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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.)

Violacein Targets the Cytoplasmic Membrane of Bacteria

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Author(s):
Cauz, Ana C. G. [1] ; Carretero, Gustavo P. B. [2] ; Saraiva, Greice K. V. [2] ; Park, Peter [2] ; Mortara, Laura [2] ; Cuccovia, Iolanda M. [2] ; Brocchi, Marcelo [1] ; Gueiros-Filho, Frederico J. [2]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Biol, Dept Genet Evolucao Microbiol & Imunol, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, BR-13083862 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Bioquim, Ave Prof Lineu Prestes 748, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES; v. 5, n. 4, p. 539-549, APR 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Violacein is a tryptophan-derived purple pigment produced by environmental bacteria, which displays multiple biological activities, including strong inhibition of Gram-positive pathogens, Here, we applied a combination of experimental approaches to identify the mechanism by which violacein kills Gram-positive bacteria. Fluorescence microscopy showed that violacein quickly and dramatically permeabilizes B. subtilis and S. aureus cells. Cell permeabilization was accompanied by the appearance of visible discontinuities or rips in the cytoplasmic membrane, but it did not affect the cell wall. Using in vitro experiments, we showed that violacein binds directly to liposomes made with commercial and bacterial phospholipids and perturbs their structure and permeability. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations were employed to reveal how violacein inserts itself into lipid bilayers. Thus, our combined results demonstrate that the cytoplasmic membrane is the primary target of violacein in bacteria. The implications of this finding for the development of violacein as a therapeutic agent are discussed. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/08166-5 - Interfacial chemistry: drugs, peptides and ezymes interactions with membrane models
Grantee:Iolanda Midea Cuccovia
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 16/05203-5 - HOW DO BACTERIA COORDINATE MEMBRANE BIOGENESIS WITH CELL GROWTH AND DIVISION?
Grantee:Frederico José Gueiros Filho
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 12/20116-0 - Antibacterial activity of violacein to Staphylococcus aureus and pharmacocynetic studies
Grantee:Marcelo Brocchi
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants