Investigation of the antimicrobial activities of Snakin-Z, a new cationic peptide derived from Zizyphus jujuba fruits

Nat Prod Res. 2013;27(24):2292-6. doi: 10.1080/14786419.2013.827192. Epub 2013 Aug 20.

Abstract

Snakin-Z is a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that is identified from the fruit of Zizyphus jujuba. This peptide is composed of 31 amino acids which is determined with the sequence of CARLNCVPKGTSGNTETCPCYASLHSCRKYG and molecular weight of 3318.82 Da. Snakin-Z is not identical to any AMP in the peptide database. According to this study, Snakin-Z potentially has antimicrobial property against bacteria and fungi. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of this peptide is suitable for antimicrobial activity. We assessed that Snakin-Z could affect Phomopsis azadirachtae with the MIC value of 7.65 μg/mL and vice versa Staphylococcus aureus with the MIC value of 28.8 μg/mL. Interestingly, human red blood cells also showed good tolerance to the Snakin-Z. On the basis of this study, Snakin-Z can be an appropriate candidate for therapeutic applications in the future due to its antimicrobial property.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Infective Agents / pharmacology*
  • Fruit / chemistry*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Peptides / chemistry*
  • Peptides / pharmacology*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects
  • Ziziphus / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Peptides