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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
Antimicrobial Peptides Produced by Selective Pressure Incorporation of Non-canonical Amino Acids
Published on: May 4, 2018
Antimicrobial peptide protonectin disturbs the membrane integrity and induces ROS production in yeast cells
Kairong Wang1, Wen Dang1, Junqiu Xie1
1Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, 222 Tian Shui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, PR China.
Abstract:
Candidiasis is often observed in immunocompromised patients and is the 4th most common cause of bloodstream infections. However, antifungals are limited, so novel antifungal agents are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered as potential alternatives of conventional antibiotics. In the present study, antimicrobial peptide protonectin was chemically synthesized and its antifungal activity and mode of action were studied. Our results showed that protonectin has potent antifungal activity and fungicidal activity against the tested fungi cells. Its action mode involved the disruption of the membrane integrity and the inducing of the production of cellular ROS. Furthermore, protonectin could inhibit the formation of biofilm and kill the adherent fungi cells. In conclusion, with the increase of fungal infection, protonectin may offer a new strategy and be considered as a potential therapeutic agent against fungal disease.
Insights
Antimicrobial peptide protonectin shows strong antifungal and fungicidal activity against fungi. It disrupts cell membranes, induces reactive oxygen species, and inhibits biofilm formation, offering a potential new therapeutic agent for fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Candidiasis is a significant cause of bloodstream infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Limited antifungal treatment options necessitate the development of novel therapeutic agents.
- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) present a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize the antimicrobial peptide protonectin.
- To evaluate its antifungal activity and fungicidal effects.
- To elucidate its mechanism of action against fungal cells.
Main Methods:
- Chemical synthesis of protonectin.
- Antifungal activity assays against various fungi.
- Fungicidal activity and mode of action studies, including membrane integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
- Biofilm formation inhibition assays.
Main Results:
- Protonectin demonstrated potent antifungal and fungicidal activity against tested fungi.
- The mechanism of action involves disruption of fungal membrane integrity and induction of cellular ROS.
- Protonectin effectively inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated adherent fungal cells.
Conclusions:
- Protonectin exhibits significant potential as a therapeutic agent against fungal diseases.
- Its ability to combat fungal infections, including biofilms, addresses a critical unmet medical need.
- Protonectin represents a promising novel strategy for treating increasing fungal infections.
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