The skin secretion of the amphibian Phyllomedusa nordestina: a source of antimicrobial and antiprotozoal peptides

Molecules. 2013 Jun 17;18(6):7058-70. doi: 10.3390/molecules18067058.

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from the dermaseptin and phylloseptin families were isolated from the skin secretion of Phyllomedusa nordestina, a recently described amphibian species from Northeastern Brazil. One dermaseptin and three phylloseptins were chosen for solid phase peptide synthesis. The antiprotozoal and antimicrobial activities of the synthetic peptides were determined, as well as their cytotoxicity in mouse peritoneal cells. AMPs are being considered as frameworks for the development of novel drugs inspired by their mechanism of action.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amphibian Proteins / chemistry
  • Amphibian Proteins / metabolism
  • Amphibian Proteins / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / chemistry
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / metabolism*
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / chemistry
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / pharmacology
  • Anura
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Substances

  • Amphibian Proteins
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • dermaseptin