Article
Microbiology
Caroline Maria Marcos, Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira, Patricia Akemi Assato, Lariane Teodoro de Oliveira, Nathalia Fregonezi, Kelvin Sousa dos Santos, Caroline Barcelos Costa-Orlandi, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini
Summary: This study explores signaling pathways implicated in fungal pathobiology and identifies the crucial role of the Drk1 protein in the morphological shift and virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Peptides with affinity for PbDrk1 were found to inhibit the phase transition and adhesion of P. brasiliensis, and augment the effects of antifungal agents. The peptides also showed enhanced larval survival rates in a Galleria mellonella model. Further investigation of PbDrk1 may improve our understanding of P. brasiliensis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kangran Zhang, Yezhong Tang, Qin Chen, Yang Liu
Summary: This review discusses the regular process of using phage display technology to screen therapeutic peptides and the peptides that have been screened for their anti-inflammatory properties in recent years. The article describes how these peptides were screened and their in vitro and in vivo effects. It also explores the current challenges and future outlook of using phage display to obtain anti-inflammatory therapeutic peptides.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Valentin Jakob, Ben G. E. Zoller, Julia Rinkes, Yingwen F. Wu, Alexander Kiefer, Michael Hust, Saskia M. Polten, Andrew J. White, Peta Harvey, Thomas J. Durek, David Craik, Andreas Siebert, Uli Kazmaier, Martin Empting
Summary: Small macrocyclic peptides have potential as new anti-infective drugs, with cyclisation being essential for their activity. Designed disulfide mimetics and a triazole analogue showed activity against different bacterial targets, providing a starting point for medicinal chemistry optimization.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David N. Philpott, Surath Gomis, Hansen Wang, Randy Atwal, Abdellali Kelil, Tanja Sack, Brandon Morningstar, Chris Burnie, Edward H. Sargent, Stephane Angers, Sachdev Sidhu, Shana O. Kelley
Summary: The rapid on-cell phage display platform presented in this study accelerates the development of high-performance human antibodies by mimicking the complex in vivo binding environment, improving screening efficiency and accuracy.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haiyan Wang, Xin Yi, Tao Liu, Jing Liu, Qinan Wu, Yonghui Ding, Zhenzhen Liu, Qingwen Wang
Summary: In this study, an integrally formed Janus hydrogel was easily fabricated in one step by controlling the distribution of carboxyl groups on the two sides of the hydrogel. The hydrogel showed poor adhesion on the top surface but robust adhesion on the bottom surface to various wet tissues, even underwater. The difference in adhesive strength between the two surfaces was as high as 20 times. The hydrogel also exhibited excellent mechanical toughness and conductivity, making it suitable for strain sensing applications in real-time monitoring of the beating heart.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Golnaz Kamalinia, Brian J. Grindel, Terry T. Takahashi, Steven W. Millward, Richard W. Roberts
Summary: mRNA display is a powerful platform for directed evolution of proteins and peptides, linking phenotype and genotype through puromycin. Iterative selection cycles lead to peptides with desired functional levels. This review discusses the development and broad application of mRNA display technology in selecting novel peptides and proteins.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Gernot Wagner, Deddo Moertl, Anna Glechner, Verena Mayr, Irma Klerings, Casey Zachariah, Miriam Van den Nest, Gerald Gartlehner, Birgit Willinger
Summary: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic mycosis endemic to Central and South America, with cases imported to Europe through migration and travel. A systematic review identified 83 cases of paracoccidioidomycosis diagnosed in 11 European countries, highlighting challenges in diagnosing the disease in individuals returning or immigrating from endemic areas, given the varied age of patients and time of symptom onset.
Article
Microbiology
Luciana Bonome Zeminian de Oliveira, Amanda Manoel Della Coletta, Taiane Priscila Gardizani, Hans Garcia Garces, Eduardo Bagagli, Luciana Trilles, Ligia Vizeu Barrozo, Silvio de Alencar Marques, Julio De Faveri, Luciane Alarcao Dias-Melicio
Summary: Paracoccidioidomycosis is the most prevalent systemic mycosis in Latin America. Recent studies have identified three cryptic species in addition to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Through analysis of biopsy samples from patients, it has been found that P. brasiliensis is the predominant species in the Sao Paulo State region.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andreia Ferreira Nery, Zoilo Pires de Camargo, Anderson Messias Rodrigues, Tiago Ferreira Portela, Hugo Dias Hoffmann-Santos, Breno Goncalves Pinheiro, Ana Paula Possa, Leticia Rossetto da Silva Cavalcante, Ferry Hagen, Rosane Christine Hahn
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and laboratory data of 44 paracoccidioidomycosis patients caused by Paracoccidioides lutzii. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was found to complement the criteria for disease severity, and applying the low-cost NLR test can greatly increase diagnostic sensitivity and contribute to better disease control. Treatment prescribed did not follow recommendations in some severe cases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Laura Jo Sherwood, Andrew Hayhurst
Summary: In this study, nanobodies with uniform cross-reactivity to different species of the Ebolavirus genus were isolated by immunizing a llama. These nanobodies exhibited equivalent reactivities across all five species and greatly enhanced sensitivity in immunodiagnostic assays and live virus titrations. They also showed recognition capability towards a newly discovered Ebola virus species. The simplicity and modularity of these nanobodies have potential applications in antigen-based diagnostic technologies.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alexander J. Winton, Mark A. Allen
Summary: Phage display is used to identify polypeptides binding to lithium-ion battery materials. Output/input assays and transmission electron microscopy are employed for quantitative measure and verification. Isothermal titration calorimetry and alanine scanning determine binding residues and affinity, and a bifunctional peptide is validated for stability and potential application in lithium-ion battery electrodes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ali Akbar Alizadeh, Michael B. Morris, W. Bret Church, Shadi Yaqoubi, Siavoush Dastmalchi
Summary: TNFa plays a crucial role in physiological processes, but excessive levels can contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Therefore, researchers have focused on developing strategies to counteract aberrant TNFa concentrations. Promising approaches include destabilizing the active form of TNFa and blocking its interaction with TNFa receptor type I. The use of phage-display technology has been successful in identifying peptides and antibodies that inhibit TNFa activity or prevent its binding to its receptor.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Vanessa Escobar, Natale Scaramozzino, Jasmina Vidic, Arnaud Buhot, Raphael Mathey, Carole Chaix, Yanxia Hou
Summary: Foodborne pathogens cause a significant number of illnesses worldwide. In recent decades, there has been a growing development of accurate biosensors for detecting bacterial pathogens in food, using peptides as recognition biomolecules. This review discusses strategies for designing and screening sensitive peptide bioreceptors, as well as advanced techniques for peptide-based biosensors and innovative approaches like electronic noses for food monitoring. These biosensors and electronic noses offer promising alternatives for highly sensitive, cost-effective, and rapid pathogen detection, some of which can be used as portable devices for on-site analysis.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ivan V. Panayotov, Attila G. Vegh, Marta Martin, Boyan Vladimirov, Christian Larroque, Csilla Gergely, Frederic J. G. Cuisinier, Elias Estephan
Summary: The functionalization of titanium and titanium alloys implant surfaces via material-specific peptides influences host/biomaterial interaction. The use of peptides as molecular linkers between cells and implant material to improve keratinocyte adhesion is reported. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate the promising performance of bioengineered peptides in improving epithelial cell adhesion to titanium-based implants.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Radoslaw W. Piast, Rafal M. Wieczorek, Nicola Marzec, Maciej Garstka, Aleksandra Misicka
Summary: Chondrocalcinosis is a metabolic disease caused by calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the synovial fluid. The study aimed to investigate whether short peptides could dissolve these crystals, with one peptide named R25 showing hydrolytic activity towards the crystals, dependent on Mg2+ and working against soluble pyrophosphate species.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Nadia Domingues, Lucas de Paula Ramos, Larissa Marques Pereira, Pamela Beatriz do Rosario Estevam dos Santos, Liliana Scorzoni, Thais Cristine Pereira, Amjad Abu Hasna, Claudio Antonio Talge Carvalho, Luciane Dias de Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of four herbal plant extracts on mixed-species biofilms composed of Candida albicans and other pathogenic bacteria. The results showed that these extracts had inhibitory effects on the mixed-species biofilms, and some extracts even completely eliminated the biofilms. Therefore, the glycolic extracts of P. paniculata, H. virginiana, S. barbatiman, and G. sylvestre may be considered as potential alternatives for endodontic therapy.
AUSTRALIAN ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Betina Sayeg Burd, Cassamo Ussemane Mussagy, Junya de Lacorte Singulani, Jean Lucas Tanaka, Mateus Scontri, Giovana Sant'Ana Pegorin Brasil, Nayrim Brizuela Guerra, Patricia Akemi Assato, Ana Paula De Sousa Abreu, Camila Calderan Bebber, Maira Terra-Garcia, Juliana Campos Junqueira, Neda Farhadi, Ana Marisa Fusco Almeida, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini, Giannini, Bingbing Li, Rondinelli Donizetti Herculano
Summary: Excessive plastic production and improper disposal have led to unprecedented pollution. This study found that Galleria mellonella larvae have high biodegradation ability for polystyrene (PS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), making them a promising and cost-effective alternative.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luis Antonio Rodriguez Carnero, Andreia Kuramoto, Lea Campos de Oliveira, Jhonatas Sirino Monteiro, Joao Carlos Setubal, Edecio Cunha-Neto, Ester Cerdeira Sabino, Ricardo Jose Giordano
Summary: This study used the gPhage platform to compare antigens and antibodies before and after treatment in 20 patients with chronic Chagas disease. The results showed a decrease in antibody levels and recognition of specific antigens after treatment. The gPhage data correlated with patient PCR-status and could predict patient response to treatment. In conclusion, the use of the gPhage platform contributes to the development of novel diagnostic tools for Chagas disease.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lais de Almeida Campos, Margani Taise Fin, Kelvin Sousa Santos, Marcos William de Lima Gualque, Ana Karla Lima Freire Cabral, Najeh Maissar Khalil, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Rubiana Mara Mainardes, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini
Summary: Invasive fungal infections have become a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The current treatment options are limited due to low bioavailability and toxicity. Voriconazole is widely used to treat various fungal infections, but its non-linear pharmacokinetics and individual variations in metabolism can lead to supratherapeutic doses and increased toxicity. Recent research has explored the use of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems to improve the delivery of voriconazole. These systems have shown promising results in enhancing drug permeation and deposition in target tissues, allowing for controlled and sustained release in different administration routes. Overall, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems offer a more effective and safer alternative for treating fungal infections.
Article
Microbiology
Kelvin Sousa dos Santos, Lariane Teodoro Oliveira, Marina de Lima Fontes, Ketylin Fernanda Migliato, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Maria Jose Soares Mendes Giannini, Andrei Moroz
Summary: A 3D lung aggregate model using sodium alginate scaffolds was developed for studying interactions between Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and lung epithelial cells. The model showed low cytotoxicity, increased cell density, and maintained cell viability for seven days. Adding ECM proteins to the scaffolds resulted in a significantly higher number of retrieved fungi.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabela Jacob Moro, Flavio Alexandre Carvalho, Juhan Augusto Scardelato Pereira, Gabriela Brasil Romao, Andre Faibicher, Winner Duque Rodrigues, Renata Pires Assis, Iguatemy Lourenco Brunetti, Junya de Lacorte Singulani, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Andre Gonzaga dos Santos
Summary: This study used UHPLC-UV green chromatography to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Varronia curassavica, as well as its embryotoxicity in Zebrafish. The results showed that certain components in the leaves of V. curassavica exhibited good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but also had some toxic effects on Zebrafish embryos.
CHEMISTRY & BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mariana C. Galeane, Paulo C. Gomes, Junya L. Singulani, Maria J. S. Mendes-Giannini, Ana M. Fusco-Almeida
Summary: In this study, an IsCT analogue peptide (PepM3) was designed based on structural studies of wasp mastoparans and its antifungal activity and toxicity were evaluated. The results showed that PepM3 exhibited activity against Candida albicans and synergistic effects with amphotericin B. The peptide had fungicidal action, low toxicity in human skin keratinocytes, and was nonteratogenic in zebrafish embryos.
FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Evelyn Pulido-Camarillo, Jorge H. Sahaza, Nayla de Souza Pitangui, Maria Jose S. Mendes-Giannini, Ana M. Fusco-Almeida, Armando Perez-Torres, Maria Lucia Taylor
Summary: This study revealed differential host pulmonary inflammatory responses associated with distinct genotypes of H. capsulatum strains during infection. Mice infected with the LAm A2 strain showed progressive inflammation in the lung parenchyma during the early stages of infection, and granulomas with macrophages containing yeast cells at 14 and 21 days post-infection. In contrast, infection with the NAm 2 strain primarily induced bronchiolar-associated lymphoid tissue formation.
Review
Microbiology
Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Samanta de Matos Silva, Kelvin Sousa dos Santos, Marcos William de Lima Gualque, Carolina Orlando Vaso, Angelica Romao Carvalho, Kaila Petrolina Medina-Alarcon, Ana Carolina Moreira da Silva Pires, Jenyffie Araujo Belizario, Ligia de Souza Fernandes, Andrei Moroz, Luis R. Martinez, Orville Hernandez Ruiz, Angel Gonzalez, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini
Summary: Due to global legislation restricting the use of mammalian animals in research, alternative methods have gained importance in the study of fungal pathogenesis. This review discusses the use of three-dimensional cultures and alternative animal models to study host-fungus interactions.
Article
Microbiology
Caroline Maria Marcos, Haroldo Cesar de Oliveira, Patricia Akemi Assato, Lariane Teodoro de Oliveira, Nathalia Fregonezi, Kelvin Sousa dos Santos, Caroline Barcelos Costa-Orlandi, Ana Marisa Fusco-Almeida, Maria Jose Soares Mendes-Giannini
Summary: This study explores signaling pathways implicated in fungal pathobiology and identifies the crucial role of the Drk1 protein in the morphological shift and virulence of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Peptides with affinity for PbDrk1 were found to inhibit the phase transition and adhesion of P. brasiliensis, and augment the effects of antifungal agents. The peptides also showed enhanced larval survival rates in a Galleria mellonella model. Further investigation of PbDrk1 may improve our understanding of P. brasiliensis and lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Thais C. Pereira, Paulo H. F. do Carmo, Raquel T. de Menezes, Haroldo C. de Oliveira, Luciane D. de Oliveira, Juliana C. Junqueira, Liliana Scorzoni
Summary: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of verapamil alone and in combination with amphotericin B against Cryptococcus neoformans. Verapamil showed antifungal activity against C. neoformans and when combined with amphotericin B, exhibited synergistic effect and reduced the drugs' concentrations. The combination therapy also reduced the size and glucuronoxylomannnan content of C. neoformans capsule.
FOLIA MICROBIOLOGICA
(2023)