A synthetic peptide derived of the β2-β3 loop of the plant defensin from Vigna unguiculata seeds induces Leishmania amazonensis apoptosis-like cell death.

A synthetic peptide derived of the β2-β3 loop of the plant defensin from Vigna unguiculata seeds induces Leishmania amazonensis apoptosis-like cell death.
Amino Acids. 2019 Oct 25;:
Authors: Souza GS, de Carvalho LP, de Melo EJT, da Silva FCV, Machado OLT, Gomes VM, de Oliveira Carvalho A
Abstract
For medical use of proteins and peptide-based drugs, it is desirable to have small biologically active sequences because they improve stability, reduce side effects, and production costs. Several plant defensins have their biological activities imparted by a sequence named γ-core. Vu-Def, a Vigna unguiculata defensin, has activity against Leishmania amazonensis, which is one etiological agent of leishmaniasis and for which new drugs are needed. Our intention was to understand if the region comprising the Vu-Def γ-core is responsible for the biological activity against L. amazonensis and to unveil its mechanism of action. Different microbiological assays with L. amazonensis in the presence of the synthetic peptide A36,42,44γ32-46Vu-Def were done, as well as ultrastructural and fluorescent analyses. A36,42,44γ32-46Vu-Def showed biological activity similar to Vu-Def. A36,42,44γ32-46Vu-Def (74 µM) caused 97% inhibition of L. amazonensis culture and parasites were unable to regrow in fresh medium. The cells of the treated parasites showed morphological alterations by ultrastructural analysis and fluorescent labelings that corroborate wi...

Source: Amino Acids - October 24, 2019 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Souza GS, de Carvalho LP, de Melo EJT, da Silva FCV, Machado OLT, Gomes VM, de Oliveira Carvalho A Tags: Amino Acids Source Type: research