Linked Life Data

17645524

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/17645524

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2007-8-16
pubmed:abstractText
Gomesin is an 18-residue cysteine-rich antimicrobial peptide produced by hemocytes of the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana. In the present study, the antifungal properties of gomesin against Cryptococcus neoformans, the etiologic agent of cryptococcosis, were evaluated. Gomesin bound to the cell surface of cryptococci, which resulted in cell death associated with membrane permeabilization. Antifungal concentrations of gomesin were not toxic for human brain cells. Supplementation of cryptococcal cultures with the peptide (1 microM) caused a decrease in capsule expression and rendered fungal cells more susceptible to killing by human brain phagocytes. The possible use of gomesin in combination with fluconazole, a standard antifungal drug, was also evaluated. In association with fluconazole, gomesin concentrations with low antimicrobial activity (0.1-1 microM) inhibited fungal growth and enhanced the antimicrobial activity of brain phagocytes. These results reveal the potential of gomesin to promote inhibition of cryptococcal growth directly or by enhancing the effectiveness of host defenses.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Sep
pubmed:issn
0378-1097
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
274
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
279-86
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2007
pubmed:articleTitle
Gomesin, a peptide produced by the spider Acanthoscurria gomesiana, is a potent anticryptococcal agent that acts in synergism with fluconazole.
pubmed:affiliation
Departamento de Microbiologia Geral, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't