks. PEGylated lipids seem to be more effective than gangliosides at stabilizing these structures. The study suggests that direct liposome-liposome fusion is not the dominating process triggered by Ca2+ in the systems studied.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saurabh Saraswat, Archana Chugh
Summary: Cell penetrating peptides (CPP) are important tools for intracellular delivery of molecules. In this study, a novel marine-derived CPP from Engraulis japonicus, called Engraulisin, was reported. Engraulisin demonstrated successful cellular uptake and selective antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), making it a potential candidate for drug delivery.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuela Efodili, Ashlynn Knight, Maryem Mirza, Cedric Briones, Il-Hyung Lee
Summary: This study demonstrates the spontaneous transfer of small membrane-bound peptides between a supported lipid bilayer and giant unilamellar vesicles in vitro. The transfer occurs through the formation of hemi-fusion stalks and is limited to small peptides due to the highly curved structure of the stalk. This system provides a synthetic platform for studying peptide trafficking between synthetic membranes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yueqi Niu, Si Jia Chen, Jeffery B. Klauda
Summary: Macrophage membranes in the activated state are more tightly packed, exhibit increased chain order across lipid species, and form specific lipid clusters. These findings provide physiologically accurate models for future computational studies of macrophage membranes and their proteins.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niki Baccile, Vincent Chaleix, Ingo Hoffmann
Summary: This study measured the bending rigidity of self-assembled structures formed by a new biobased glucolipid bioamphiphile using neutron spin-echo (NSE) technology. The results showed that the bending rigidity of these structures is lower or higher compared to phospholipid membranes, providing a new theoretical basis for the application of these new molecular systems.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alain Bolano Alvares, Pablo E. A. Rodriguez, Gerardo D. Fidelio
Summary: The behavior of amphiphilic molecules at the air/water interface was studied to evaluate the arrangement formed in a confined area. The surface properties of zwitterionic DPPC lipid and A beta(1-40) amyloid peptide in mixed films were investigated at different temperatures. DPPC undergoes a phase transition depending on temperature and lateral pressure, which allows for the study of its influence on amyloid structure formation.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukasz Plachta, Marzena Mach, Magdalena Kowalska, Pawel Wydro
Summary: Resveratrol, a popular phytoalexin found in grapes and red wine, has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, exhibits antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and may have therapeutic effects against cancer. This study investigates the interaction of resveratrol with model cell membranes, demonstrating changes in their physicochemical parameters and highlighting the role of cholesterol content in resveratrol incorporation. The findings suggest that the molecular mechanism of action of resveratrol may involve interactions with lipid rafts.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edurne Rujas, Beatriz Apellaniz, Johana Torralba, David Andreu, Jose M. M. Caaveiro, Shixia Wang, Shan Lu, Jose L. Nieva
Summary: This study investigates the role of fusion peptide and Trp-rich membrane proximal external region in HIV-1 fusion and demonstrates that liposome-based formulations containing FP-MPER hybrid peptides can induce the production of specific neutralizing antibodies in rabbits. The results support the use of liposomes as vaccine carriers and the inclusion of lipid membranes in immunogens to elicit specific humoral responses.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dailin Li, Dingyuan Shi, Lei Wang
Summary: G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels play a significant role in regulating cell excitability. This study investigated the ion permeation mechanism in GIRK2 mutants using molecular dynamic simulations and QM/MM methods. The results revealed the importance of a multi-ion distribution for ion conduction.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Max J. den Uijl, Arnold J. M. Driessen
Summary: Membrane protein insertion into and translocation across the bacterial cytoplasmic membrane are essential processes facilitated by the Sec translocon. The phospholipid dependence of membrane protein insertion has remained mostly unknown. This study reveals that the insertion of the mannitol permease MtlA into the membrane depends on the presence of phosphatidylglycerol and is stimulated by phosphatidylethanolamine.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick Allen, Adam C. Smith, Vernon Benedicto, Abbas Abdulhasan, Vasanthy Narayanaswami, Enrico Tapavicza
Summary: We explore the stability, size, and structure of nanodiscs formed by the N-terminal domain of apolipoprotein E3 and a variable number of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine molecules. Our simulations suggest that nanodiscs containing 240 to 420 DMPC molecules are stable. The antiparallel configuration shows more protein-protein interactions and ionic contacts, as well as greater stability and rigidity compared to the parallel configuration.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patrick M. Keating, Nicholas P. Schifano, Xinrui Wei, Matthew Y. Kong, Jinwoo Lee
Summary: Lassa virus (LASV) infection is dependent on the fusion of its viral membrane with the host cell membrane, and our study reveals that this fusion process involves pH-dependent conformational changes in the transmembrane domain of LASV. These findings provide valuable insights into the fusion mechanism of LASV and can be utilized in the design of therapeutics to combat Lassa virus infections and prevent its potential spread.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ashley L. Bennett, Kristen N. Cranford, Austin L. Bates, Christopher R. Sabatini, Hee-Seung Lee
Summary: This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the binding, folding, and insertion details of TP10W in the cell membrane. The simulations revealed that TP10W can translocate across the lipid membrane as a monomer, and the charged amino acid side chains can move between lipid leaflets. Comparison with point mutated variants demonstrated significant conformational changes due to charge distribution.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jessica H. van Wonderen, Jason C. Crack, Marcus J. Edwards, Thomas A. Clarke, Gerhard Saalbach, Carlo Martins, Julea N. Butt
Summary: Electrogenic bacteria transfer excess respiratory electrons to metal oxide particles and electrodes through the MtrCAB complex. The crystal structure of MtrCAB from S. baltica OS185 was resolved, and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to determine the mass values of the three proteins in purified MtrCAB complexes.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi-Ming Chen, Ching-Tai Lu, Chia-Wen Wang, Wolfgang B. Fischer
Summary: A series of dye ligands were ranked based on docking experiments, selecting the most suitable ligands for binding with different proteins. Additionally, a comparison study was conducted on a series of repurposing drugs and known antivirals.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)