The interactions of aurein 1.2 with cancer cell membranes

Here, the interactions of aurein 1.2, a defence peptide, with T98G glioblastoma cell membranes are studied. The peptide induced maximal surface pressure changes of circa 9 mN m(-1) in monolayers of endogenous T98G membrane lipid. Reducing monolayer anionic lipid showed a positive correlation (R(2)>0.91) with decreases in maximal surface pressure changes induced by aurein 1.2 (circa 3 mN m(-1) in the absence of this lipid). Cancer cell membrane invasion by the peptide therefore appears not to be mediated by lipid receptors or specific lipid requirements but rather a general requirement for anionic lipid and/or other negatively charged membrane components.