Antimicrobial Peptides
Articles tagged with Antimicrobial Peptides
Machine learning identifies antimicrobial peptide candidate for ulcerative colitis
Researchers developed a machine learning-based approach to accelerate therapeutic discovery for ulcerative colitis. The model identified 22 promising antimicrobial peptides, one of which, LR, showed strong antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity.
Penn engineers unveil generative AI model that designs new antibiotics
Researchers at Penn Engineering introduced AMP-Diffusion, a generative AI tool that designed tens of thousands of new antimicrobial peptides with bacteria-killing potential. The most potent AMPs performed as well as FDA-approved drugs without detectable adverse effects.
New immune mechanism revealed in the cellular trash
A new study from Weizmann Institute of Science reveals an immune mechanism involving proteasome products, which can kill bacteria and offer a promising treatment for infections. The researchers discovered that certain peptides produced by the proteasome have antibacterial properties and can be used to develop personalized treatments.
Novel nanoreactor CU@G - AMPs: A promising solution for antibacterial therapy
Researchers from Fuzhou University and Hunan Agricultural University have developed an innovative artificial complex, Cu@G-AMPs, with antibacterial properties against MRSA. The complex disrupts stress response systems and promotes wound healing in infected areas.
Exploring peptide clumping for improved drug and material solutions
Researchers investigated peptide clumping behavior using molecular dynamics simulations and AI techniques. They discovered that aromatic amino acids enhance aggregation, while hydrophilic ones inhibit it, offering insights into peptide structure and function.
Fighting Antibiotic Resistance with Peptide Cocktails
Random antimicrobial peptide mixtures significantly reduce the risk of resistance evolution compared to single peptides. These findings support the development of new antimicrobial strategies to tackle growing antibiotic-resistant threats and safeguard public health.
Treatment with a mixture of antimicrobial peptides can impede antibiotic resistance
A new study finds that antimicrobial peptide mixtures can delay the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mixtures, which are synthesized in a lab, were found to prevent cross-resistance and maintain drug sensitivity.
Unlocking the world around us for next-gen antibiotics
A global research team identified 863,498 promising antimicrobial peptides in marine and soil environments, as well as human and animal guts, to combat antimicrobial resistance. The findings come with a renewed focus on combatting the growing number of superbugs resistant to current drugs.
Medical school scientist creates therapy to kill hypervirulent bacteria
A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.
Tomato juice’s antimicrobial properties can kill salmonella
Researchers found that tomato juice can kill Salmonella Typhi and other enteric pathogens by impairing their bacterial membrane. The study identified two effective antimicrobial peptides in tomatoes that can eliminate these harmful bacteria.
Antimicrobial peptides modulate lung injury by altering the intestinal microbiota
Researchers identified a gut-lung axis driven by intestinal antimicrobial peptide expression and mediated by the intestinal microbiota that influences hyperoxia-induced lung injury. Supplemental lysozyme reduced lung injury in neonatal mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
A gut hormone for controlling appetite doubles as an immune regulator for the fungal microbiome
Researchers discovered that PYY prevents the fungus Candida albicans from turning into its more dangerous form while allowing commensal yeast forms to flourish. This peptide functions as an antimicrobial agent, playing a vital role in maintaining fungal commensalism in the gut.
Novel molecules fight viruses by bursting their bubble-like membranes
Researchers have developed novel molecules that target the membrane of viruses, rather than their proteins, offering a promising new approach for treating infectious diseases. The molecules, inspired by natural peptides, disrupt the protective layers of enveloped viruses like Zika and chikungunya, while sparing human cells.
Immune systems develop ‘silver bullet’ defences against common bacteria
Scientists discovered two peptides in fruit flies that specifically target common bacteria, showing how the immune system evolves to combat threats. This research provides insights into human susceptibility to infections and may lead to new approaches to fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.
Rice University chemist leverages heterogeneity for insight into catalysis, cancer initiation
Kolomeisky aims to develop analytical models that quantify the role of heterogeneity in chemical and biological processes. He plans to explore its impact on catalytic reactions, antimicrobial peptides and early cancer development.
Using plants as factories for green drug production
Scientists have engineered plants to produce peptides with antibiotic activity against drug-resistant pathogens, which also enhances stability and prolongs activity. The resulting plants yield potent drugs at significantly lower costs than traditional methods, making them an environmentally friendly option for pharmaceutical production.
UCF scientist uncovers roots of antibiotic resistance
Researchers identify OmpU protein variants associated with antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Understanding the evolutionary origins of AMR can inform the development of effective therapeutics against resistant infections.
Antimicrobial use in agriculture can breed bacteria resistant to first-line human defences
Researchers found that agricultural antimicrobial peptide use can generate broad cross-resistance to the human innate immune response. This has major implications for the design and use of therapeutic antimicrobial peptides.
UC Riverside-led study sheds light on how IBD can develop
A UC Riverside-led study found that reduced PTPN2 activity in intestinal epithelial cells leads to decreased Paneth cell antimicrobial peptide production, disrupting the gut microbiota and increasing E. coli. This loss can serve as a marker of IBD disease.
Antimicrobial nanonets for trap-and-kill treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers developed synthetic peptide nanonets that selectively entrap bacteria, rendering them vulnerable to antimicrobial components. The nanonets displayed both trapping and killing functionalities, demonstrating potential as an anti-infective strategy.
GIST researchers develop “AMP-BERT”: A new AI-based “finder” of antimicrobial peptides
A new AI-based classification system, AMP-BERT, was developed to identify candidate antimicrobial peptides. The model uses a deep neural network-based architecture and can extract structural and functional information from peptide sequences.
Keanu Reeves - the molecule
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
Silver nanoparticles show promise in fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Researchers at the University of Florida have found that silver nanoparticles and aminoglycosides work together synergistically to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The combination reduces the amount of antibiotic needed by 22-fold, making it more potent and potentially reducing side effects.
New study explains link between diabetes and UTIs
Research at Karolinska Institutet shows that people with diabetes have lower levels of psoriasin, a key peptide that weakens the bladder's protective barrier function. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections. Oestrogen therapy may help regulate the immune response to UTIs in patients with diabetes.
Some viruses make you smell tastier to mosquitoes
Researchers found that infected mice and humans emit a specific molecule, acetophenone, which attracts mosquitoes. This altered scent allows the viruses to spread faster. A potential preventative, isotretinoin, was also tested and shown to reduce mosquito attraction.
Pimple secret popped: How fat cells in the skin help fight acne
Researchers at UC San Diego have made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of fibroblasts, or fat cells, in controlling bacteria and developing acne. These findings could lead to more targeted treatment options for acne, which affects up to 50 million Americans each year.
TTUHSC scientist seeking solution to antibiotic resistance
Researchers at TTUHSC developed novel hydrophilic nanoparticles that target bacterial membranes, killing pathogens while sparing mammalian cells. The nanoantibiotics' size-dependent activity reveals a new blueprint for developing non-toxic and environmentally friendly antibiotics.
For some peptides, killing bacteria an inside job
Researchers have found that certain peptides can target the internal mechanisms of bacteria, making them effective against antibiotic-resistant microbes. The study suggests that these peptides could be used to design therapeutic agents that succeed where standard antibiotics fail.
Possible new antivirals against COVID-19, herpes
Scientists have developed stable peptide mimics called peptoids to treat viruses and prevent infections. Peptoids, such as those tested against SARS-CoV-2 and HSV-1, could one day cure or prevent many kinds of infections, including COVID-19.
CHOP researchers develop coating for endotracheal tubes that releases antimicrobial peptides
Researchers created a polymer coating that releases Lasioglossin-III, an AMP with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, targeting specific infectious bacteria and preventing airway complications. The coating demonstrated significant antibacterial activity and prevented bacterial adherence to the tube.
Nanoparticles enable efficient delivery of antimicrobial peptides
Researchers employed nanoparticles-based delivery systems to deliver AMPs for treating deep infections. Intelligent nanocarriers can achieve selective activation and target at infection sites, improving therapeutic efficacy against bacterial infections and reducing toxicity.
Antimicrobial peptides against citrus greening
Researchers have identified stable antimicrobial peptides as a potential solution to address citrus greening, a major threat to the global citrus industry. Multiple SAMP injections into infected trees increased tree growth, reduced bacterial levels and prevented disease symptoms.
Enhanced scorpion venom molecules can be used to treat Chagas disease
Researchers have discovered that scorpion venom molecule VmCT1 is effective against all three stages of the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Novel analogs with arginine substitutions displayed enhanced biological activity and better selectivity, offering new prospects for treatment.
Natural antibiotics produced in wounds increase sleep and survival after injury
A team of scientists discovered that natural antibiotics produced in wounds can increase sleep and raise the chances for surviving an injury. The researchers found that these antimicrobial peptides act as long-range messenger molecules, signaling the need for sleep to the nervous system.
Antimicrobial peptides with anticancer properties
The article reviews antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with anticancer properties, highlighting their potential use in tumor therapy due to their ability to interact with negatively charged cell membranes. Recent advances and challenges in the application of these peptides are also discussed.
Natural-based antibiofilm and antimicrobial peptides from microorganisms
Researchers found natural antibiofilm and antimicrobial peptides in bacteria, fungi, and yeast that can treat infections. The APD3 database reported 333 bacteriocin and peptide antibiotics with varying amino acid lengths and structures.
Bacteria-fighting polymers created with light
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method to synthesise hundreds of polymers for potential antibacterial applications. The method enables rapid screening of large libraries of polymers, leading to the identification of new antimicrobials that inhibit bacteria growth rather than breaking their membranes.
The microbiome of a native plant is much more resilient than expected
A team of scientists discovered that the microbiome of a native plant, Nicotiana attenuata, is more resilient than expected. The study shows that different strains of bacteria within the soil microbiota can form partnerships with the plant and resist antimicrobial peptides, defying previous assumptions about their impact.
Artificial antimicrobial peptides could help overcome drug-resistant bacteria
Artificial antimicrobial peptides, developed by researchers using a computer algorithm, have shown promise in combating drug-resistant bacteria. The most promising candidate, guavanin 2, has been found to be more potent than naturally occurring peptides and effective against Gram-negative bacteria.
Antibiotic nanoparticles fight drug-resistant bacteria
Researchers developed nanoparticles packaging an antimicrobial peptide that effectively reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice, showing potential for targeted treatment of pneumonia and other bacterial infections. The approach combines concepts from cancer nanotechnology to deliver drugs selectively to bacterial targets.
Penn: Plant-made antimicrobial peptide targets dental plaque and gum tissues
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine developed a plant-made antimicrobial peptide that rapidly kills tooth-decay-causing bacteria and thwarts biofilm formation. The peptide, combined with an enzyme, breaks down the oral biofilm matrix, promoting wound healing and bone regeneration.
Capsule shedding: A new bacterial pathway that promotes invasive disease
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital identified an enzyme that aids pneumococcus survival by removing its capsule, making it harder to be detected and destroyed by the immune system. This discovery has profound implications for treatment and vaccine strategies to combat invasive pneumococcal disease.
Deadly bacteria stiff-arm the immune system
Researchers discovered M1 strep's ability to inactivate antimicrobial peptides, a key component of the immune system's defense. This finding highlights the need to fortify or optimize antimicrobial peptides to improve the immune system's odds of fending off infections.
Probing bacterial resistance to a class of natural antibiotics
Researchers explore how bacteria survive destruction from antimicrobial peptides and uncover a strategy that can be disabled. A two-component system helps bacteria remove antimicrobial peptides, blocking their bactericidal effect.
Loyola researchers identify method to assess UTI risk in women after pelvic-floor surgery
Researchers at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine identified a way to assess UTI risk in women after pelvic-floor surgery. The study found that certain urinary bacteria and antimicrobial peptides can identify women at increased risk, suggesting a potential method for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
The American Society for Microbiology honors Marc Torrent
Marc Torrent, a researcher at the Medical Research Council, has been recognized for his outstanding work on antimicrobial regions in proteins and aggregation properties of antimicrobial peptides. His algorithm prediction tool is being applied to full genomes to identify new peptide leads.
Adapting fish defenses to block human infections
Undergraduate researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute created engineered surfaces that kill 34% of E.coli bacteria when peptides are lying flat, but 82% when attached vertically. The team developed a technique to monitor AMP attachment and plans to test other materials for optimal antimicrobial activity
Hungry immune guardians are snappier
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered a mechanism regulating vital immune functions in healthy individuals. A link between nutrition and immune defense was found via the insulin signaling pathway, with low insulin levels activating FOXO transcription factor to switch on immune defense proteins.
A trip to the candy store might help ward off rare, but deadly infections
Researchers found that glycyrrhizin improves the ability of damaged skin to produce antimicrobial peptides, which help prevent bacterial growth and infections. The study suggests that this compound could lead to lower death rates associated with burn-related infections.
Stressed-out skin loses its antimicrobial defense mechanism
Mice subjected to psychological stress are more susceptible to skin infections due to decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides by the epidermis. Inhibiting glucocorticoids may improve immune function in stressed individuals.
Bacteria recognize antimicrobials, respond with counter-defenses
Scientists have discovered a molecular mechanism by which bacteria can recognize and respond to tiny antimicrobial peptide molecules, making them more virulent. This finding may lead to new ways to overcome bacterial resistance and improve treatment options for diseases caused by Salmonella typhimurium.
Researchers identify unifying code among diverse classes of natural antibiotics
Diverse classes of antimicrobial peptides share a common structural signature, revealing fundamental interactions between host and pathogen. This discovery offers new insights into immune defense and drives technology to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Eczema patients lack natural antibiotic in skin
Researchers found that eczema patients have impaired immune response, preventing adequate antimicrobial peptide production in their skin. This deficiency may lead to increased susceptibility to skin infections, such as staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex.
New insights into insect antimicrobials point the way to novel antibiotics
Scientists at The Wistar Institute identified key segments of an insect-derived antimicrobial peptide that kill bacteria and prevent mammalian cell entry. The research team confirmed the peptide's binding site on a bacterial protein target, opening up possibilities for novel antibiotic design and universal drug delivery.
Antimicrobial peptides: new weapons to fight infection
Researchers discover antimicrobial peptides in plants and animals, which target bacterial membranes to defend against infections. The study reveals these molecules provide a natural solution to combat growing antibiotic resistance.