In this article we present the synthesis and characterization of a new form of the membrane active peptide melittin: photomelittin. This peptide was created by substituting the proline residue in melittin for a synthetic azobenzene amino acid derivative. This azobenzene altered the membrane activity of the peptide while retaining much of the secondary structure. Furthermore, the peptide demonstrates added light-dependent activity in leakage assays. There is a 1.5-fold increase in activity when exposed to UV light as opposed to visible light. The peptides further exhibit light-dependent hemolytic activity against human red blood cells. This will enable future studies optimizing photomelittin and other azobenzene-containing membrane active peptides for uses in medicine, drug delivery, and other biotechnological applications.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbamem.2021.183759 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Effect of Chirality and Amphiphilicity on the Antimicrobial Activity of Tripodal Lysine-Based Peptides.
ACS Appl Bio Mater
January 2025
School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Food Biosciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, U.K.
A series of tripodal (three-arm) lysine-based peptides were designed and synthesized and their self-assembly properties in aqueous solution and antimicrobial activity were investigated. We compare the behaviors of homochiral tripodal peptides (KKY)K and a homologue containing the bulky aromatic fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) group Fmoc-(KKY)K, and heterochiral analogues containing k (d-Lys), (kkY)K and Fmoc-(kkY)K. The molecular conformation and self-assembly in aqueous solutions were probed using various spectroscopic techniques, along with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Effect of Cholesterol-Loaded Cyclodextrin and Resveratrol Compounds on Post-Thawing Quality of Ram Semen.
Vet Med Sci
January 2025
Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Avcilar, İstanbul, Turkey.
Ram sperm are more vulnerable to freezing than those of most other farm animals. During sperm freezing, the cell membrane loses some of its cholesterol, which regulates signalling mechanisms and prevents premature capacitation. Resveratrol (RES) increases the fluidity of the cell membrane, which becomes peroxidized during freezing and reduces free radicals.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRecommendations from Imaging, Oncology, and Radiology Organizations to Guide Management in Prostate Cancer: Summary of Current Recommendations.
Radiol Imaging Cancer
January 2025
From Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio (A.M.); University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pa (E.C.); and Department of Radiology, University Hospitals, 11000 Euclid Ave, Bolwell B2600, Cleveland, OH 44115 (K.B., N.R., S.H.T.).
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy among male individuals in the United States and requires careful imaging approaches because of its varied presentations. This review examines prostate cancer imaging guidelines from leading organizations, including the American College of Radiology, American Urological Association, European Association of Urology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network, and serves as a reference highlighting commonalities and divergences in current imaging recommendations across prostate cancer states. We outline these organizations and their methods, focusing on their approaches to panel expertise, guideline development, evidence grading, and revision schedules.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe protective roles of eugenol on type 1 diabetes mellitus through NRF2-mediated oxidative stress pathway.
Elife
January 2025
Department of Pediatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from damage to the pancreatic β cells and an absolute deficiency of insulin, leading to multi-organ involvement and a poor prognosis. The progression of T1DM is significantly influenced by oxidative stress and apoptosis. The natural compound eugenol (EUG) possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnion Transport by Bambusuril-Bile Acid Conjugates: Drastic Effect of the Cholesterol Content.
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl
January 2025
Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems, Avenue F. Roosevelt 50, 1050, Brussels, BELGIUM.
Artificial anion transporters offer a potential way to treat deficiencies in cellular anion transport of genetic origins. In contrast to the large variety of mobile anion carriers and self-assembled anion channels reported, unimolecular anion channels are less investigated. Herein, we present a unique example of a unimolecular anion channel based on a bambusuril (BU) macrocycle, a well-established anion receptor.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!