Membrane integrity as a target for cyclotide cytotoxic activity

• The cyclotides are a family of plant-derived proteins that occur in plants from the Violaceae (violet) and Rubiaceae (coffee) families and have a diverse range of biological activities, including cytotoxic, hemolytic, antimicrobial, and insecticidal activities; the latter suggests their natural function lies in plant defense. In the current study we have investigated the membrane-disrupting and adsorption ability of prototypic cyclotides and correlated these findings to their cytotoxic properties. We also included modifications of selected charged amino acids in cycloviolacin O2, previously shown to be of importance for its cytotoxic activity. The cyclotides’ cytotoxic activity, ability to adsorb and disrupt model lipid membranes of different charge densities was investigated, e.g. by fluorescence spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and circular dichroism. Cytotoxicity of the native cyclotides was demonstrated to correlate to membrane adsorption and lytic activity. Hence, the activity of native cyclotides is mainly due to interactions between the proteins and the phospholipids in the target membrane. Striking effects of single amino acid variations in cycloviolacin O2 on its membrane interaction were also demonstrated.  

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Farmaceutiska vetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Pharmaceutical Sciences (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Cyclotide

Cytotoxicity

Membrane

Adsorption

Pharmacognosy

Farmakognosi

Pharmacognosy

Farmakognosi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)