title: Characterisation of antibacterial activity of peptides isolated from the venom of the spider Cupiennius salei (Araneae: Ctenidae).
abstract: The characterisation of the antimicrobial activity of five antibacterial peptides, isolated from the venom of the neotropical wandering spider Cupiennius salei is reported here. The peptides have a molecular mass, determined by electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry, between 3-4 kDa. Minimal inhibitory concentrations against five different bacteria species were determined by a liquid growth inhibition assay. All five peptides showed minimal inhibitory concentrations that are comparable to those of other known antibacterial peptides, like insect defensins and cecropins, found in the last years in a large diversity of animals. The peptides are supposed to lyse the cells by formation of either distinct channels or pores, but their mode of action is not yet revealed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Zoology, University of Bern, Switzerland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Haeberli
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kuhn-Nentwig
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schaller
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Nentwig
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013111:Spider Venoms / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010455:Peptides; D013111:Spider Venoms