BCp12 is a novel casein-derived antibacterial peptide with a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect. However, its action mechanism against E. coli is unknown. In this study, the growth curve showed that BCp12 had excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli. Red (propidium iodide staining) and green (fluorescein isothiocyanate staining) fluorescence signals were detected at the edges of the E. coli cells treated with BCp12. scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that E. coli cells became rough and shrunken, and part of the cell contents leaked to form a cavity. Furthermore, the iTRAQ proteome analysis showed that 193 and 174 proteins were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, after BCp12 treatment. Four enzymes involved in fatty acid degradation of E. coli were down-regulated, disrupting the synthesis of cell membranes. Molecular docking and gel retardation assays showed that BCp12 could bind to genes encoding four key enzymes involved in the fatty acid degradation pathway through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, thus significantly inhibiting their activities. Overall, the results indicate that BCp12 inhibits the growth of E. coli, causing metabolic disorders, thus destroying the structure of cell membranes.
Keywords: Escherichia coli; antimicrobial peptide BCp12; cell membrane damage; proteomic analysis.