Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jhajan Lal, Grace Kaul, Abdul Akhir, Deepanshi Saxena, Harshita Dubkara, Shashank Shekhar, Sidharth Chopra, Damodara N. Reddy
Summary: Gramicidin S, a natural antimicrobial peptide, is used commercially in medicinal lozenges for sore throat and bacterial infections. However, its clinical potential is limited due to its high cytotoxicity. In this study, we edited the proline and alpha-carbon of Gramicidin S to examine the impact on activity and cytotoxicity.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruno Amorim-Carmo, Adriana M. S. Parente, Eden S. Souza, Arnobio A. Silva-Junior, Renata M. Araujo, Matheus F. Fernandes-Pedrosa
Summary: This article discusses strategies for optimizing scorpion AMPs, including primary sequence, biotechnological potential, and characteristics to consider during development. Research shows that scorpion AMPs have potential value for treating infections, but there are also limitations to their application.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oxana Galzitskaya, Stanislav R. Kurpe, Alexander Panfilov, Anna Glyakina, Sergei Y. Grishin, Alexey P. Kochetov, Evgeniya Deryusheva, Andrey Machulin, Sergey Kravchenko, Pavel A. Domnin, Alexey K. Surin, Viacheslav N. Azev, Svetlana A. Ermolaeva
Summary: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a leading cause of death worldwide. The researchers have developed and tested peptides with a new mechanism of antimicrobial action based on directed co-aggregation. They found that these peptides have antimicrobial effects on various bacteria, including E. coli, T. thermophilus, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus, making them potential candidates for combating hospital infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rafat Jerzy Kopiasz, Anna Zabost, Magdalena Myszka, Aleksandra Kuzminska, Karolina Drezek, Jolanta Mierzejewska, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Agnieszka Iwanska, Ewa Augustynowicz-Kopec, Tomasz Ciach, Dominik Janczewski
Summary: The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the resurgence of tuberculosis disease have driven the search for new antimicrobial agents. Synthetic mimics of antimicrobial peptides (SMAMPs) show promise as they act by disrupting cell membranes. This study aims to understand the influence of hydrophobicity, main-chain flexibility, and the topology of ionenes on their activity.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Armin Mirzapour-Kouhdasht, Marzieh Moosavi-Nasab, Young-Min Kim, Jong-Bang Eun
Summary: The study aimed to produce gelatin peptides from fish by-products for potential application in carbonated beverages, showing high antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The fraction < 3 kDa exhibited the highest peptide concentration and activities, but these biological activities were significantly decreased after in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The F < 3 kDa could be safely used for fortification of carbonated beverages due to its properties and cytotoxicity analysis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophie Laroque, Ramoin Garcia Maset, Alexia Hapeshi, Fannie Burgevin, Katherine E. S. Locock, Seibastien Perrier
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue, and the emergence of multiresistant bacterial strains is alarming. Multivalent antimicrobial polymer architectures, such as bottle brush or star polymers, have shown great potential in enhancing interactions with bacterial cell membranes. In this study, amphiphilic star copolymers and their linear equivalents were synthesized and tested for their antimicrobial activity and hemocompatibility. The star copolymer S-SP25 exhibited improved antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa PA14 compared to its linear counterpart, although it also induced increased red blood cell aggregation. Shifting the position of the cationic block in the structure prevented cell aggregation while maintaining strong antimicrobial activity for the smallest star copolymer. Additionally, this compound showed antibiofilm properties against in vitro biofilm models.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tawanny K. B. Aguiar, Ricardo M. Feitosa, Nilton A. S. Neto, Ellen A. Malveira, Francisco I. R. Gomes, Ana C. M. Costa, Cleverson D. T. Freitas, Felipe P. Mesquita, Pedro F. N. Souza
Summary: Combining synthetic antimicrobial peptides (SAMPs) with the antifungal drug itraconazole (ITR) significantly enhances the activity of ITR against multidrug-resistant Cryptococcus neoformans. The enhanced activity is achieved through the induction of pore formation in the membrane and the overaccumulation of ROS on the fungal cells. Synthetic peptides have the potential to assist antifungal agents in treating Cryptococcal infections.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hatsuo Yamamura, Tatsuya Hagiwara, Yuma Hayashi, Kayo Osawa, Hisato Kato, Takashi Katsu, Kazufumi Masuda, Ayumi Sumino, Hayato Yamashita, Ryo Jinno, Masayuki Abe, Atsushi Miyagawa
Summary: The study found that a peptide mimic made of a cyclic oligosaccharide cyclodextrin scaffold has antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including drug-resistant pathogens like carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. These agents disrupt bacterial membranes, leading to rapid bacterial cell death, and also facilitate the entry of traditional antibiotics into Gram-negative bacteria.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Sun, Min Li, Bo Zhang, Xuesi Chen
Summary: This study presents an efficient strategy for synthesizing antibacterial polypeptoid sulfonium ions through ring-opening polymerization and post-polymerization functionalization. Systematic investigations were conducted to explore the impact of hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance on antimicrobial activity and selectivity. The optimized amphiphilic balance in the chloroepoxypropane-modified polysulfoniums showed higher selectivity towards bacteria and great efficiency in inhibiting biofilm formations.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sheng-qi Rao, Ru-yi Zhang, Rui Chen, Ya-jun Gao, Lu Gao, Zhen-quan Yang
Summary: A new hybrid antibacterial agent (SLP-AgNPs) was prepared by using silver nanoparticles and Lactobacillus buchneri-isolated surface-layer proteins, showing significantly enhanced antibacterial activity. The synergistic antibacterial mechanism of SLP-AgNPs may be achieved through the enhanced adhesion to bacteria, antibacterial ability of SLP, and sustained release of silver ions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wyatt C. Powell, Garrett E. Evenson, Maciej A. Walczak
Summary: By designing an artificial cyclodehydratase, we achieved siteselective modification of peptides and natural products, efficiently introducing heterocycles into these molecules with minimal waste. This new mechanistic paradigm may address the need for selective and sustainable functionalization of peptides and natural products.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Alvin Lim Teik Zheng, Hisham N. Farrag, Sarah Sabidi, Tamaki Kato, Toshinari Maeda, Yoshito Andou
Summary: The study found that cyclic peptides immobilized on reduced graphene oxide exhibited selective antibacterial effects, with tyrosine and histidine-based peptides showing higher antibacterial activity. The enhanced antibacterial potency can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the antimicrobial peptides and graphene oxide.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wanzhen Li, Ping Song, Ying Xin, Zhao Kuang, Qin Liu, Fei Ge, Longbao Zhu, Xuguang Zhang, Yugui Tao, Weiwei Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrated that loading AP on CdSe NPs resulted in higher water solubility, bioavailability, and antibacterial effect compared to raw AP. AP-CdSe NPs showed strong antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria both in vitro and in vivo. The findings are helpful for the design and development of antibacterial treatment strategies based on AP.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2021)
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)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John T. Kalyvas, Paula Facal Marina, Damian L. Stachura, John R. Horsley, Andrew D. Abell
Summary: A novel strategy using UV light to activate and deliver an antimicrobial therapeutic agent for treating Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) skin infections is introduced. The active peptide, derived from a photoswitchable gramicidin S analogue immobilized on a wearable patch, exhibits antimicrobial activity against S. aureus without harming red blood cells. The antimicrobial properties of the peptide can be switched off within seconds by irradiation with visible light, providing an ideal approach to regulate antibiotic activity and potentially mitigate resistance.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruifang Gao, Linzhu Su, Tianrong Yu, Jian Liu, Henny C. van der Mei, Yijin Ren, Gaojian Chen, Linqi Shi, Brandon W. Peterson, Henk J. Busscher
Summary: To prevent collateral tissue damage, photothermal nanoparticles were encapsulated in specific shell polymeric micelles, allowing for successful accumulation and eradication in infectious biofilms without observed cytotoxicity. Encapsulated nanoparticles demonstrated faster infection eradication and reduced staphylococcal counts in surrounding tissue in mice, promoting faster wound healing.
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Edward N. Baker, Charles S. Bond, Elspeth F. Garman, Janet Newman, Randy J. Read, Mark J. van Raaij
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Edward N. Baker, Charles S. Bond, Elspeth F. Garman, Janet Newman, Randy J. Read, Mark J. van Raaij
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
John R. Helliwell, Janet Newman, Mark J. van Raaij
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edward N. Baker, Charles S. Bond, Elspeth F. Garman, Janet Newman, Randy J. Read, Mark J. van Raaij
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yanyan Wu, Guang Yang, Henny C. van der Mei, Linqi Shi, Henk J. Busscher, Yijin Ren
Summary: The use of carbon quantum dots as a treatment for intestinal infections shows promise, with potential benefits in disrupting bacterial biofilms and enhancing antibiotic efficacy. However, the source of the carbon quantum dots may have different effects on the body, as evidenced by biosafety concerns raised by certain derivatives. Careful consideration is needed when selecting and utilizing carbon quantum dots for therapeutic purposes.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Roberto Vazquez, Mateo Seoane-Blanco, Virginia Rivero-Buceta, Susana Ruiz, Mark J. van Raaij, Pedro Garcia
Summary: The antimicrobial activity of the endolysin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage JG004, termed Pae87, has been characterized. A high-resolution crystal structure of Pae87 complexed with a peptidoglycan fragment showed a separate substrate-binding region within the catalytic domain. An antimicrobial peptide-like region within the Pae87 C-terminus, named P87, was found to be able to actively disturb the outer membrane and display antibacterial activity by itself. Therefore, an antimicrobial mechanism for Pae87 is proposed in which the P87 peptide plays the role of binding to the outer membrane and disrupting the cell-wall function.
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cristina Di Carluccio, Pablo Soriano Maldonado, Francesca Berni, Carla J. C. de Haas, A. Robin Temming, Astrid Hendriks, Sara Ali, Antonio Molinaro, Alba Silipo, Nina M. van Sorge, Mark J. van Raaij, Jeroen D. C. Codee, Roberta Marchetti
Summary: Wall teichoic acids (WTAs) are glycopolymers on the surface of bacteria and potential targets for antibody-based treatments. Research has uncovered the molecular and structural details of synthetic WTA fragments recognized by specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The study highlights the importance of phosphate groups and residues in the WTA backbone for ligand specificity.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angela Rodriguez, Maria Maneiro, Emilio Lence, Jose M. Otero, Mark J. J. van Raaij, Paul Thompson, Alastair R. R. Hawkins, Concepcion Gonzalez-Bello
Summary: This study explores irreversible inhibition of DHQ1 enzyme by enhancing the electrophilicity of ligand and utilizing the acid-base properties of amino substituents. Compound 6, with a hydroxyamino substituent, serves as a time-dependent irreversible inhibitor, while compounds 7 and 8 do not allow enzyme modification. Crystal structures analysis and molecular dynamics simulation provide insights into the molecular basis of this inhibition. This research emphasizes the importance of achieving the correct geometry between the ligand and enzyme for selective covalent modification.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Randy J. Read, Edward N. Baker, Charles S. Bond, Elspeth F. Garman, Mark J. van Raaij
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION D-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Randy J. Read, Edward N. Baker, Charles S. Bond, Elspeth F. Garman, Mark J. van Raaij
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Mark van Raaij
ACTA CRYSTALLOGRAPHICA SECTION F-STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Randy J. Read, Edward N. Baker, Charles S. Bond, Elspeth F. Garman, Mark J. van Raaij
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Javier Garcia-Ben, Juan Manuel Bermudez-Garcia, Richard J. C. Dixey, Ignacio Delgado-Ferreiro, Antonio Luis Llamas-Saiz, Jorge Lopez-Beceiro, Ramon Artiaga, Alberto Garcia-Fernandez, Ute B. Cappel, Bruno Alonso, Socorro Castro-Garcia, Anthony E. Phillips, Manuel Sanchez-Andujar, Maria Antonia Senaris-Rodriguez
Summary: Approximately 46% of global food production requires refrigeration, and the traditional methods of refrigeration have fluid loss issues. This study introduces a promising thermomaterial, [DBA][BF4], with solid-solid phase transitions, which shows excellent thermal properties for both active and passive refrigeration.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Sanz-Gaitero, Mark J. van Raaij
Summary: Endolysins, produced by bacteriophages, can be used to eliminate pathogenic bacteria and detect them. Understanding their structures and mechanisms is essential for designing molecules with novel properties. X-ray protein crystallography is a powerful method for obtaining high-resolution structures of these biological macromolecules.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
