The Polypeptides/Proteins Exuded from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Seeds Induce Ultrastructural and Biomechanical Modifications of the Caenorhabditis elegans Surface and Inhibit the Nematode Motility.

Abstract

Natural products have been studied as potential anthelmintic drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the polypeptides/proteins exuded from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia mature seeds on the model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. After seed immersion for 24 h at 25 ºC in sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 0.15 M NaCl and 1.0 M MgSO4, the constituent polypeptides/proteins were fractionated using ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by ultrafiltration and their effects on C. elegans motility were assessed. Moreover, we evaluated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) whether exposition of the nematode to the polypeptide fraction McSEX10-2 could cause any alteration on the animal's external surface (cuticle). HIGHLIGHTS• Polypeptides/proteins exuded from Mimosa caesalpiniifolia mature seeds have anthelmintic effects.• The Polypeptides fraction (Mc.PEP) of M. caesalpiniifolia have anthelmintic activity.• Mc.PEP altered the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of nematode.• The polypeptides fraction not is hemolytic or toxic to human cells.