Physical Basis for Membrane-Charge Selectivity of Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides

Sattar Taheri-Araghi and Bae-Yeun Ha
Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 168101 – Published 16 April 2007

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides are known to selectively disrupt (highly charged) microbial membranes by asymmetrical incorporation into the outer layers. We present a physical basis for membrane-charge selectivity of cationic antimicrobial peptides. In particular, we provide a clear picture of how peptide-charge Q influences the asymmetrical insertion—one salient feature is the existence of an optimal peptide charge, at which selective insertion is optimized. Our results suggest that large Q is required for antimicrobial selectivity, consistent with experiments.

  • Figure
  • Received 15 June 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.168101

©2007 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Sattar Taheri-Araghi and Bae-Yeun Ha

  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada

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Vol. 98, Iss. 16 — 20 April 2007

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