Invetigation of antimicrobial peptides drived from amphibians
Invetigation of antimicrobial peptides drived from amphibians
Golnaz Najaflou,1,*saeid Latifinavid,2Esmat Abdi,3Alireza Panahi,4
1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 5619911367, Iran 2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 5619911367, Iran 3. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 5619911367, Iran 4. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, 5619911367, Iran
Introduction: Frog skin serves as a potent source of peptides with diverse biological properties, particularly host defense peptides that exhibit cytotoxic effects against bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and mammalian cells. Since the discovery of magainins from the skin secretions of the African frog *Xenopus laevis* by Michael Zasloff in 1987, numerous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been identified across different frog species. These AMPs not only provide protection against harmful microorganisms but also play roles in endotoxin neutralization, chemotaxis, and wound healing. Unlike immunoglobulins, these peptides are readily accessible from frog skin glands and act quickly against various pathogens. Despite the identification of numerous AMPs, only a few frog species have been thoroughly studied ,suggesting the existence of many more unexplored peptides in nature. This study offers new insights into the promising antimicrobial peptides derived from amphibians.
Methods: To this end, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, AIM, and IndMed databases were searched for relevant articles since 1987.
Results: Studies highlight the potential of AMPs as novel disinfectant agents and as complementary treatments alongside traditional antibiotics. Peptides like brevinin-2SSb and ranatuerin-2SSa, extracted from different frog species, have demonstrated effectiveness against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Ongoing research focuses on developing modified AMP derivatives to optimize their antimicrobial properties while minimizing toxicity.
Conclusion: Several AMPs possess antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer activities, presenting significant promise for clinical applications and cosmetic product development. Future research on isolating new peptides and understanding the relationship between AMP distribution and microbial ecosystems could pave the way for the creation of new therapeutic drugs.