Cecropin B Represses CYP3A29 Expression through Activation of the TLR2/4-NF-κB/PXR Signaling Pathway

Sci Rep. 2016 Jun 14:6:27876. doi: 10.1038/srep27876.

Abstract

Cecropins are peptide antibiotics used as drugs and feed additives. Cecropin B can inhibit the expression of CYP3A29, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study was designed to determine the mechanisms responsible for the effects of cecropin B on CYP3A29 expression, focusing on the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NF-κB pathways. Our results indicated that the CYP3A29 expression was inhibited by cecropin B, which was regulated by pregnane X receptor (PXR) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Cecropin B-induced NF-κB activation played a pivotal role in the suppression of CYP3A29 through disrupting the association of the PXR/retinoid X receptor alpha (RXR-α) complex with DNA sequences. NF-κB p65 directly interacted with the DNA-binding domain of PXR, suppressed its expression, and inhibited its transactivation, leading to the downregulation of the PXR-regulated CYP3A29 expression. Furthermore, cecropin B activated pig liver cells by interacting with TLRs 2 and 4, which modulated NF-κB-mediated signaling pathways. In conclusion, cecropin B inhibited the expression of CYP3A29 in a TLR/NF-κB/PXR-dependent manner, which should be considered in future development of cecropins and other antimicrobial peptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Line
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A / genetics
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A / metabolism*
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Hepatocytes / drug effects*
  • Hepatocytes / physiology
  • Humans
  • Insect Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Insect Proteins / therapeutic use
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Swine
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2 / metabolism
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4 / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors
  • Insect Proteins
  • NF-kappa B
  • Peroxisome-Targeting Signal 1 Receptor
  • Toll-Like Receptor 2
  • Toll-Like Receptor 4
  • cecropin B protein, Insecta
  • Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A