Synthesis, characterization and studies of mechanisms of action of peptides analogous to Melitin

• Grant number: 22/05787-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Norival Alves Santos Filho
• Grantee: Lucas Oliveira Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Animal venoms and venoms are a rich source of pharmacologically active substances. These molecules act alone or in synergism, being able to bind to different cell receptors and/or interfere in metabolic pathways. The exploration of the mechanisms of action of toxins has shown to be relevant, not only for providing the molecular basis involved in the mechanism of toxicity of these molecules, but also for enabling the application of toxins in the development of new therapeutic strategies. Infectious diseases are among the main causes of death in the world and the resistance of several strains of microorganisms in relation to their drugs usually administered is a reality, increasing the search for new alternatives for antimicrobial compounds. Among these alternatives, biologically active peptides emerge as an excellent tool of interest in research. Within this context, the present proposal aims to synthesize molecules analogous to the antimicrobial peptide Melittin, with the objective of finding peptides that mimic the antimicrobial activity of the native molecule, however, with a lower cytotoxicity. Added to this, the mechanisms of action on the membrane will be evaluated.(AU)