The functional evaluation of a bioactive peptide, QUB-1998, discovered from the skin secretion of the frog, Pelophylax nigromaculata

Due to the evolving drug resistance of pathogens, it is necessary to develop novel antibiotic alternatives. Through decades of investment, peptides have been proven to be one potential group of biologics that may contribute to the development of new antibacterial drugs, as they combine the advantages of both small molecule medicines and therapeutic proteins.<br/>Through molecular cloning, the cDNA sequence encoding a new antimicrobial peptide (AMP), named QUB-1998, has been identified in the skin secretion of Pelophylax nigromaculata. The peptide was synthesised using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis technology. After the identification/authentication of the synthetic replicate of QUB-1998 by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Matrix-assisted, laser desorption, ionisation, time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, QUB-1998 was subjected to functional tests and it was found to have potent antimicrobial effects against E. coli (MIC = 16 µM; MBC = 32 µM), S. aureus (MIC = 8 µM; MBC = 32 µM), and C. albicans (MIC = 32 µM; MBC = 32 µM).<br/>Meanwhile, its haemolytic activity on horse erythrocytes was lower than 20% at 16 µM. The selective antimicrobial effects that observed indicated that QUB-1998 might deserve further exploration.<br/>

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

2018

Author dc:creator

• Sun, Wenquan

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Chen, Tianbao
• Shaw, Christopher
• Zhou, Mei
• Wang, Lei

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/b11fc2fb-f6ec-4e21-bb64-19f65f08f0f2

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/b11fc2fb-f6ec-4e21-bb64-19f65f08f0f2