The novel antibacterial peptide ceratotoxin A alters permeability of the inner and outer membrane of Escherichia coli K-12

Curr Microbiol. 1996 Jul;33(1):40-3. doi: 10.1007/s002849900071.

Abstract

Ceratotoxins are antibacterial 3-kDa amphiphilic peptides isolated from the female reproductive apparatus of the medfly Ceratitis capitata. The antibacterial activity of a chemically synthesized ceratotoxin A (ctx A) has been investigated. Ctx A was mainly active against Gram-negative organisms, and it had a lytic effect on nongrowing Escherichia coli K-12. Data showed that ctx A alters both the outer and the inner membrane of E.coli K-12 cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / isolation & purification
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / drug effects
  • Diptera
  • Escherichia coli / drug effects*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacteria / drug effects
  • Gram-Positive Bacteria / drug effects
  • Insect Hormones / chemistry
  • Insect Hormones / isolation & purification
  • Insect Hormones / pharmacology*
  • Insect Proteins*
  • Molecular Weight

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Insect Hormones
  • Insect Proteins
  • ceratotoxin A protein, Ceratitis capitata