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Published on: August 11, 2018
Structure-function studies of Bubalus bubalis lingual antimicrobial peptide analogs.
Dhruba Jyoti Kalita1, Ashok Kumar, Satish Kumar
1Division of Biochemistry, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Bubalus bubalis lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) fragments were synthesized and tested for antimicrobial activity. LAP(23-55) showed the most potent antibacterial effects against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with minimal cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Peptide Science
Background:
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system found on epithelial linings.
- Bubalus bubalis lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP) is a recently identified AMP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize functional fragments of B. bubalis LAP.
- To evaluate the secondary structure, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity of synthesized LAP peptides.
Main Methods:
- Solid-phase Fmoc chemistry was used for peptide synthesis.
- Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy analyzed secondary structures in various solutions.
- Antibacterial activity was assessed via Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays.
- Cytotoxicity was evaluated through haemolysis assays.
Main Results:
- Peptides LAP(23-55), LAP(42-64), and LAP(21-64) exhibited predominantly beta-sheet structures, with LAP(23-55) showing the highest ordered structure.
- LAP(23-55) demonstrated the most potent broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogens, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhimurium.
- LAP(1-26) and LAP(1-64) lacked antimicrobial activity, suggesting the N-terminus may inhibit activity.
Conclusions:
- The C-terminal region of B. bubalis LAP, particularly LAP(23-55), contains essential antimicrobial activity.
- LAP(23-55) exhibits potent antibacterial properties with a favorable safety profile compared to other fragments.
- Further investigation into LAP(23-55) is warranted for potential therapeutic applications.
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