作者:Francisco M. Garibotto、Adriana D. Garro、Marcelo F. Masman、Ana M. Rodríguez、Paul G.M. Luiten、Marcela Raimondi、Susana A. Zacchino、Csaba Somlai、Botond Penke、Ricardo D. Enriz
DOI:10.1016/j.bmc.2009.11.009
日期:2010.1
The synthesis, in vitro evaluation, and conformational study of a new series of small-size peptides acting as antifungal agents are reported. In a first step of our study we performed a conformational analysis using Molecular Mechanics calculations. The electronic study was carried out using Molecular electrostatic potentials (MEPs) obtained from RHF/6-31G calculations. On the basis of the theoretical predictions three small-size peptides, RQWKKWWQWRR-NH2, RQIRRWWQWRR-NH2, and RQIRRWWQW-NH2 were synthesized and tested. These peptides displayed a significant antifungal activity against human pathogenic strains including Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans. Our experimental and theoretical results allow the identification of a topographical template which can serve as a guide for the design of new compounds with antifungal properties for potential therapeutic applications against these pathogenic fungi. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.