M13 phage grafted with peptide motifs as a tool to detect amyloid-ß oligomers in brain tissue.

Oligomeric clusters of amyloid-ß (Aß) are one of the major biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, proficient methods to detect Aß-oligomers in brain tissue are lacking. Here we show that synthetic M13 bacteriophages displaying Aß-derived peptides on their surface preferentially interact with Aß-oligomers. When exposed to brain tissue isolated from APP/PS1-transgenic mice, these bacteriophages detect small-sized Aß-aggregates in hippocampus at an early age, prior to the occurrence of Aß-plaques. Similarly, the bacteriophages reveal the presence of such small Aß-aggregates in post-mortem hippocampus tissue of AD-patients. These results advocate bacteriophages displaying Aß-peptides as a convenient and low-cost tool to identify Aß-oligomers in post-mortem brain tissue of AD-model mice and AD-patients.

Cloning, characterization, in vitro and in planta expression of a necrosis-inducing Phytophthora protein 1 gene npp1 from Phytophthora cinnamomi.

The soil-borne oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi is a highly destructive Phytophthora species associated with the decline of forest. This pathogen secretes a novel class of necrosis-inducing proteins known as Nep1-like proteins (NLPs). In this work, we report the sequencing and molecular characterization of one of these proteins, more specifically the necrosis-inducing Phytophthora protein 1 (NPP1). The ORF of the npp1 gene (EMBL database AM403130) has 768 bp encoding a putative peptide of 256 amino acids with a molecular weight of approximately 25 kD. In order to understand its function, in vitro gene expression was studied during growth in different carbon sources (glucose, cellulose, and sawdust), and at different times of infection, in vivo by RT-qPCR. The highest expression of the npp1 gene occurred in glucose medium followed by sawdust. In vivo infection of Castanea sativa roots with P. cinnamomi revealed a decrease in npp1 expression from 12 to 24 h; at 36 h its expression increased suggesting the existence of a complex mechanism of defense/attack interaction between the pathogen and the host. Expression of recombinant npp1 gene was achieved in Pichia pastoris and assessed by SDS-PAGE analysis of the protein secreted into the culture supernatant, revealing the presence of the NPP1 protein.

Rational Identification of a Colorectal Cancer Targeting Peptide through Phage Display.

Colorectal cancer is frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the absence of early clinical indicators. Hence, the identification of new targeting molecules is crucial for an early detection and development of targeted therapies. This study aimed to identify and characterize novel peptides specific for the colorectal cancer cell line RKO using a phage-displayed peptide library. After four rounds of selection plus a negative step with normal colorectal cells, CCD-841-CoN, there was an obvious phage enrichment that specifically bound to RKO cells. Cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to assess the most specific peptides leading to the selection of the peptide sequence CPKSNNGVC. Through fluorescence microscopy and cytometry, the synthetic peptide RKOpep was shown to specifically bind to RKO cells, as well as to other human colorectal cancer cells including Caco-2, HCT 116 and HCT-15, but not to the normal non-cancer cells. Moreover, it was shown that RKOpep specifically targeted human colorectal cancer cell tissues. A bioinformatics analysis suggested that the RKOpep targets the monocarboxylate transporter 1, which has been implicated in colorectal cancer progression and prognosis, proven through gene knockdown approaches and shown by immunocytochemistry co-localization studies. The peptide herein identified can be a potential candidate for targeted therapies for colorectal cancer.

Screening and characterization of novel specific peptides targeting MDA-MB-231 claudin-low breast carcinoma by computer-aided phage display methodologies.

BACKGROUND: Claudin-low breast carcinoma represents 19% of all breast cancer cases and is characterized by an aggressive progression with metastatic nature and high rates of relapse. Due to a lack of known specific molecular biomarkers for this breast cancer subtype, there are no targeted therapies available, which results in the worst prognosis of all breast cancer subtypes. Hence, the identification of novel biomarkers for this type of breast cancer is highly relevant for an early diagnosis. Additionally, claudin-low breast carcinoma peptide ligands can be used to design powerful drug delivery systems that specifically target this type of breast cancer. METHODS: In this work, we propose the identification of peptides for the specific recognition of MDA-MB-231, a cell line representative of claudin-low breast cancers, using phage display (both conventional panning and BRASIL). Binding assays, such as phage forming units and ELISA, were performed to select the most interesting peptides (i.e., specific to the target cells) and bioinformatics approaches were applied to putatively identify the biomarkers to which these peptides bind. RESULTS: Two peptides were selected using this methodology specifically targeting MDA-MB-231 cells, as demonstrated by a 4 to 9 log higher affinity as compared to control cells. The use of bioinformatics approaches provided relevant insights into possible cell surface targets for each peptide identified. CONCLUSIONS: The peptides herein identified may contribute to an earlier detection of claudin-low breast carcinomas and possibly to develop more individualized therapies.

Phage Display Technology in Biomaterials Engineering: Progress and Opportunities for Applications in Regenerative Medicine.

The field of regenerative medicine has been gaining momentum steadily over the past few years. The emphasis in regenerative medicine is to use various in vitro and in vivo approaches that leverage the intrinsic healing mechanisms of the body to treat patients with disabling injuries and chronic diseases such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disorders of the cardiovascular and central nervous system. Phage display has been successfully employed to identify peptide ligands for a wide variety of targets, ranging from relatively small molecules (enzymes, cell receptors) to inorganic, organic, and biological (tissues) materials. Over the past two decades, phage display technology has advanced tremendously and has become a powerful tool in the most varied fields of research, including biotechnology, materials science, cell biology, pharmacology, and diagnostics. The growing interest in and success of phage display libraries is largely due to its incredible versatility and practical use. This review discusses the potential of phage display technology in biomaterials engineering for applications in regenerative medicine.

Selection of Novel Peptides Homing the 4T1 CELL Line: Exploring Alternative Targets for Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

The use of bacteriophages to select novel ligands has been widely explored for cancer therapy. Their application is most warranted in cancer subtypes lacking knowledge on how to target the cancer cells in question, such as the triple negative breast cancer, eventually leading to the development of alternative nanomedicines for cancer therapeutics. Therefore, the following study aimed to select and characterize novel peptides for a triple negative breast cancer murine mammary carcinoma cell line- 4T1. Using phage display, 7 and 12 amino acid random peptide libraries were screened against the 4T1 cell line. A total of four rounds, plus a counter-selection round using the 3T3 murine fibroblast cell line, was performed. The enriched selective peptides were characterized and their binding capacity towards 4T1 tissue samples was confirmed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis. The selected peptides (4T1pep1 -CPTASNTSC and 4T1pep2-EVQSSKFPAHVS) were enriched over few rounds of selection and exhibited specific binding to the 4T1 cell line. Interestingly, affinity to the human MDA-MB-231 cell line was also observed for both peptides, promoting the translational application of these novel ligands between species. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis suggested that both peptides target human Mucin-16. This protein has been implicated in different types of cancer, as it is involved in many important cellular functions. This study strongly supports the need of finding alternative targeting systems for TNBC and the peptides herein selected exhibit promising future application as novel homing peptides for breast cancer therapy.

Bioactive properties and functional constituents of Hypericum androsaemum L.: A focus on the phenolic profile.

Hypericum androsaemum L. ethanol:water extract acted as a lipid peroxidation inhibitor and free radical scavenger. A marked inhibition of the growth of breast, lung, cervical and hepatocellular human carcinoma cell lines was also observed, whereas no toxicity was shown against non-tumor porcine liver cells (>400µg/mL). The extract was also effective in inhibiting nitric oxide production, as an indicator of the anti-inflammatory potential. The anti-Candida effects varied among different strains of the same species, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis being the most sensible species with an effect directly related with the extract concentrations tested. A significant anti-biofilm formation potential was also observed, namely for C. glabrata and C. tropicalis (biofilm reduction >90%). 5-O-Caffeoylquinic and 3-O-caffeoylquinic acids were the most abundant phenolic compounds identified in the extract, and might be related with the observed bioactive effects. Nevertheless, future studies should be carried out to obtain dose-response curves of the isolated active compounds, in order to perform further pre-clinically testing to quantify the presence of the most active compounds in the extract.

Transglutaminases: recent achievements and new sources.

Transglutaminases are a family of enzymes (EC 2.3.2.13), widely distributed in various organs, tissues, and body fluids, that catalyze the formation of a covalent bond between a free amine group and the γ-carboxamide group of protein or peptide-bound glutamine. Besides forming these bonds, that exhibit high resistance to proteolytic degradation, transglutaminases also form extensively cross-linked, generally insoluble, protein biopolymers that are indispensable for the organism to create barriers and stable structures. The extremely high cost of transglutaminase of animal origin has hampered its wider application and has initiated efforts to find an enzyme of microbial origin. Since the early 1990s, many microbial transglutaminase-producing strains have been found, and production processes have been optimized. This has resulted in a rapidly increasing number of applications of transglutaminase in the food sector. However, applications of microbial transglutaminase in other sectors have also been explored, but in a much lesser extent. Our group has identified a transglutaminase in the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi, which is able to induct defense responses and disease-like symptoms. In this mini-review, we report the achievements in this area in order to illustrate the importance and the versatility of transglutaminases.

Scientifically advanced solutions for chestnut ink disease.

On the north regions of Portugal and Spain, the Castanea sativa Mill. culture is extremely important. The biggest productivity and yield break occurs due to the ink disease, the causal agent being the oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi. This oomycete is also responsible for the decline of many other plant species in Europe and worldwide. P. cinnamomi and Phytophthora cambivora are considered, by the generality of the authors, as the C. sativa ink disease causal agents. Most Phytophthora species secrete large amounts of elicitins, a group of unique highly conserved proteins that are able to induce hypersensitive response (HR) and enhances plant defense responses in a systemic acquired resistance (SAR) manner against infection by different pathogens. Some other proteins involved in mechanisms of infection by P. cinnamomi were identified by our group: endo-1,3-beta-glucanase (complete cds); exo-glucanase (partial cds) responsible by adhesion, penetration, and colonization of host tissues; glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) (complete cds) responsible by the suppression of host defense responses; necrosis-inducing Phytophthora protein 1 (NPP1) (partial cds); and transglutaminase (partial cds) which inducts defense responses and disease-like symptoms. In this mini-review, we present some scientifically advanced solutions that can contribute to the resolution of ink disease.

Cloning, characterization and in vitro and in planta expression of a glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) of Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Oomycetes from the genus Phytophthora are fungus-like plant pathogens that are devastating for agriculture and natural ecosystems. They are able to secrete a glucanase inhibitor protein (GIP) that inhibits the activity of endoglucanases (EGases) involved in defense responses against infection. One of the most widely distributed and aggressive Phytophthora species, with more than 1,000 host plants is P. cinnamomi. In this work we report the sequencing and characterization of a class of GIPs secreted by Phytophthora cinnamomi. The gip gene from P. cinnamomi has a 937 bp ORF encoding a putative peptide of 312 deduced amino acids. The expression of this gene was studied during growth in different carbon sources (glucose, cellulose and sawdust), by RT-qPCR and its level of expression was evaluated at five time points. The highest expression of gip gene occurred in sawdust at 8 h of induction. In vivo infection of C. sativa revealed an increase in gip expression from 12 to 24 h. At 36 h its expression decreased suggesting that a compensatory mechanism must occur in plant.

Extracellular cell wall ß(1,3)glucan is required to couple septation to actomyosin ring contraction.

Cytokinesis has been extensively studied in different models, but the role of the extracellular cell wall is less understood. Here we studied this process in fission yeast. The essential protein Bgs4 synthesizes the main cell wall ß(1,3)glucan. We show that Bgs4-derived ß(1,3)glucan is required for correct and stable actomyosin ring positioning in the cell middle, before the start of septum formation and anchorage to the cell wall. Consequently, ß(1,3)glucan loss generated ring sliding, oblique positioned rings and septa, misdirected septum synthesis indicative of relaxed rings, and uncoupling between a fast ring and membrane ingression and slow septum synthesis, suggesting that cytokinesis can progress with defective septum pushing and/or ring pulling forces. Moreover, Bgs4-derived ß(1,3)glucan is essential for secondary septum formation and correct primary septum completion. Therefore, our results show that extracellular ß(1,3)glucan is required for cytokinesis to connect the cell wall with the plasma membrane and for contractile ring function, as proposed for the equivalent extracellular matrix in animal cells.

Differential activities of three families of specific beta(1,3)glucan synthase inhibitors in wild-type and resistant strains of fission yeast.

Three specific ß(1,3)glucan synthase (GS) inhibitor families, papulacandins, acidic terpenoids, and echinocandins, have been analyzed in Schizosaccharomyces pombe wild-type and papulacandin-resistant cells and GS activities. Papulacandin and enfumafungin produced similar in vivo effects, different from that of echinocandins. Also, papulacandin was the strongest in vitro GS inhibitor (IC(50) 10(3)-10(4)-fold lower than with enfumafungin or pneumocandin), but caspofungin was by far the most efficient antifungal because of the following. 1) It was the only drug that affected resistant cells (minimal inhibitory concentration close to that of the wild type). 2) It was a strong inhibitor of wild-type GS (IC(50) close to that of papulacandin). 3) It was the best inhibitor of mutant GS. Moreover, caspofungin showed a special effect for two GS inhibition activities, of high and low affinity, separated by 2 log orders, with no increase in inhibition. pbr1-8 and pbr1-6 resistances are due to single substitutions in the essential Bgs4 GS, located close to the resistance hot spot 1 region described in Saccharomyces and Candida Fks mutants. Bgs4(pbr)(1-8) contains the E700V change, four residues N-terminal from hot spot 1 defining a larger resistance hot spot 1-1 of 13 amino acids. Bgs4(pbr)(1-6) contains the W760S substitution, defining a new resistance hot spot 1-2. We observed spontaneous revertants of the spherical pbr1-6 phenotype and found that an additional A914V change is involved in the recovery of the wild-type cell shape, but it maintains the resistance phenotype. A better understanding of the mechanism of action of the antifungals available should help to improve their activity and to identify new antifungal targets.

The (1,3)beta-D-glucan synthase subunit Bgs1p is responsible for the fission yeast primary septum formation.

Cytokinesis is a crucial event in the cell cycle of all living cells. In fungal cells, it requires co-ordinated contraction of an actomyosin ring and synthesis of both plasmatic membrane and a septum structure that will constitute the new cell wall end. Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains four essential putative (1,3)beta-d-glucan synthase catalytic subunits, Bgs1p to Bgs4p. Here we examined the function of Bgs1p in septation by studying the lethal phenotypes of bgs1(+) shut-off and bgs1Delta cells and demonstrated that Bgs1p is responsible and essential for linear (1,3)beta-d-glucan and primary septum formation. bgs1(+) shut-off generates a more than 300-fold Bgs1p reduction, but the septa still present large amounts of disorganized linear (1,3)beta-d-glucan and partial primary septa. Conversely, both structures are absent in bgs1Delta cells, where there is no Bgs1p. The septum analysis of bgs1(+)-repressed cells indicates that linear (1,3)beta-d-glucan is necessary but not sufficient for primary septum formation. Linear (1,3)beta-d-glucan is the polysaccharide that specifically interacts with the fluorochrome Calcofluor white in fission yeast. We also show that in the absence of Bgs1p abnormal septa are formed, but the cells cannot separate and eventually die.