scholarly journals Amphipathic Peptide Antibiotics with Potent Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 438
Author(s):  
Jingru Shi ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Dejuan Wang ◽  
Ziwen Tong ◽  
Zhiqiang Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Damage ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Peptide Antibiotics ◽  
Biofilm Inhibition ◽  
Amphipathic Peptide ◽  
Host Defense Peptides ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
Low Toxicity

The emergence and prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have posed a serious threat to public health. Of particular concern are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and blaNDM, mcr-1 and tet(X)-positive Gram-negative pathogens. The fact that few new antibiotics have been approved in recent years exacerbates this global crisis, thus, new alternatives are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) originated from host defense peptides with a wide range of sources and multiple functions, are less prone to achieve resistance. All these characteristics laid the foundation for AMPs to become potential antibiotic candidates. In this study, we revealed that peptide WW307 displayed potent antibacterial and bactericidal activity against MDR bacteria, including MRSA and Gram-negative bacteria carrying blaNDM-5, mcr-1 or tet(X4). In addition, WW307 exhibited great biofilm inhibition and eradication activity. Safety and stability experiments showed that WW307 had a strong resistance against various physiological conditions and displayed relatively low toxicity. Mechanistic experiments showed that WW307 resulted in membrane damage by selectively targeting bacterial membrane-specific components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and cardiolipin (CL). Moreover, WW307 dissipated membrane potential and triggered the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, these results demonstrated that WW307 represents a promising candidate for combating MDR pathogens.

scholarly journals Inactivation of Polymyxin by Hydrolytic Mechanism

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianhua Yin ◽  
Gang Wang ◽  
Dan Cheng ◽  
Jianv Fu ◽  
Juanping Qiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Peptide Antibiotics ◽  
Peptide Bonds ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Polymyxin E ◽  
Cyclic Heptapeptide ◽  
Hydrolytic Mechanism

ABSTRACTPolymyxins are nonribosomal peptide antibiotics used as the last-resort drug for treatment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. However, strains that are resistant to polymyxins have emerged in many countries. Although several mechanisms for polymyxin resistance have been well described, there is little knowledge on the hydrolytic mechanism of polymyxin. Here, we identified a polymyxin-inactivating enzyme fromBacillus licheniformisstrain DC-1 which was produced and secreted into the medium during entry into stationary phase. After purification, sequencing, and heterologous expression, we found that the alkaline protease Apr is responsible for inactivation of polymyxins. Analysis of inactivation products demonstrated that Apr cleaves polymyxin E at two peptide bonds: one is between the tripeptide side chain and the cyclic heptapeptide ring, the other betweenl-Thr andl-α-γ-diaminobutyric acid (l-Dab) within the cyclic heptapeptide ring. Apr is highly conserved among several genera of Gram-positive bacteria, includingBacillusandPaenibacillus. It is noteworthy that two peptidases S8 from Gram-negative bacteria shared high levels of sequence identity with Apr. Our results indicate that polymyxin resistance may result from inactivation of antibiotics by hydrolysis.

scholarly journals Volatile Oils ofNepeta tenuifolia(Jing Jie) as an Alternative Medicine against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Microbes

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Hsuan Lee ◽  
Chao-Min Wang ◽  
Po-Yu Liu ◽  
Ching-Chang Cheng ◽  
Zong-Yen Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
In Vitro Study ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Main Component ◽  
Reference Strains

Essential oils from the dried spikes ofNepeta tenuifolia(Benth) are obtained by steam distillation. Pulegone was identified as the main component in the spikes ofN. tenuifoliathrough analysis, with greater than 85% purity obtained in this study. The essential oils are extremely active against all Gram-positive and some Gram-negative reference bacteria, particularlySalmonella enterica,Citrobacter freundii, andEscherichia coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration was found to be between 0.08 and 0.78% (againstS. enterica), 0.39 and 0.78% (againstC. freundii), and 0.097 and 0.39% (againstE. coli), whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration varied in range from 0.097% to 1.04%. In general, the essential oils show a strong inhibitory action against all tested reference strains and clinical isolates. However, the antibacterial activity of EOs against bothPseudomonas aeruginosareference strains and clinical isolates was relatively lower than other Gram-negative pathogens. The essential oils ofN. tenuifoliaalso displayed bactericidal activities (MBC/MIC < 4) in this study. These findings reflect the bactericidal activity of the essential oils against a wide range of multidrug-resistant clinical pathogens in an in vitro study. In addition, we propose the fragmentation pathways of pulegone and its derivatives by LC-ESI-MS/MS in this study.

scholarly journals An amphipathic and cationic antimicrobial peptide kills colistin resistant Gram-negative pathogens in vivo

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas T. Thomsen ◽  
Mette Kolpen ◽  
Vinoth Wigneswaran ◽  
Ulrik Kromann ◽  
Anna Ebbensgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Lipid A ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Colistin Resistance ◽  
Cationic Antimicrobial Peptide ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Excellent Activity ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
Charge Change

New antibiotics are needed against multidrug resistant Gram-negative pathogens that have compromised global health systems. Antimicrobial peptides are generally considered promising lead candidates for the next generation of antibiotics but have not fulfilled this expectation. Here we demonstrate activity of a cationic amphipathic undecapeptide (ChIP; Charge change Independent Peptide) against a wide panel of multidrug resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Importantly, the antimicrobial activity of ChIP is independent of the surface charge changes that confer colistin resistance through modification of Lipid A, while decreased activity of ChIP correlates with GlcN1 tri-acylation of Lipid A. In an in vivo peritonitis mouse model ChIP displays excellent activity against both colistin sensitive and resistant Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii strains.

Cefiderocol: A Siderophore Cephalosporin

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (12) ◽  
pp. 1215-1231
Author(s):  
Rania M. El-Lababidi ◽  
John George Rizk
Keyword(s):  
Nosocomial Pneumonia ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Study Selection ◽  
Serious Infections ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Tract Infections

Objective: This article reviews the available data on the chemistry, spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, clinical efficacy, and potential place in therapy of cefiderocol. Data Sources: A literature search through PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov was conducted (2009 to March 2020) using the search terms cefiderocol and S-649266. Abstracts presented at recent conferences, prescribing information, and information from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the manufacturer’s website were reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All relevant published articles, package inserts, and unpublished meeting abstracts on cefiderocol were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Cefiderocol is the first siderophore antibiotic to be approved by the FDA. It was shown to be active against a wide range of resistant Gram-negative pathogens, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacteriaceae, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Cefiderocol was studied in the treatment of adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) and nosocomial pneumonia and was well tolerated. In a recently completed prospective study, higher mortality was observed with cefiderocol in the treatment of serious infections caused by carbapenem-resistant (CR) Gram-negative pathogens. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: The approval of cefiderocol provides a new option in the treatment of cUTIs and potentially treatment of nosocomial pneumonia caused by resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Given the higher mortality observed with cefiderocol, its use in the treatment of CR Gram-negative infections should be carefully considered. Conclusion: Cefiderocol shows promising activity against MDR Gram-negative pathogens. Its use in the treatment of serious infections caused by CR Gram-negative bacteria needs further evaluation in phase III clinical studies.

scholarly journals Synergistic Effect of Propidium Iodide and Small Molecule Antibiotics with the Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimer G3KL against Gram-Negative Bacteria

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (23) ◽  
pp. 5643
Author(s):  
Bee-Ha Gan ◽  
Xingguang Cai ◽  
Sacha Javor ◽  
Thilo Köhler ◽  
Jean-Louis Reymond
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effect ◽  
Propidium Iodide ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Bacterial Killing ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Outer Membranes ◽  
New Antibiotics

There is an urgent need to develop new antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Many antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are active against such bacteria and often act by destabilizing membranes, a mechanism that can also be used to permeabilize bacteria to other antibiotics, resulting in synergistic effects. We recently showed that G3KL, an AMP with a multibranched dendritic topology of the peptide chain, permeabilizes the inner and outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria including multidrug-resistant strains, leading to efficient bacterial killing. Here, we show that permeabilization of the outer and inner membranes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by G3KL, initially detected using the DNA-binding fluorogenic dye propidium iodide (PI), also leads to a synergistic effect between G3KL and PI in this bacterium. We also identify a synergistic effect between G3KL and six different antibiotics against the Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, against which G3KL is inactive.

scholarly journals The Zeamine Antibiotics Affect the Integrity of Bacterial Membranes

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 1139-1146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joleen Masschelein ◽  
Charlien Clauwers ◽  
Karen Stalmans ◽  
Koen Nuyts ◽  
Wim De Borggraeve ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bactericidal Activity ◽  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Direct Consequence ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Peptide Antibiotics ◽  
Serratia Plymuthica ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Bacterial Membranes

ABSTRACTThe zeamines (zeamine, zeamine I, and zeamine II) constitute an unusual class of cationic polyamine-polyketide-nonribosomal peptide antibiotics produced bySerratia plymuthicaRVH1. They exhibit potent bactericidal activity, killing a broad range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant pathogens. Examination of their specific mode of action and molecular target revealed that the zeamines affect the integrity of cell membranes. The zeamines provoke rapid release of carboxyfluorescein from unilamellar vesicles with different phospholipid compositions, demonstrating that they can interact directly with the lipid bilayer in the absence of a specific target. DNA, RNA, fatty acid, and protein biosynthetic processes ceased simultaneously at subinhibitory levels of the antibiotics, presumably as a direct consequence of membrane disruption. The zeamine antibiotics also facilitated the uptake of small molecules, such as 1-N-phenylnaphtylamine, indicating their ability to permeabilize the Gram-negative outer membrane (OM). The valine-linked polyketide moiety present in zeamine and zeamine I was found to increase the efficiency of this process. In contrast, translocation of the large hydrophilic fluorescent peptidoglycan binding protein PBDKZ-GFP was not facilitated, suggesting that the zeamines cause subtle perturbation of the OM rather than drastic alterations or defined pore formation. At zeamine concentrations above those required for growth inhibition, membrane lysis occurred as indicated by time-lapse microscopy. Together, these findings show that the bactericidal activity of the zeamines derives from generalized membrane permeabilization, which likely is initiated by electrostatic interactions with negatively charged membrane components.

scholarly journals Thiostrepton Hijacks Pyoverdine Receptors To Inhibit Growth ofPseudomonas aeruginosa

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael R. M. Ranieri ◽  
Derek C. K. Chan ◽  
Luke N. Yaeger ◽  
Madeleine Rudolph ◽  
Sawyer Karabelas-Pittman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogen ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Clinical Isolates ◽  
23S Rrna ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Peptide Antibiotics ◽  
Iron Starvation ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTPseudomonas aeruginosais a biofilm-forming opportunistic pathogen and is intrinsically resistant to many antibiotics. In a high-throughput screen for molecules that modulate biofilm formation, we discovered that the thiopeptide antibiotic thiostrepton (TS), which is considered to be inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, stimulatedP. aeruginosabiofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. This phenotype is characteristic of exposure to antimicrobial compounds at subinhibitory concentrations, suggesting that TS was active againstP. aeruginosa. Supporting this observation, TS inhibited the growth of a panel of 96 multidrug-resistant (MDR)P. aeruginosaclinical isolates at low-micromolar concentrations. TS also had activity againstAcinetobacter baumanniiclinical isolates. The expression of Tsr, a 23S rRNA-modifying methyltransferase from TS producerStreptomyces azureus, intransconferred TS resistance, confirming that the drug acted via its canonical mode of action, inhibition of ribosome function. The deletion of oligopeptide permease systems used by other peptide antibiotics for uptake failed to confer TS resistance. TS susceptibility was inversely proportional to iron availability, suggesting that TS exploits uptake pathways whose expression is increased under iron starvation. Consistent with this finding, TS activity againstP. aeruginosaandA. baumanniiwas potentiated by the FDA-approved iron chelators deferiprone and deferasirox and by heat-inactivated serum. Screening ofP. aeruginosamutants for TS resistance revealed that it exploits pyoverdine receptors FpvA and FpvB to cross the outer membrane. We show that the biofilm stimulation phenotype can reveal cryptic subinhibitory antibiotic activity, and that TS has activity against select multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens under iron-limited growth conditions, similar to those encountered at sites of infection.

MULTI-RESISTANT CARBAPENEM-INSENSITIVE GRAMNEGATIVE BACTERIA IN PATIENTS WITH SOLID TUMORS

2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 780-784
Author(s):  
Anna Polishchuk ◽  
Yelena Yakubovich ◽  
Viktor Osovskikh ◽  
Vladimir Yevtushenko ◽  
O. Polukhina
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Solid Tumors ◽  
Antimicrobial Agents ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Klebsiella Pneumonia ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Genes Encoding

Infections caused by multiresistant gram-negative bacteria are one of the major problems in the treatment of cancer patients. Strains with mechanisms of resistance mediated by carbapenemases represent a particular threat since they spread rapidly and are characterized by high frequency of occurrence of multiresistance to antimicrobial agents. Here we show that 14 out of 399 gram-negative bacteria (3,5 %), isolated from clinical specimens of 11 patients with solid tumors (n=581) in a hospital of federal level in January 2015-April 2016 were carbapenem-insusceptible. Among them 3 isolates of Klebsiella pneumonia, 2 Enterobacter cloacae, 2 Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 7 Acinetobacter baumannii. All 14 strains were resistant to a wide range of antimicrobial agents including beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, monobactams and fluoroquinolones. The only antimicrobial agent to which all but one Exloacae strain remained susceptible was colistin. This strain was insusceptible to all 10 antimicrobial agents tested in the study, including tigecycline. We observed two cases of infection of a single patient by 2-3 distinct species of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. In 79 % of the strains the genes encoding carbapenemases of OXA40/24, KPC, VIM and NDM types were detected. Despite the fact that multidrug-resistant car-bapenem-insusceptible strains of gram-negative bacteria were isolated from a relatively small number of cancer patients, the majority of these strains represent a particular epidemiological and clinical threat.

scholarly journals New β-Lactamase Inhibitors: a Therapeutic Renaissance in an MDR World

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 1835-1846 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Drawz ◽  
Krisztina M. Papp-Wallace ◽  
Robert A. Bonomo
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Preclinical Development ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
The Past ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Dosing Regimens

ABSTRACTAs the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial infections for which few effective treatments remain increases, so does the contribution of drug-hydrolyzing β-lactamase enzymes to this serious clinical problem. This review highlights recent advances in β-lactamase inhibitors and focuses on agents with novel mechanisms of action against a wide range of enzymes. To this end, we review the β-lactamase inhibitors currently in clinical trials, select agents still in preclinical development, and older therapeutic approaches that are being revisited. Particular emphasis is placed on the activity of compounds at the forefront of the developmental pipeline, including the diazabicyclooctane inhibitors (avibactam and MK-7655) and the boronate RPX7009. With its novel reversible mechanism, avibactam stands to be the first new β-lactamase inhibitor brought into clinical use in the past 2 decades. Our discussion includes the importance of selecting the appropriate partner β-lactam and dosing regimens for these promising agents. This “renaissance” of β-lactamase inhibitors offers new hope in a world plagued by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria.

scholarly journals Disrupting Gram-Negative Bacterial Outer Membrane Biosynthesis through Inhibition of the Lipopolysaccharide Transporter MsbA

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Kate Alexander ◽  
Anh Miu ◽  
Angela Oh ◽  
Mike Reichelt ◽  
Hoangdung Ho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Outer Membrane ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Gram Negative Bacteria ◽  
Transport Pathway ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Outer Leaflet ◽  
New Antibiotics ◽  
Outer Membrane Biogenesis

ABSTRACTThere is a critical need for new antibacterial strategies to counter the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. In Gram-negative bacteria, the outer membrane (OM) provides a protective barrier against antibiotics and other environmental insults. The outer leaflet of the outer membrane is primarily composed of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Outer membrane biogenesis presents many potentially compelling drug targets as this pathway is absent in higher eukaryotes. Most proteins involved in LPS biosynthesis and transport are essential; however, few compounds have been identified that inhibit these proteins. The inner membrane ABC transporter MsbA carries out the first essential step in the trafficking of LPS to the outer membrane. We conducted a biochemical screen for inhibitors of MsbA and identified a series of quinoline compounds that killEscherichia colithrough inhibition of its ATPase and transport activity, with no loss of activity against clinical multidrug-resistant strains. Identification of these selective inhibitors indicates that MsbA is a viable target for new antibiotics, and the compounds we identified serve as useful tools to further probe the LPS transport pathway in Gram-negative bacteria.

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