Interactions of mast cell degranulating peptides with model membranes: A comparative biophysical study

Author(s)

dos Santos Cabrera, Marcia Perez ^{[1, 2]} ; Arcisio-Miranda, Manoel ^[1] ; da Costa, Laiana Cristina ^[2] ; de Souza, Bibiana Monson ^[3] ; Broggio Costa, Sabrina Thais ^[2] ; Palma, Mario Sergio ^[3] ; Ruggiero Neto, Joao ^[2] ; Procopio, Joaquim ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Physiol & Biophys, Inst Biomed Sci, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, IBILCE, Dept Phys, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil

^[3] Sao Paulo State Univ, UNESP, Ctr Studies Social Insects, Inst Biosci, Rio Claro, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics; v. 486, n. 1, p. 1-11, JUN 1 2009.
• Web of Science Citations: 21

Abstract

In the last decade, there has been renewed interest in biologically active peptides in fields like allergy, autoimmume diseases and antibiotic therapy. Mast cell degranulating peptides mimic G-protein receptors, showing different activity levels even among homologous peptides. Another important feature is their ability to interact directly with membrane phospholipids, in a fast and concentration-dependent way. The mechanism of action of peptide HR1 on model membranes was investigated comparatively to other mast cell degranulating peptides (Mastoparan, Eumenitin and Anoplin) to evidence the features that modulate their selectivity. Using vesicle leakage, single-channel recordings and zeta-potential measurements, we demonstrated that HR1 preferentially binds to anionic bilayers, accumulates, folds, and at very low concentrations, is able to insert and create membrane spanning ion-selective pores. We discuss the ion selectivity character of the pores based on the neutralization or screening of the peptides charges by the bilayer head group charges or dipoles. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/57122-7 - Searching for lead compounds for rational development of new drugs and pesticides through bioprospecting in Brazilian arthropods
• Grantee: Mario Sergio Palma
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants