Chemically diverse antimicrobial peptides induce hyperpolarization of the E. coli membrane.

ABSTRACT: The negative membrane potential within bacterial cells is crucial in various essential cellular processes. Sustaining a hyperpolarised membrane could offer a novel strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. However, it remains uncertain which molecules are responsible for inducing hyperpolarization and what the underlying molecular mechanisms are. Here, we demonstrate that chemically diverse antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) trigger hyperpolarization of the bacterial cytosolic membrane when applied at subinhibitory concentrations. Specifically, these AMPs adopt a membrane-induced amphipathic structure and, thereby, generate hyperpolarization in Escherichia coli without damaging the cell membrane. These AMPs act as selective ionophores for K⁺ (over Na⁺) or Cl^-

SUBMITTER: Bhaumik KN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11452689 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature