Identification of a Passiflora alata Curtis dimeric peptide showing identity with 2S albumins

Antifungal proteins and peptides, essential compounds for plant defense, have been isolated from several tissues of various plants. These proteins could be used as a natural alternative to control phytopathogenic fungi. In this report a heterodimeric antifungal protein named Pa-AFP1, showing higher identity with the 2S albumin family, was purified by using 70-100% ammonium sulfate saturation and further purification steps such as anionic exchange Q-Sepharose chromatography associated with HPLC reversed-phase C4 chromatography. Analysis by Tricine-SDS-PAGE revealed two peptidic molecular masses of approximately 4500 Da and 7000 Da, in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol, while by removing the reducing agent a single protein with molecular mass of about 11,500 Da was obtained. Moreover, dimer mass was confirmed by MALDI-TOF analyses (11,569.76 Da). The antifungal protein, named Pa-AFP1, efficiently inhibited the growth of filamentous fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and was added to a short list of 2S albumins with antimicrobial properties. Otherwise, this same peptide showed no activity toward bacteria and yeasts. In summary, this compound could be used in the future to develop biotechnological products for the control of phytopathogenic fungi.     

Pyruvate Formate-Lyase Interacts Directly with the Formate Channel FocA to Regulate Formate Translocation

The FNT (formate-nitrite transporters) form a superfamily of pentameric membrane channels that translocate monovalent anions across biological membranes. FocA (formate channel A) translocates formate bidirectionally but the mechanism underlying how translocation of formate is controlled and what governs substrate specificity remains unclear. Here we demonstrate that the normally soluble dimeric enzyme pyruvate formate-lyase (PflB), which is responsible for intracellular formate generation in enterobacteria and other microbes, interacts specifically with FocA. Association of PflB with the cytoplasmic membrane was shown to be FocA dependent and purified, Strep-tagged FocA specifically retrieved PflB from Escherichia coli crude extracts. Using a bacterial two-hybrid system, it could be shown that the N-terminus of FocA and the central domain of PflB were involved in the interaction. This finding was confirmed by chemical cross-linking experiments. Using constraints imposed by the amino acid residues identified in the cross-linking study, we provide for the first time a model for the FocA–PflB complex. The model suggests that the N-terminus of FocA is important for interaction with PflB. An in vivo assay developed to monitor changes in formate levels in the cytoplasm revealed the importance of the interaction with PflB for optimal translocation of formate by FocA. This system represents a paradigm for the control of activity of FNT channel proteins.     

A beta-defensin 1-like antimicrobial peptide from the tree shrew, Tupaia belangeri

A novel beta-defensin 1-like antimicrobial peptide (β-defensin 1TB) containing 36 amino acid residues was purified and characterized from the serum of the tree shrew, Tupaia belangeri. Its amino acid sequence was determined as DHYLCVKNEGICLYSSCPSYTKIEGTCYGGKAKCCK, by Edman degradation, mass spectrometry analysis, and cDNA cloning. Evolution analysis indicated that β-defensin 1TB showed maximal similarity to the β-defensin 1 identified from cotton-top tamarin, Saguinus oedipus. β-defensin 1TB exerted potential antimicrobial activities against wide spectrum of microorganisms including Gram-negative and -positive bacteria and fungi. It showed little hemolitic activity to human or rabbit red cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of antimicrobial peptide from Tupaiidae.     

A radish seed antifungal peptide with a high amyloid fibril-forming propensity

The amyloid fibril-forming ability of two closely related antifungal and antimicrobial peptides derived from plant defensin proteins has been investigated. As assessed by sequence analysis, thioflavin T binding, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray fiber diffraction, a 19 amino acid fragment from the C-terminal region of Raphanus sativus antifungal protein, known as RsAFP-19, is highly amyloidogenic. Further, its fibrillar morphology can be altered by externally controlled conditions. Freezing and thawing led to amyloid fibril formation which was accompanied by loss of RsAFP-19 antifungal activity. A second, closely related antifungal peptide displayed no fibril-forming capacity. It is concluded that while fibril formation is not associated with the antifungal properties of these peptides, the peptide RsAFP-19 is of potential use as a controllable, highly amyloidogenic small peptide for investigating the structure of amyloid fibrils and their mechanism of formation.     

南美天胡荽及其根际土壤水浸提液化感成分分析

为探讨南美天胡荽对其他植物种子萌发的影响以及筛选影响其他植物的主要化合物,该文采用种子萌发试验、气相色谱-质谱联用以及液相色谱-质谱联用的方法,分析了南美天胡荽不同溶剂浸提液对种子萌发的影响、南美天胡荽植株及其根际土壤浸提液成分。结果表明:(1)南美天胡荽不同溶剂浸提物均具有一定程度的抑制种子萌发作用。(2)气相色谱-质谱分析下,南美天胡荽植株水浸提液中共分离鉴定了35种化合物,其中,邻苯二甲酸二丁酯(15.2%)、10,15-十八烷二元酸(8.58%)、2,4-二叔丁基苯酚(6.81%)相对含量最高; 根际土壤水浸提液中共分离鉴定了17种化合物,其中,油酸酰胺(26.47%)、正二十七烷(9.63%)、十六酸乙酯(4.83%)相对含量最高。(3)液相色谱-质谱分析下,南美天胡荽植株水浸提液共分离鉴定了109种化合物,ESI⁺模式下,L-苯丙氨酸(3 483.99 ng·mg^-1)、木犀草素(2 306.64 ng·mg^-1)含量最多,ESI^-模式下,右旋奎宁酸(21 827.71 ng·mg^-1)、绿原酸(12 589.25 ng·mg^-1)含量最多; 根际土壤水浸提液中共分离鉴定了93种化合物,ESI⁺模式下,丁酸(7 660.53 ng·mg^-1)、棕榈酰胺(3 200.36 ng·mg^-1)含量最多,ESI^-模式下,正二十八酸(18 605.35 ng·mg^-1)、蔗糖(12 183.23 ng·mg^-1)含量最多。(4)南美天胡荽的潜在化感物质主要为脂肪酸类、酰胺类、酯类、芳香酸类化合物,而土壤中直接起化感作用的物质可能为丁酸、正二十八酸、羟基乙酸、油酸酰胺、棕榈酰胺、十六酸乙酯、苯甲酸,其中脂肪酸类化合物输入可能来源于南美天胡荽、土壤微生物和土壤动物,酰胺类、酯类、芳香类化合物则更可能来源于南美天胡荽植株。     

Identification of LI-F type antibiotics and di-n-butyl phthalate produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa

Paenibacillus polymyxa strain JSa-9, a soil isolate that displayed antibacterial and antifungal activities in vitro, had been found to produce two types of antimicrobial substances. The two compounds were extracted from the fermentation broth of JSa-9 using ethyl acetate and subsequently purified by high performance liquid chromatography. By means of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry analysis, one of two antagonistic compounds was determined as di-n-butyl phthalate. And another was characterized as a mixture of related peptides of molecular masses of 883, 897, 911, 947, and 961 Da, with the most likely structure of them determined to be a cyclic depsipeptide with an unusual 15-guanidino-3-hydroxypentadecanoic acid moiety bound to a free amino group. These peptides were therefore members of the LI-F group of cyclic depsipeptides.     

A new tyrosine-specific chymotrypsin-like and angiotensin-degrading serine proteinase from Vipera lebetina snake venom

Vipera lebetina venom contains different metallo- and serine proteinases that affect coagulation and fibrin(ogen)olysis. A novel serine proteinase from V. Lebetina venom having ChymoTrypsin Like Proteolytic activity (VLCTLP) was purified to homogeneity from the venom using Sephadex G-100sf, DEAE-cellulose, heparin-agarose and FPLC on Superdex 75 chromatographies. VLCTLP is a glycosylated serine proteinase with a molecular mass of 41926 Da. It reacts with N-acetyl-l-tyrosine ethyl ester (ATEE) but not with Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Phe-pNA or Suc-Ala-Ala-Pro-Leu-pNA. The complete amino acid sequence of the VLCTLP is deduced from the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA encoding this protein. The full-length cDNA sequence of the VLCTLP encodes open reading frame of 257 amino acid residues that includes a putative signal peptide of 18 amino acids, a proposed activation peptide of six amino acid residues and serine proteinase of 233 amino acid residues. VLCTLP belongs to the S1 (chymotrypsin) subfamily of proteases. The multiple alignment of its deduced amino acid sequence showed structural similarity with other serine proteases from snake venoms. The protease weakly hydrolyses azocasein, Aα-chain and more slowly Bβ-chain of fibrinogen. VLCTLP does not cleave fibrin and has no gelatinolytic activity. Specificity studies against peptide substrates (angiotensin I and II, oxidized insulin B-chain, glucagon, fibrinogen fragments etc.) showed that VLCTLP catalysed the cleavage of peptide bonds after tyrosine residues. VLCTLP is the only purified and characterized serine proteinase from snake venoms that catalyses ATEE hydrolysis. We detected ATEE-hydrolysing activities also in 9 different Viperidae and Crotalidae venoms.     

Purification and structural characterization of a novel antibacterial peptide from Bellamya bengalensis: activity against ampicillin and chloramphenicol resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis

Increasing tendency of clinical bacterial strains resistant to conventional antibiotics has being a great challenge to the public's health. Antimicrobial peptides, a new class of antibiotics is known to have the activity against a wide range of bacteria resistant to conventional antibiotics. An antimicrobial peptide of 1676 Da was purified from Bellamya bengalensis, a fresh water snail, using ultrafiltration and reversed phase liquid chromatography. The effect of this peptide on Staphylococcus epidermidis resistant to ampicillin and chloramphenicol was investigated; the MIC and MBC values were 8 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml, respectively. Complete sequence of the peptide was determined by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Further, peptide net charge, hydrophobicity and molecular modeling were evaluated in silico for better understanding the probable mechanisms of action. The peptide showed the specificity to bacterial membranes. Hence, this reported peptide revealed a promising candidate to contribute in the development of therapeutic agent for Staphylococcal infections.     

Identification and characterization of a novel antimicrobial peptide from the venom of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum

A novel antimicrobial peptide, named Bicarinalin, has been isolated from the venom of the ant Tetramorium bicarinatum. Its amino acid sequence has been determined by de novo sequencing using mass spectrometry and by Edman degradation. Bicarinalin contained 20 amino acid residues and was C-terminally amidated as the majority of antimicrobial peptides isolated to date from insect venoms. Interestingly, this peptide had a linear structure and exhibited no meaningful similarity with any known peptides. Antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and S. xylosus strains were evaluated using a synthetic replicate. Bicarinalin had a potent and broad antibacterial activity of the same magnitude as Melittin and other hymenopteran antimicrobial peptides such as Pilosulin or Defensin. Moreover, this antimicrobial peptide has a weak hemolytic activity compared to Melittin on erythrocytes, suggesting potential for development into an anti-infective agent for use against emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens.     

A novel defensin from the lentil Lens culinaris seeds

A novel 47-residue plant defensin was purified from germinated seeds of the lentil Lens culinaris by ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, chromatography, and RP-HPLC. The molecular mass (5440.41 Da) and complete amino acid sequence (KTCENLSDSFKGPCIPDGNCNKHCKEKEHLLSGRCRDDFRCWCTRNC)¹ of defensin, termed Lc-def, were determined. Lc-def has eight cysteines forming four disulfide bonds. The total RNA was isolated from lentil germinated seeds, RT-PCR and subsequent cloning were performed, and cDNA was sequenced. A 74-residue predefensin contains a putative signal peptide (27 amino acid) and a mature protein. Lc-def shows high sequence homology with legumes defensins, exhibits an activity against Aspergillus niger, but does not inhibit proteolytic enzymes.     

Alkylresorcylic acid synthesis by type III polyketide synthases from rice Oryza sativa

Alkylresorcinols, produced by various plants, bacteria, and fungi, are bioactive compounds possessing beneficial activities for human health, such as anti-cancer activity. In rice, they accumulate in seedlings, contributing to protection against fungi. Alkylresorcylic acids, which are carboxylated forms of alkylresorcinols, are unstable compounds and decarboxylate readily to yield alkylresorcinols. Genome mining of the rice Oryza sativa identified two type III polyketide synthases, named ARAS1 (alkylresorcylic acid synthase) and ARAS2, that catalyze the formation of alkylresorcylic acids. Both enzymes condensed fatty acyl-CoAs with three C₂ units from malonyl-CoA and cyclized the resulting tetraketide intermediates via intramolecular C-2 to C-7 aldol condensation. The alkylresorcylic acids thus produced were released from the enzyme and decarboxylated non-enzymatically to yield alkylresorcinols. This is the first report on a plant type III polyketide synthase that produces tetraketide alkylresorcylic acids as major products.     

Three novel antimicrobial peptides from the skin of Rana shuchinae

Intensive studies have demonstrated that there are many antimicrobial peptides in amphibian skins. Three novel antimicrobial peptides were identified from the skin of the frog, Rana shuchinae. They are named shuchins 3–5. Their sequences were determined as KAYSMPRCKGGFRAVMCWL-NH₂, KAYSTPRCKGLFRALMCWL-NH₂, and KAYSMPRCKYLFRAVLCWL-NH₂ by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry analysis, respectively. They are composed of 19 amino acids (aa) with unique sequences. BLAST search indicated that they showed no similarity to any known peptides or proteins. They are a novel family of antimicrobial peptide. These peptides showed antimicrobial activities against all of tested microorganisms including Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The cDNAs encoding precursors of these peptides were cloned from the skin cDNA library of R. shuchinae. The precursors are composed of 64 amino acid residues including predicted signal peptides, acidic spacer peptides, and mature antimicrobial peptides. The current work identified a novel antimicrobial peptide family.     

A combined A431 cell membrane chromatography and online high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method for screening compounds from total alkaloid of Radix Caulophylli acting on the human EGFR

We have developed an online analytical method that combines A431 cell membrane chromatography (A431/CMC) with high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC/MS) for identifying active components from Radix Caulophylli acting on human EGFR. Retention fractions on A431/CMC model were captured onto an enrichment column and the components were directly analyzed by combining a 10-port column switcher with an LC/MS system for separation and preliminary identification. Using Sorafenib tosylate as a positive control, taspine and caulophine from Radix Caulophylli were identified as the active molecules which could act on the EGFR. This A431/CMC-online-LC/MS method can be applied for screening active components acting on EGFR from traditional Chinese medicines exemplified by Radix Caulophylli and will be of great utility in drug discovery using natural medicinal herbs as a source of novel compounds.     

Screening-based discovery of Aspergillus fumigatus plant-type chitinase inhibitors

A limited therapeutic arsenal against increasing clinical disease due to Aspergillus spp. necessitates urgent characterisation of new antifungal targets. Here we describe the discovery of novel, low micromolar chemical inhibitors of Aspergillus fumigatus family 18 plant-type chitinase A1 (AfChiA1) by high-throughput screening (HTS). Analysis of the binding mode by X-ray crystallography confirmed competitive inhibition and kinetic studies revealed two compounds with selectivity towards fungal plant-type chitinases. These inhibitors provide new chemical tools to probe the effects of chitinase inhibition on A. fumigatus growth and virulence, presenting attractive starting points for the development of further potent drug-like molecules.     

Muscodor albus MOW12 an Endophyte of Piper nigrum L. (Piperaceae) Collected from North East India Produces Volatile Antimicrobials

Muscodor albus MOW12, an endophytic fungus isolated from Piper nigrum in Mawlong, Meghalaya, India, resembles some cultural and hyphal characteristics of previous isolates of Muscodor sp. In addition, it possesses about 99 % similarity in its ITS rDNA with other M. albus isolates and thus is nicely centered within the genetic tree to other Muscodor spp. This xylariaceae fungus effectively inhibits and kills certain plant pathogenic fungi by virtue of a mixture of volatile compounds that it produces. The majority of these compounds were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as small molecular weight esters, alcohols, and acids. The main ester components of this isolate of M. albus in its volatile mixture are acetic acid, ethyl ester; propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester and acetic acid, 2-methylpropyl ester. This appears to be the first report of any M. albus strain from India.     

Antimicrobial peptides from chilli pepper seeds causes yeast plasma membrane permeabilization and inhibits the acidification of the medium by yeast cells

During the last few years, a growing number of cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptides has been isolated from plants and particularly from seeds. It has become increasingly clear that these peptides play an important role in the protection of plants against microbial infection. In this work, proteins from chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) seeds were extracted in phosphate buffer, pH 5.4 and peptides purification were performed by employing ion-exchange chromatographies on DEAE, CM-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-100 and reverse phase in HPLC. Three peptide enriched fractions, namely F1, F2 and F3, were obtained after the CM-Sepharose chromatography. The F1 fraction, mainly composed of three peptides ranging from 6 to 10 kDa, was submitted to N-terminal amino acid sequencing. The closer to 10 kDa peptide showed high sequence homology to lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) previously isolated from others seeds. F1 fraction exhibited strong fungicidal activity against Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe and also promoted several morphological changes to C. albicans, including the formation of pseudohyphae, as revealed by scanning electron micrography. F1 fraction also reduced the glucose stimulated acidification of the medium mediated by H⁺-ATPase of S. cerevisiae cells in a dose-dependent manner and caused the permeabilization of yeast plasma membrane to the dye SYTOX Green, as verified by confocal laser microscopy.     

A novel antimicrobial peptide from skin secretions of the earthworm, Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen)

A novel lumbricin-like antimicrobial peptide named lumbricin-PG was isolated from skin secretions of the earthworm, Pheretima guillelmi (Michaelsen), using a procedure of one step Sephadex G-50 gel filtration and one step C₈ reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Its amino acid sequence was determined as FSRYARMRDSRPWSDRKNNYSGPQFTYPPEKAPPEKLIKWNN EGSPIFEMPAEGGHIEP by Edman degradation combined with cDNA cloning and mass spectrometry analysis. The cDNA encoding lumbricin-PG was cloned by cDNA library screening. The predicted protein from the cDNA sequence was composed of 73 amino acid residues including a mature lumbricin-PG and predicted signal peptide. It showed similarity with lumbricin antimicrobial peptide from the earthworm, Lumbricus rubellus by BLAST search. Purified lumbricin-PG exerted potential antimicrobial activities against bacteria and fungi; it showed weak hemolysis activity against human and rabbit red cells.