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Fungitoxicity of m-fluorophenylalanine-containing peptides towards Pythium ultimum

D H Young1, R J Mehta

  • 1Rohm and Haas Co., Research Laboratories, Spring House, Pennsylvania 19477.

Experientia
|April 15, 1989
PubMed

Insights

A novel tripeptide carrier effectively delivered m-fluorophenylalanine, enhancing its fungitoxicity against Pythium ultimum. This peptide-based delivery system shows promise for agricultural applications.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Pythium ultimum is a destructive plant pathogen.
  • Developing effective antifungal agents is crucial for crop protection.
  • Amino acid derivatives are explored for their biological activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the fungitoxicity of a novel tripeptide carrier for m-fluorophenylalanine.
  • To compare the efficacy of the tripeptide with its constituent dipeptide and free amino acid.
  • To understand the role of peptide structure in antifungal activity.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis and testing of L-m-fluorophenylalanyl-L-alanyl-L-alanine tripeptide.
  • Fungitoxicity assays against Pythium ultimum.
  • Evaluation of the effect of other amino acids and peptides on fungitoxicity.

Main Results:

  • The tripeptide exhibited significantly higher fungitoxicity against Pythium ultimum compared to the dipeptide and m-fluorophenylalanine.
  • L-alanyl peptides and phenylalanine reduced the tripeptide's fungitoxicity.
  • Amino acids antagonized the fungitoxicity of free m-fluorophenylalanine but not the tripeptide.

Conclusions:

  • The tripeptide L-m-fluorophenylalanyl-L-alanyl-L-alanine acts as an effective carrier for m-fluorophenylalanine.
  • Peptide-mediated delivery enhances intracellular uptake and fungitoxicity.
  • This strategy offers a potential new approach for controlling Pythium ultimum infections.

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