Mastoparans: A Group of Multifunctional α-Helical Peptides With Promising Therapeutic Properties

Carlos José Correia de Santana; Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior; Wagner Fontes; Mário Sérgio Palma; Mariana S Castro

doi:10.3389/fmolb.2022.824989

Mastoparans: A Group of Multifunctional α-Helical Peptides With Promising Therapeutic Properties

Front Mol Biosci. 2022 Jun 24:9:824989. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.824989. eCollection 2022.

Authors

Carlos José Correia de Santana^{1

2}, Osmindo Rodrigues Pires Júnior¹, Wagner Fontes², Mário Sérgio Palma³, Mariana S Castro^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Laboratory of Toxinology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
² Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
³ Department of Basic and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences of Rio Claro, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Rio Claro, Brazil.

Abstract

Biologically active peptides have been attracting increasing attention, whether to improve the understanding of their mechanisms of action or in the search for new therapeutic drugs. Wasp venoms have been explored as a remarkable source for these molecules. In this review, the main findings on the group of wasp linear cationic α-helical peptides called mastoparans were discussed. These compounds have a wide variety of biological effects, including mast cell degranulation, activation of protein G, phospholipase A₂, C, and D activation, serotonin and insulin release, and antimicrobial, hemolytic, and anticancer activities, which could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents.

Keywords: antimicrobial peptide; linear cationic α-helical peptide; mast cell degranulation; mastoparans; social and solitary wasps; venom.

Publication types

Review