Work

Antibiotic magainins exert cytolytic activity against transformed cell lines through channel formation.

Year: 1991

Type: article

Abstract: Magainins are an ionophoric class of vertebrate peptides with antibiotic activity against various microorganisms. Here we show that magainin 2 and synthetic analogues can rapidly and irreversibly lyse hematopoietic tumor and solid tumor target cells with a relative cytotoxic potency that parallels their antibacterial efficacy and at concentrations that are relatively nontoxic to well-differentiated cells. The cytotoxicity is prevented by cell depolarization. Magainins represent a natural cytolytic agent in vertebrates and may provide another therapeutic strategy for certain tumors.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.88.9.3792

Authors: R A Cruciani, J L Barker, M Zasloff, H C Chen, O Colamonici

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Language: English

Topic: Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities

Subfield: Microbiology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2061764021

FWCI: 7.732

Cites: 13

Cited by: 361

Related to: 10