Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of a novel peptide present in the ecdysis process of centipede Scolopendra subspinipes subspinipes

Autor(es)

Chaparro-Aguirre, Elisa ^[1] ; Segura-Ramirez, Paula J. ^{[1, 2]} ; Alves, Flavio L. ^[3] ; Riske, Karin A. ^[3] ; Miranda, Antonio ^[3] ; Silva Junior, I, Pedro

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] I, Butantan Inst, Special Lab Appl Toxinol LETA, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] I, Univ Sao Paulo, Biomed Sci Inst, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biophys, BR-04044020 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 9, SEP 20 2019.
• Citações Web of Science: 0

Resumo

One of the most important cellular events in arthropods is the moulting of the cuticle (ecdysis). This process allows them to grow until they reach sexual maturity. Nevertheless, during this stage, the animals are highly exposed to pathogens. Consequently, it can be assumed that arthropods counter with an efficient anti-infective strategy that facilitates their survival during ecdysis. Herein, we characterized a novel antimicrobial peptide called Pinipesin, present in the exuviae extract of the centipede Scolopendra subspinipes subspinipes. The antimicrobial activity of Pinipesin was tested. The haemolytic activity of the peptide was evaluated and its possible mechanism of action was investigated. Identification was carried out by mass spectrometry analysis. Pinipesin displayed potent antimicrobial effects against different microorganisms and showed low haemolytic effects against human erythrocytes at high concentrations. It has a monoisotopic mass of 1213.57 Da, its sequence exhibited high similarity with some cuticular proteins, and it might act intracellularly by interfering with protein synthesis. Our data suggest that Pinipesin might be part of a prophylactic immune response during the ecdysis process of centipedes. Therefore, it is a promising candidate for the development of nonconventional antibiotics that could help fight infectious diseases and represents an exciting discovery for this taxon. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 13/07467-1 - CeTICS - Centro de Toxinas, Imuno-Resposta e Sinalização Celular
• Beneficiário: Hugo Aguirre Armelin
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Centros de Pesquisa, Inovação e Difusão - CEPIDs