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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2025

Live-cell Imaging of Fungal Cells to Investigate Modes of Entry and Subcellular Localization of Antifungal Plant Defensins

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Published on: December 24, 2017

Plant Defense Peptides: Exploring the Structure-Function Correlation for Potential Applications in Drug Design and

Hrutuja Shirsat¹, Manish Datt¹, Anup Kale¹

¹Department of Biosciences and Technology, School of Science and Environmental Studies, Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT-World Peace University, Kothrud, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India.

|March 10, 2025

Summary

Plant defense peptides, or antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are crucial for innate immunity. Their structural properties are being explored for therapeutic applications, particularly cyclotides, for drug design and targeted delivery.

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Last Updated: May 23, 2025

Live-cell Imaging of Fungal Cells to Investigate Modes of Entry and Subcellular Localization of Antifungal Plant Defensins

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Published on: December 24, 2017

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Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners

Published on: June 30, 2013

Area of Science:

Plant biology
Biochemistry
Immunology

Background:

Plant defense peptides, primarily antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), are vital components of the innate immune system against biotic stresses.
These peptides share conserved structural features: cysteine-rich, disulfide-bonded, cationic, and hydrophobic surfaces, crucial for function.
Specific structural attributes fine-tune AMPs' functions and membrane interactions, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

To explore the therapeutic potential of plant defense peptides, focusing on cyclotides as drug design scaffolds.
To analyze functional heterogeneity within cyclotide subfamilies (Möbius, bracelet, trypsin inhibitor) concerning membrane interactions.
To discuss the application of AMPs in human health and advancements in their delivery via nanosystems.

Main Methods:

Review and analysis of existing literature on plant defense peptides and cyclotides.
Examination of structure-function relationships, including surface charge and hydrophobicity in cyclotide-membrane interactions.
Discussion of therapeutic applications and nanosystem-based delivery strategies for AMPs.

Main Results:

Cyclotides exhibit functional heterogeneity, with variations in membrane binding affinities influenced by surface charge and hydrophobicity.
Reduced peptide hydrophobicity and increased electrostatic surface enhance antimicrobial selectivity and reduce toxicity to eukaryotic cells.
Nanosystems offer promising avenues for the advanced delivery of AMPs in therapeutic contexts.

Conclusions:

Plant defense peptides, especially cyclotides, possess significant therapeutic potential due to their tunable structural properties.
Modulating hydrophobicity and surface charge can optimize AMPs for selective antimicrobial activity and reduced host toxicity.
Advancements in nanosystem delivery are crucial for realizing the full therapeutic promise of AMPs.