Antimicrobial peptides from scorpion venoms

Abstract

The need for new antimicrobial agents is becoming one of the most urgent requirements in modern medicine. The venoms of many different species are rich sources of biologically active components and various therapeutic agents have been characterized including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Due to their potent activity, low resistance rates and unique mode of action, AMPs have recently received much attention. This review focuses on AMPs from the venoms of scorpions and examines all classes of AMPs found to date. It gives details of their biological activities with reference to peptide structure. The review examines the mechanism of action of AMPs and with this information, suggests possible mechanisms of action of less well characterised peptides. Finally, the review examines current and future trends of scorpion AMP research, by discussing recent successes obtained through proteomic and transcriptomic approaches.

Unique diversity of the venom peptides from the scorpion Androctonus bicolor revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic analysis

“…The cationic peptides from scorpions are usually α-helical and amphipathic molecules that may possess either antimicrobial or bradykinin-potentiating activities, or act as signaling molecules involved in the modulation of immune response. Most cationic peptides exhibit a broad-spectrum, nonspecific activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including virus, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, protozoa and fungi [8]. To date, approximately 40 cationic peptides have been identified from various species of scorpions [8].…”

“…Most cationic peptides exhibit a broad-spectrum, nonspecific activity against a wide range of microorganisms, including virus, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, protozoa and fungi [8]. To date, approximately 40 cationic peptides have been identified from various species of scorpions [8]. Some of them display great potential for application to the treatment of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria [9,10].…”

Rational Use of Antimicrobials in Animal Production:A Prerequisite to Stem the Tide of Antimicrobial Resistance

“…The detection of new antimicrobial compounds from soil bacteria has become difficult because of similarity between the compounds produced 110 . The new sources which hold promise for novel antimicrobial compounds include plants, marine bio-resources, insects and venoms of various origins [111][112][113][114][115][116][117] . Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are an integral part of the natural host defence system and play a critical role in reducing the microbial load early during infection 118 .…”

Exploring the global animal biodiversity in the search for new drugs – Spiders, scorpions, horseshoe crabs, sea spiders, centipedes, and millipedes

“…Notably, the specificity of antimicrobial peptides to microbes is based on the uniquely anionic charge on bacterial plasma membranes conferring a negative charge on their surface, a feature that distinguishes (the prokaryotic) bacteria from eukaryotes whose cell surfaces are largely neutral [142,143]. For this reason, the interest in arthtopod antimicrobial peptides as potentially novel antibiotics is increasing [144].…”