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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

C-terminal Lysine-Linked Magainin 2 with Increased Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

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Author(s):
Lorenzon, Esteban N. ; Santos-Filho, Norival A. ; Ramos, Matheus A. S. ; Bauab, Tais M. ; Camargo, Ilana L. B. C. ; Cilli, Eduardo M.
Total Authors: 6
Document type: Journal article
Source: PROTEIN AND PEPTIDE LETTERS; v. 23, n. 8, p. 738-747, 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

Due to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, the development of novel antimicrobial agents is a very important challenge. Dimerization of cationic antimicrobial peptides (cAMPs) is a potential strategy for enhancing antimicrobial activity. Here, we studied the effects of magainin 2 (MG2) dimerization on its structure and biological activity. Lysine and glutamic acid were used to synthesize the C-and N-terminal dimers of MG2, respectively, in order to evaluate the impact of linker position used to obtain the dimers. Both MG2 and its dimeric versions showed a random coil structure in aqueous solution. However, in the presence of a structure-inducing solvent or a membrane mimetic, all peptides acquired helical structure. N-terminal dimerization did not affect the biological activity of the peptide. On the other hand, the C-terminal dimer, (MG2)(2)K, showed antimicrobial activity 8-16 times higher than that of MG2, and the time required to kill Escherichia coli was lower. The enhanced antimicrobial activity was related to membrane permeabilization. (MG2)(2)K was also more active against multidrug-resistant bacteria of clinical origin. Overall, the results presented here demonstrate that C-terminal lysine-linked dimerization improve the activity of MG2, and (MG2)(2)K can be considered as a potential antimicrobial agent. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/15346-7 - Antimicrobial peptides: dimerization effects and encapsulation in NRLb biomembrane
Grantee:Eduardo Maffud Cilli
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/07600-3 - CIBFar - Center for Innovation in Biodiversity and Drug Discovery
Grantee:Glaucius Oliva
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC