Phosphatidylethanolamine binding is a conserved feature of cyclotide-membrane interactions.

ABSTRACT: Cyclotides are bioactive cyclic peptides isolated from plants that are characterized by a topologically complex structure and exceptional resistance to enzymatic or thermal degradation. With their sequence diversity, ultra-stable core structural motif, and range of bioactivities, cyclotides are regarded as a combinatorial peptide template with potential applications in drug design. The mode of action of cyclotides remains elusive, but all reported biological activities are consistent with a mechanism involving membrane interactions. In this study, a diverse set of cyclotides from the two major subfamilies, Möbius and bracelet, and an all-d mirror image form, were examined to determine their mode of action. Their lipid selectivity and membrane affinity were determined, as were their toxicit

SUBMITTER: Henriques ST 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3460461 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature