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Research from L. Mereuta et al has provided new information about helicobacter
2009 JUN 8 - (NewsRx.com) -- "The HPA3 peptide is an analogue of the linear antimicrobial peptide, HP(2-20), isolated from the N-terminal region of the Helicobacter pylori ribosomal protein, able to interact with zwitterionic lipid membranes and generate pores. Herein we focused on the importance of the degree of unsaturation of lipid acyl chains on HPA3 peptide-membrane interactions," researchers in Iasi, Romania report. "Electrophysiology experiments carried out in reconstituted lipid membranes formed from phosphatidylcholines with one (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine -aEuro parts per thousand POPC) and two monounsaturated acyl chains (1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine -aEuro parts per thousand DOPC) demonstrate that the lesser degree of the packing density of membrane lipids encountered in DOPC-based planar membranes greatly enhances the electric activity of pores created by the HPA3 peptide. Data derived from fluorescence spectroscopy experiments demonstrate that upon interaction with the bilayer, the HPA3 peptide translocates to the trans-side of the membrane. From the same experiments, we demonstrate that in the case of DOPC-based planar membranes, the net amount of HPA3 peptide which passes across the membrane and re-dissolves in the trans solution is almost 22% greater than POPC-based membranes," wrote L. Mereuta and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "Such data further emphasize the modulatory role played by lipid acyl chain in determining antimicrobial peptides-lipids interactions, and demonstrate that small differences in unsaturation degree can impose a sizeable influence on HPA3 peptide activity." Mereuta and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes (The role played by lipids unsaturation upon the membrane interaction of the Helicobacter pylori HP(2-20) antimicrobial peptide analogue HPA3. Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes, 2009;41(1):79-84). For additional information, contact T. Luchian, Alexandru I Cuza University, Faculty Physics, Laboratory Biophysics & Med Physics, Blvd. King Carol I 11, R-700506 Iasi, Romania. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes is: Springer, Plenum Publishers, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA. Keywords: Romania, Iasi, Antimicrobials, Bioenergetics, Bioengineering, Biomembranes, Electrophysiology, Gastroenterology, Helicobacter, Infectious Disease, Physiology. This article was prepared by Anti-Infectives Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Anti-Infectives Week via NewsRx.com.
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