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Published on: March 24, 2017
Three-dimensional structure of the alpha-MSH-derived candidacidal peptide [Ac-CKPV]2
A Catania1, P Grieco, A Randazzo
1Division of Internal Medicine, Ospedale Maggiore di Milano IRCCS, 20122 Milano, Italy. anna.catania@unimi.it
Abstract:
Previous research has shown that the immunomodulatory peptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and its carboxy-terminal tripeptide KPV (Lys-Pro-Val alpha-MSH11-13) have antimicrobial influences. By inserting a Cys-Cys linker between two units of KPV, we designed the dimer [Ac-CKPV]2 that showed excellent candidacidal effects in pilot tests and was the subject of further investigations. [Ac-CKPV]2 was active against azole-resistant Candida spp. Therefore, the molecule appeared a promising candidate for therapy of fungal infections and was the subject of a structural study. 1H-NMR and restrained mechanic and dynamic calculations suggest that the peptide adopts an extended backbone structure with a beta-turn-like structure. These results open a pathway to development of additional novel compounds that have candidacidal effects potentially useful against clinical infections.
Insights
A novel peptide dimer, [Ac-CKPV]2, demonstrates potent antifungal activity against drug-resistant Candida species. This discovery offers a promising new therapeutic avenue for treating challenging fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Mycology
Background:
- Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and its tripeptide KPV exhibit antimicrobial properties.
- Azole-resistant Candida species pose a significant therapeutic challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a novel peptide dimer, [Ac-CKPV]2, for antifungal activity.
- To investigate the structural characteristics of [Ac-CKPV]2.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of the peptide dimer [Ac-CKPV]2 by linking two KPV units with a Cys-Cys linker.
- Antifungal activity testing against azole-resistant Candida species.
- Structural analysis using 1H-NMR and computational methods (restrained mechanic and dynamic calculations).
Main Results:
- The peptide dimer [Ac-CKPV]2 exhibited significant candidacidal effects.
- [Ac-CKPV]2 demonstrated activity against azole-resistant Candida strains.
- Structural studies indicated an extended backbone with a beta-turn-like conformation.
Conclusions:
- The peptide dimer [Ac-CKPV]2 is a promising candidate for developing new antifungal therapies.
- The structural insights into [Ac-CKPV]2 pave the way for designing novel candidacidal compounds.
- These findings offer potential solutions for treating clinical fungal infections.
