Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties of Synthetic Peptides Derived from the Wasp Parachartergus fraternus. (24th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muller, Jessica A. I.; Lawrence, Nicole; Chan, Lai Yue; Harvey, Peta J.; Elliott, Alysha G.; Blaskovich, Mark A. T.; Gonçalves, Jacqueline C.; Galante, Priscilla; Mortari, Marcia R.; Toffoli‐Kadri, Mônica C.; Koehbach, Johannes; Craik, David J.
• Is Part Of: Chembiochem. Volume 22:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1415
• Page End: 1423
• Publication Date: 2021-02-24
• Subjects: peptides -- antimicrobial peptides -- anticancer activity -- cell-penetrating peptides -- helical structure; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical chemistry -- Periodicals; 572
• DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000716
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1439-4227

Abstract

Abstract: Agelaia‐MPI and protonectin are antimicrobial peptides isolated from the wasp Parachartergus fraternus that show antimicrobial and neuroactive activities. Previously, two analogues of these peptides, neuroVAL and protonectin‐F, were designed to reduce nonspecific toxicity and improve potency. Here, the three‐dimensional structures of neuroVAL, protonectin and protonectin‐F were determined by using circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy. Antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic and hemolytic activities were tested for the parent peptides and analogues. All peptides showed moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram‐positive bacteria, with agelaia‐MPI being the most active. Protonectin and protonectin‐F were found to be toxic to cancerous and noncancerous cell lines. Internalization experiments revealed that these peptides accumulate inside both cell types. By contrast, neuroVAL was nontoxic to all tested cells and was able to enter cells without accumulating. In summary, neuroVAL has potential as a nontoxic cell‐penetrating peptide, while protonectin‐F needs further modification to realize its potential as an antitumor peptide. Abstract : Where is thy sting ? Wasp venom‐derived α‐helical peptides and analogues were tested for antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. The analogues were less toxic to cells and could accumulate inside cancer cells. Protonectin‐F kills cancer cells and bacteria whereas neuroVAL is a nontoxic cell‐penetrating peptide.