A novel bioactive peptide from the skin secretion of the dark-spotted frog, Pelophylax nigromaculatus

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant clinical bacteria strains has promoted numerous researches to focus on novel classes of antimicrobial molecules. Amongst, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising group since they have unique bactericidal mechanisms comparing to their counterparts - antibiotics. Thus, it is hard for multi-resistant bacteria to develop resistance towards AMPs. <br/><br/>In this thesis, a novel peptide named QUB-1984 belonging to the nigrocin-2 family was identified from the skin secretion of Pelophylax nigromaculatus. Primarily, cDNA encoding the biosynthetic precursor was cloned successfully, followed by “molecular cloning” which was used to deduce the mature peptide sequence. Subsequently, a series of technologies (SPPS, HPLC and MALDI-TOF) were used to synthesise, purify and identify the targeted peptide respectively. Afterwards, QUB-1984 was subjected to several functional tests such as antimicrobial, anticancer and haemolytic assays. <br/><br/>The results revealed the mature peptide sequence as follows: GLLGKILGAGKKVL-CGVSGLC. The peptide exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans, the MIC/MBC were 8/8, 4/8 and 32/128 µM respectively. Meanwhile, it’s haemolytic activity on horse erythrocytes at 512 µM was lower than 20%. Besides, cell viabilities towards H-157 and PC-3 were over 90% under the concentration of 100 µM which showed relatively low cytotoxicity.<br/><br/>It is expected that this study will make contributions to the finding and design of new antimicrobial agents.<br/><br/><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2024.</i>

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Master of Philosophy

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Masters Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Queen's University Belfast

Year dc:date.issued

2019

Author dc:creator

• Lu, Chengyu

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Chen, Tianbao
• Zhou, Mei
• Wang, Lei
• Ma, Chengbang

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/2501af37-1476-4654-94dc-70a7ae3abfbb

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/2501af37-1476-4654-94dc-70a7ae3abfbb