SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND STUDIES OF MECHANISMS of ACTION OF PEPTIDE ANALOGS MCF and MCFA

• Grant number: 23/18398-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Norival Alves Santos Filho
• Grantee: Leticia Rocha Casado
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/06469-8 - Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on Novel Melittin Analogues, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Animal venoms are complex mixtures of biologically active compounds, among which, still little explored, are low molecular mass compounds, such as peptides, organic components and lipids. These molecules act in isolation or synergistically, being able to bind to different cellular receptors and/or interfere with metabolic pathways. Infectious diseases are among the main causes of death in the world and the resistance of various strains of microorganisms to their commonly administered medications is a reality, causing an increase in 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 Melitin, with the aim of finding peptides that mimic the antimicrobial activity of the native molecule, however, with lower cytotoxicity. In addition, the mechanisms of action of these molecules on the membrane will be evaluated.