The Sushi peptides: structural characterization and mode of action against Gram-negative bacteria

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
J L DingB Ho

Abstract

The compositional difference in microbial and human cell membranes allows antimicrobial peptides to preferentially bind microbes. Peptides which specifically target lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) are efficient antibiotics. From the core LPS-binding region of Factor C, two 34-mer Sushi peptides, S1 and S3, were derived. S1 functions as a monomer, while S3 is active as a dimer. Both S1 and S3 display detergent-like properties in disrupting LPS aggregates, with specificity for POPG resulting from electrostatic and hydrophobic forces between the peptides and the bacterial lipids. During interaction with POPG, the S1 transitioned from a random coil to an alpha-helix, while S3 resumed a mixture of alpha-helix and beta-sheet structures. The unsaturated nature of POPG confers fluidity and enhances insertion of the peptides into the lipid bilayer, causing maximal disruption of the bacterial membrane. These parameters should be considered in designing and developing new generations of peptide antibiotics with LPS-neutralizing capability.

Citations

Oct 22, 2011·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Seong-Cheol ParkKyung-Soo Hahm
Mar 13, 2014·Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology·Giovanni Longo, Sandor Kasas
Feb 27, 2009·Chembiochem : a European Journal of Chemical Biology·Carlos Morales BetanzosSergei A Svarovsky
Dec 15, 2016·Frontiers in Medicine·Douglas B Kell, Louise C Kenny
Mar 3, 2021·Reports of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology·Sadegh RezaeiDariush Norouzian

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cajal Bodies & Gems

Cajal bodies or coiled bodies are dense foci of coilin protein. Gemini of Cajal bodies, or gems, are microscopically similar to Cajal bodies. It is believed that Cajal bodies play important roles in RNA processing while gems assist the Cajal bodies. Find the latest research on Cajal bodies and gems here.

Antifungals

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Antifungals (ASM)

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.