antibacterial peptide biosynthetic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of an antibacterial peptide. [GOC:add, ISBN:0781735149, PMID:11807545, PMID:15638771]

Antibacterial peptide biosynthesis is a complex process involving the production of peptides with antimicrobial activity. This process is essential for host defense against bacterial infections, and it is often employed by various organisms, including humans, plants, and animals. The biosynthesis of antibacterial peptides typically involves several steps, including gene expression, peptide synthesis, and post-translational modifications.

**1. Gene Expression:**
The production of antibacterial peptides begins with the expression of genes encoding these peptides. These genes are often located in clusters and are regulated by various environmental stimuli, such as bacterial infection or tissue damage. The gene expression process involves the transcription of DNA into messenger RNA (mRNA), which serves as a template for protein synthesis.

**2. Peptide Synthesis:**
Once the mRNA encoding the antibacterial peptide is produced, it is translated into a polypeptide chain on ribosomes. The polypeptide chain is then folded into a specific three-dimensional structure, which is crucial for the peptide's antimicrobial activity.

**3. Post-Translational Modifications:**
After translation, the antibacterial peptide can undergo several post-translational modifications, which can further enhance its activity. These modifications include:

* **Cleavage:** Many antibacterial peptides are initially synthesized as pre-propeptides and require cleavage by proteases to produce the mature active peptide.
* **Disulfide bond formation:** The formation of disulfide bonds between cysteine residues in the peptide can contribute to its stability and antimicrobial activity.
* **Glycosylation:** The addition of sugar molecules to the peptide can affect its solubility, stability, and antimicrobial activity.
* **Phosphorylation:** The attachment of phosphate groups to the peptide can modulate its activity and interactions with target molecules.

**4. Secretion and Transport:**
Once the antibacterial peptide is synthesized and modified, it needs to be secreted from the cell and transported to the site of infection. This process can involve various mechanisms, such as exocytosis or diffusion.

**5. Antimicrobial Activity:**
Antibacterial peptides exert their antimicrobial activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes or interfering with essential bacterial processes. The mechanisms of action can include:

* **Membrane disruption:** Many antibacterial peptides are cationic and amphipathic, allowing them to interact with and disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
* **Inhibition of bacterial enzymes:** Some antibacterial peptides inhibit the activity of essential bacterial enzymes, such as DNA gyrase or protein synthesis.
* **Interference with bacterial cell wall synthesis:** Some antibacterial peptides target the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, leading to cell lysis.

In summary, the biosynthesis of antibacterial peptides is a multi-step process involving gene expression, peptide synthesis, post-translational modifications, secretion, and transport. These peptides play a crucial role in host defense against bacterial infections and have potential applications in the development of novel antibiotics.'
"

Proteins (2)

Compounds (38)