International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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Molecular Compounds for One Health Approaches

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Dear Colleagues,

One Health is a fast-expanding concept that recognizes the fundamental interconnections between human, animal, and environmental health and promotes an integrated approach toward health and sustainability.

This concept has particular importance in the epidemiology of several microorganisms that may favor health or disease, such as bacteria and fungi. The study of molecular compounds that act by inhibiting pathogens or promoting a healthy microbial population is an increasing research field aiming to overcome major global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and zoonotic diseases. While natural bioactive compounds, particularly from foods, have recently been attracting great attention due to their beneficial effects on cancer, chronic inflammation, age-related diseases, food safety, several molecular approaches are also emerging in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases and zoonosis. All of these are key components related to health promotion and disease prevention in a One Health translational manner.

This Special Issue is focused on studies of molecular compounds applied for health or disease in a One Health approach. Therefore, authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts on applications in the main areas of One Health. We aim to gather innovative research to promote an integrated approach, including disease prevention, innovative approaches to current emerging pathologies and zoonotic diseases, alternatives to antibiotics, and novel diagnostic tools, among others. Papers in the form of original studies using in vitro or in vivo assays are welcome, as well as review articles.

Dr. Ana Lima
Dr. Cátia Marques
Guest Editors

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Keywords

One Health
bioactive compounds
molecular compounds
synthetic compounds
pharmacologic compounds
functional foods and feed
immune system
microbiota
antimicrobial compounds
alternatives to antibiotics
cancer
chronic diseases
aging
zoonoses
environmental health
human health
animal health

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 3852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unique Peptides of Cathelicidin-1 in the Early Detection of Mastitis—In Silico Analysis

by Maria V. Bourganou, Evangelos Kontopodis, George Th. Tsangaris, Vasileios Pierros, Natalia G. C. Vasileiou, Vasia S. Mavrogianni, George C. Fthenakis and Angeliki I. Katsafadou

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10160; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210160 - 15 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1026

Abstract

Based on the results of previously performed clinical studies, cathelicidin-1 has been proposed as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of mastitis in ewes. It has been hypothesized that the detection of unique peptides (defined as a peptide, irrespective of its length, that exists in only one protein of a proteome of interest) and core unique peptides (CUPs) (representing the shortest peptide that is unique) of cathelicidin-1 may potentially improve its identification and consequently the diagnosis of sheep mastitis. Peptides of sizes larger than those of the size of CUPs, which include consecutive or over-lapping CUPs, have been defined as ‘composite core unique peptides’ (CCUPs). The primary objective of the present study was the investigation of the sequence of cathelicidin-1 detected in ewes’ milk in order to identify its unique peptides and core unique peptides, which would reveal potential targets for accurate detection of the protein. An additional objective was the detection of unique sequences among the tryptic digest peptides of cathelicidin-1, which would improve accuracy of identification of the protein when performing targeted MS-based proteomics. The potential uniqueness of each peptide of cathelicidin-1 was investigated using a bioinformatics tool built on a big data algorithm. A set of CUPs was created and CCUPs were also searched. Further, the unique sequences in the tryptic digest peptides of cathelicidin-1 were also detected. Finally, the 3D structure of the protein was analyzed from predicted models of proteins. In total, 59 CUPs and four CCUPs were detected in cathelicidin-1 of sheep origin. Among tryptic digest peptides, there were six peptides that were unique in that protein. After 3D structure analysis of the protein, 35 CUPs were found on the core of cathelicidin-1 of sheep origin and among them, 29 were located on amino acids in regions of the protein with ‘very high’ or ‘confident’ estimates of confidence of the structure. Ultimately, the following six CUPs: QLNEQ, NEQS, EQSSE, QSSEP, EDPD, DPDS, are proposed as potential antigenic targets for cathelicidin-1 of sheep. Moreover, another six unique peptides were detected in tryptic digests and offer novel mass tags to facilitate the detection of cathelicidin-1 during MS-based diagnostics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Compounds for One Health Approaches)

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Review

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20 pages, 1768 KiB

Open AccessReview

Milk Antiviral Proteins and Derived Peptides against Zoonoses

by Isabel Santos, Mariana Silva, Madalena Grácio, Laurentina Pedroso and Ana Lima

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(3), 1842; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25031842 - 3 Feb 2024

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Abstract

Milk is renowned for its nutritional richness but also serves as a remarkable reservoir of bioactive compounds, particularly milk proteins and their derived peptides. Recent studies have showcased several robust antiviral activities of these proteins, evidencing promising potential within zoonotic viral diseases. While several publications focus on milk’s bioactivities, antiviral peptides remain largely neglected in reviews. This knowledge is critical for identifying novel research directions and analyzing potential nutraceuticals within the One Health context. Our review aims to gather the existing scientific information on milk-derived antiviral proteins and peptides against several zoonotic viral diseases, and their possible mechanisms. Overall, in-depth research has increasingly revealed them as a promising and novel strategy against viruses, principally for those constituting a plausible pandemic threat. The underlying mechanisms of the bioactivity of milk’s proteins include inhibiting viral entry and attachment to the host cells, blocking replication, or even viral inactivation via peptide–membrane interactions. Their marked versatility and effectiveness stand out compared to other antiviral peptides and can support future research and development in the post-COVID-19 era. Overall, our review helps to emphasize the importance of potentially effective milk-derived peptides, and their significance for veterinary and human medicines, along with the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and dairy industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Compounds for One Health Approaches)

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