Publications by authors named "Brango-Vanegas J"

Amphibians use their skin as an effective defense mechanism against predators and microorganisms. Specialized glands produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that possess antioxidant properties, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. These peptides are promising candidates for treating diseases associated with oxidative stress (OS) and redox imbalance, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), as well as age-related conditions, like cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

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Amphibian skin is a rich source of molecules with biotechnological potential, including the tryptophyllin family of peptides. Here, we report the identification and characterization of two tryptophyllin peptides, FPPEWISR and FPWLLS-NH, from the skin of the Central Dwarf Frog, Physalaemus centralis. These peptides were identified through cDNA cloning and sequence comparison.

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N-capping (N-cap) and C-capping (C-cap) in biologically active peptides, including specific amino acids or unconventional group motifs, have been shown to modulate activity against pharmacological targets by interfering with the peptide's secondary structure, thus generating unusual scaffolds. The insertion of capping motifs in linear peptides has been shown to prevent peptide degradation by reducing its susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage, and the replacement of some functional groups by unusual groups in N- or C-capping regions in linear peptides has led to optimized peptide variants with improved secondary structure and enhanced activity. Furthermore, some essential amino acid residues that, when placed in antimicrobial peptide (AMP) capping regions, are capable of complexing metals such as Cu, Ni, and Zn, give rise to the family known as metallo-AMPs, which are capable of boosting antimicrobial efficacy, as well as other activities.

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The study of wasp venoms has captured attention due to the presence of a wide variety of active compounds, revealing a diverse array of biological effects. Among these compounds, certain antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as mastoparans and chemotactic peptides have emerged as significant players, characterized by their unique amphipathic short linear alpha-helical structure. These peptides exhibit not only antibiotic properties but also a range of other biological activities, which are related to their ability to interact with biological membranes to varying degrees.

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During carcinogenesis, neoplastic cells accumulate mutations in genes important for cellular homeostasis, producing defective proteins. Viral infections occur when viral capsid proteins bind to the host cell receptor, allowing the virus to enter the cells. In both cases, proteins play important roles in cancer development and viral infection, so these targets can be exploited to develop alternative treatments.

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Tryptophyllins constitute a heterogeneous group of peptides that are one of the first classes of peptides identified from amphibian's skin secretions. Here, we report the structural characterization and antioxidant properties of a novel tryptophyllin-like peptide, named PpT-2, isolated from the Iberian green frog Pelophylax perezi. The skin secretion of P.

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Eight new sulfide-based cyclic peptidomimetic analogues of solonamides A and B have been synthesized via solid-phase peptide synthesis and S2' reaction on a Morita-Baylis-Hillman (MBH) residue introduced at the -terminal of a tetrapeptide. This last step takes advantage of the electrophilic feature of the MBH residue and represents a new cyclization strategy occurring. The analogues were prepared in moderate overall yields and did not show toxic effects on growth and were not toxic to human fibroblasts.

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The Cecropia genus is widely distributed in Latin America including at least 60 species, and some of them are commonly used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. We used Cecropia pachystachya Trécul to search for quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors compounds and found that the aqueous extract of C. pachystachya leaves is a promising source of substances with this activity.

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