Lactoferricin B causes depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and fusion of negatively charged liposomes.
Antimicrobial peptides have been extensively studied in order to elucidate their mode of action. Most of these peptides have been shown to exert a bactericidal effect on the cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria. Lactoferricin is an antimicrobial peptide with a net positive charge and an amphipatic structure. In this study we examine the effect of bovine lactoferricin (lactoferricin B; Lfcin B) on bacterial membranes. We show that Lfcin B neither lyses bacteria, nor causes a major leakage from liposomes. Lfcin B depolarizes the membrane of susceptible bacteria, and induces fusion of negatively charged liposomes. Hence, Lfcin B may have additional targets responsible for the antibacterial effect.
Ulvatne
H
H
Department of Medical Microbiology, P.O. Box 56, University Hospital of Tromsø, N-9038 Tromsø, Norway. hilde.ulvatne@rito.no
Haukland
H H
HH
Olsvik
O
O
Vorland
L H
LH
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D010455:Peptides
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008081:Liposomes; D010455:Peptides; C082171:lactoferricin B; D007781:Lactoferrin