Bee venom-derived antimicrobial peptide melectin has broad-spectrum potency, cell selectivity, and salt-resistant properties
Abstract Antimicrobial peptides have attracted attention as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Previously, a novel antimicrobial peptide, melectin, consisting of 18 amino acids was isolated from the venom of a bee, Melecta albifrons. Here, we investigated the antibacterial activity of melecti...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | article |
| Language: | EN |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2020
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doaj.org/article/bcd81e0dfe3d49aa8b83f3167750b21b |
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| Summary: | Abstract Antimicrobial peptides have attracted attention as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Previously, a novel antimicrobial peptide, melectin, consisting of 18 amino acids was isolated from the venom of a bee, Melecta albifrons. Here, we investigated the antibacterial activity of melectin against drug-resistant bacteria. Melectin showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity but low cytotoxicity and no hemolytic activity. Melectin maintained its antimicrobial activity at physiological salt concentrations. Melectin is an α-helical structure that binds to the bacterial membrane via electrostatic interactions and kills bacteria in a short time by bacterial membrane targeting. Collectively, our results suggest that melectin has antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity. |
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