Cecropin

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Cecropin family
Cecropin.png
Model of Drosophila melanogaster Cecropin A
Identifiers
SymbolCecropin
Pfam PF00272
InterPro IPR000875
PROSITE PDOC00241
SCOP2 1f0d / SCOPe / SUPFAM
TCDB 1.C.17
OPM superfamily 151
OPM protein 1d9j
Available protein structures:
Pfam   structures / ECOD  
PDB RCSB PDB; PDBe; PDBj
PDBsum structure summary

Cecropins are antimicrobial peptides. [1] [2] They were first isolated from the hemolymph of Hyalophora cecropia , whence the term cecropin was derived. Cecropins lyse bacterial cell membranes; they also inhibit proline uptake and cause leaky membranes.

Contents

Cecropins [3] [4] [5] constitute a main part of the innate immune system of insects. Cecropins are small proteins anywhere from 31 - 37 amino acids long and are active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Cecropins isolated from insects other than Hyalophora cecropia (Cecropia moth) have been given various names, such as bactericidin, lepidopterin, and sarcotoxin. All of these peptides are structurally related.

Members

Members include:

Cecropin A
Peptide Sequence (KWKLFKKIEKVGQNIRDGIIKAGPAVAVVGQATQIAK). Secondary structure includes two α helices. [6] : 4.2  At low peptide to lipid ratios ion channels are formed, at high peptide to lipid ratios pores are formed. [7]
Cecropin B
Peptide Sequence (KWKVFKKIEKMGRNIRNGIVKAGPAIAVLGEAKAL). Secondary structure includes two α helices. [6] : 4.2 
CECD
from Aedes aegypti (Yellowfever mosquito). [8]
Papiliocin
from Papilio xuthus (a butterfly) [8]
Cecropin P1
Peptide Sequence (SWLSKTAKKLENSAKKRISEGIAIAIQGGPR). An antibacterial peptide from Ascaris suum , a parasitic nematode that resides in the pig intestine, also belongs to this family.[ citation needed ]

Derivatives

A derivative of Cecropin B is an anticancer polypeptide(L). Structure consists of mainly alpha helixes, determined by solution NMR. Protein molecular weight = 4203.4g/mol. [9]

Some of the cecropins (e.g. cecropin A, and cecropin B) have anticancer properties and are called anticancer peptides (ACPs). [6] : 3  Hybrid ACPs based on Cecropin A have been studied for anticancer properties. [6] : 7.1 

Anticancer properties

Anticancer activities of cecropin B, cecropin P1, and Shiva-1 were first demonstrated with in vitro studies of mammalian leukemia and lymphoma cell lines, where cells were sensitive to peptide concentrations on the order of 10−6 M. [10] Two multidrug-resistant breast and ovarian cancer cell lines also showed sensitivity to the peptides. [10] Further, peptide anticancer activity is reported as being complete within one hour of treatment. [10] In vivo studies of murine ascitic colon adenocarcinoma cells showed a similar trend, where mice treated with cecropin B exhibited increased survival time compared to untreated mice. [10] Structural studies of cecropin B and its derivative cecropin B3 showed that anticancer activity arises from the ability of the antimicrobial peptides to form pores in stomach carcinoma cell membranes. [6] [11] Measuring electrical currents on cell surfaces showed that cecropin B, but not cecropin B3, induces outward currents indicative of pore formation. [11] Further, cecropin B3 lacks an amphipathic group present in cecropin B, suggesting that this amphipathic group is necessary for cecropin B to insert into cell membranes and form pores. [11] Cecropin B has strong activity on bacteria as well as cancer cells, while B3 has little effect on either. [11] Notably, another derivative, cecropin B1, has two amphipathic regions and exhibits potent activity against human leukemia cell lines at concentrations that do not affect normal fibroblasts or red blood cells. [6]

Different cecropins act on different types of human cancer cells and show activity at concentrations that are not harmful to normal cells. For example, a recent study of Cecropins A and B demonstrated strongly cytotoxic activity against four bladder cancer cell lines, while benign murine and human fibroblasts were not susceptible to Cecropin A or B. [12] Cecropins from many insect species have been shown to be active against a diverse range of human cancer cell lines. For example, Mdcec, a cecropin originating from the common housefly, has been shown to have an antiproliferative effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402 without affecting normal liver cells. [13] Flow cytometry and RT-PCR experiments revealed that treatment with Mdcec increased expression of pro-apoptotic genes such as caspase-3, leading to cancer cell death. [13] These same genes did not show significant expression changes in healthy cells upon treatment with Mdcec. [13] This suggests a degree of specificity which has promise for development of novel cancer therapies.

Further supporting therapeutic efficacy, a study of cecropin A affirmed that cecropin A selectively lyses leukemia cells while exerting little effect on normal lymphocytes. [14] In the same study, chemotherapy drugs cytarabine and 5-fluorouracil synergize with cecropin A in vitro to enhance cytotoxic effects on leukemia cells. [14] This indicates potential for therapeutic application of antimicrobial peptides in cancer, where treatment with cecropins could lower the required dosage of chemotherapy drugs, reducing undesirable side effects. Major challenges to the use of cecropins as cancer therapeutics are delivery of the peptides to tumor cells. [6] [15] Repeated administration of peptides is necessary to maintain systemic levels of cecropins at sufficient concentrations for anti-cancer activity. [6] [15] This need for repeated administration complicates potential treatment plans. One proposed alternative suggests use of gene therapy to introduce cecropin genes into cancer cells. [6] [15] A study in which cecropin genes were expressed in a human bladder carcinoma cell line showed that tumor cells bearing cecropin genes have reduced tumorigenicity, up to complete loss of tumorigenicity in some cell clones. [15]

More recent studies have identified new cecropins, which may be prove useful in development of cancer therapeutics. For example, genome and transcriptome analyses of the spruce budworm Choristoneura fumiferana resulted in identification of novel cecropins which differ from previously characterized cecropins in that they are negatively charged, rather than positively charged. [16] A BH3-like motif (amino acid sequence G-[KQR]-[HKQNR]-[IV]-[KQR]) is present in both anionic and cationic cecropins, and analysis suggests that this motif may interact with Bcl-2, a protein implicated in apoptosis. [16] Further study of cecropin structure and anticancer properties may inform design of novel cancer therapeutics.

Antibiofilm properties

Cecropin A can destroy planktonic and sessile biofilm-forming uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) cells, either alone or when combined with the antibiotic nalidixic acid, synergistically clearing infection in vivo (in the insect host Galleria mellonella ) without off-target cytotoxicity. The multi-target mechanism of action involves outer membrane permeabilization followed by biofilm disruption triggered by the inhibition of efflux pump activity and interactions with extracellular and intracellular nucleic acids. [17]

Related Research Articles

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lactoferrin</span> Mammalian protein found in Homo sapiens

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Defensin</span> Group of antimicrobial peptides

Defensins are small cysteine-rich cationic proteins across cellular life, including vertebrate and invertebrate animals, plants, and fungi. They are host defense peptides, with members displaying either direct antimicrobial activity, immune signaling activities, or both. They are variously active against bacteria, fungi and many enveloped and nonenveloped viruses. They are typically 18-45 amino acids in length, with three or four highly conserved disulphide bonds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antimicrobial peptides</span> Class of peptides that have antimicrobial activity

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), also called host defence peptides (HDPs) are part of the innate immune response found among all classes of life. Fundamental differences exist between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells that may represent targets for antimicrobial peptides. These peptides are potent, broad spectrum antimicrobials which demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents. Antimicrobial peptides have been demonstrated to kill Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, enveloped viruses, fungi and even transformed or cancerous cells. Unlike the majority of conventional antibiotics it appears that antimicrobial peptides frequently destabilize biological membranes, can form transmembrane channels, and may also have the ability to enhance immunity by functioning as immunomodulators.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amphiphile</span> Hydrophilic and lipophilic chemical compound

An amphiphile, or amphipath, is a chemical compound possessing both hydrophilic and lipophilic (fat-loving) properties. Such a compound is called amphiphilic or amphipathic. Amphiphilic compounds include surfactants. The phospholipid amphiphiles are the major structural component of cell membranes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dermcidin</span>

Dermcidin is a protein with 110 amino acids that in humans is encoded by the DCD gene. The full-length protein produces derived peptides as proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) and other anti-microbial peptides, secreted by human eccrine sweat glands onto the skin as a part of the innate host defense of the immune system. PIF is involved in muscular proteolysis.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alpha defensin</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plant defensin</span>

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arthropod defensin</span>

Arthropod defensins are a family defensin proteins found in mollusks, insects, and arachnids. These cysteine-rich antibacterial peptides are primarily active against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi in vitro. However Drosophila fruit flies mutant for the fly defensin were more susceptible to infection by the Gram-negative bacteria Providencia burhodogranariea, and resisted infection against Gram-positive bacteria like wild-type flies. It remains to be seen how in vitro activity relates to in vivo function. Mutants for the defensin-like antimicrobial peptide Drosomycin were more susceptible to fungi, validating a role for defensin-like peptides in anti-fungal defence.

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References

  1. ↑ Cecropins at the U.S. National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
  2. ↑ Lauwers A, Twyffels L, Soin R, Wauquier C, Kruys V, Gueydan C (March 2009). "Post-transcriptional Regulation of Genes Encoding Anti-microbial Peptides in Drosophila". The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 284 (13): 8973–83. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M806778200 . PMC   2659254 . PMID   19176529.
  3. ↑ Boman HG, Hultmark D (1987). "Cell-free immunity in insects". Annual Review of Microbiology. 41: 103–26. doi:10.1146/annurev.mi.41.100187.000535. PMID   3318666.
  4. ↑ Boman HG (April 1991). "Antibacterial peptides: key components needed in immunity". Cell. 65 (2): 205–7. doi:10.1016/0092-8674(91)90154-Q. PMID   2015623. S2CID   42206617.
  5. ↑ Boman HG, Faye I, Gudmundsson GH, Lee JY, Lidholm DA (October 1991). "Cell-free immunity in Cecropia. A model system for antibacterial proteins". European Journal of Biochemistry. 201 (1): 23–31. doi: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1991.tb16252.x . PMID   1915368.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Hoskin DW, Ramamoorthy A (February 2008). "Studies on anticancer activities of antimicrobial peptides". Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes. 1778 (2): 357–75. doi:10.1016/j.bbamem.2007.11.008. PMC   2238813 . PMID   18078805.
  7. ↑ Silvestro LS (January 2000). Function and structure of cecropin A (Ph.D. thesis). University of Pennsylvania.
  8. 1 2 "OPM". opm.phar.umich.edu.
  9. ↑ PDB: 2IGR ​; Wu JM, Jan PS, Yu HC, Haung HY, Fang HJ, Chang YI, et al. (May 2009). "Structure and function of a custom anticancer peptide, CB1a". Peptides. 30 (5): 839–48. doi:10.1016/j.peptides.2009.02.004. PMID   19428759. S2CID   32115657.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Moore AJ, Devine DA, Bibby MC (1994). "Preliminary experimental anticancer activity of cecropins". Peptide Research. 7 (5): 265–9. PMID   7849420.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Ye JS, Zheng XJ, Leung KW, Chen HM, Sheu FS (August 2004). "Induction of transient ion channel-like pores in a cancer cell by antibiotic peptide". Journal of Biochemistry. 136 (2): 255–9. doi:10.1093/jb/mvh114. PMID   15496597.
  12. ↑ Suttmann H, Retz M, Paulsen F, Harder J, Zwergel U, Kamradt J, et al. (March 2008). "Antimicrobial peptides of the Cecropin-family show potent antitumor activity against bladder cancer cells". BMC Urology. 8: 5. doi: 10.1186/1471-2490-8-5 . PMC   2276511 . PMID   18315881.
  13. 1 2 3 Jin X, Mei H, Li X, Ma Y, Zeng AH, Wang Y, et al. (April 2010). "Apoptosis-inducing activity of the antimicrobial peptide cecropin of Musca domestica in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402 and the possible mechanism". Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica. 42 (4): 259–65. doi:10.1093/abbs/gmq021. PMID   20383464.
  14. 1 2 Hui L, Leung K, Chen HM (2002). "The combined effects of antibacterial peptide cecropin A and anti-cancer agents on leukemia cells". Anticancer Research. 22 (5): 2811–6. PMID   12530001.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Winder D, Günzburg WH, Erfle V, Salmons B (January 1998). "Expression of antimicrobial peptides has an antitumour effect in human cells". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 242 (3): 608–12. doi:10.1006/bbrc.1997.8014. PMID   9464264.
  16. 1 2 Maaroufi H, Potvin M, Cusson M, Levesque RC (2021-05-11). "Novel antimicrobial anionic cecropins from the spruce budworm feature a poly-L-aspartic acid C-terminus". Proteins. 89 (9): 1205–1215. doi:10.1002/prot.26142. ISSN   0887-3585. PMID   33973678. S2CID   234359784.
  17. ↑ Kalsy M, Tonk M, Hardt M, Dobrindt U, Zdybicka-Barabas A, Cytrynska M, Vilcinskas A, Mukherjee K (2020). "The insect antimicrobial peptide cecropin A disrupts uropathogenic Escherichia coli biofilms". npj Biofilms and Microbiomes. 6 (1): 6. doi: 10.1038/s41522-020-0116-3 . PMC   7016129 . PMID   32051417.>

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