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Nonribosomal cyclic peptides: specific markers of fungal infections
Author(s) -
Jegorov Alexandr,
Hajduch Marian,
Sulc Miroslav,
Havlicek Vladimir
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 121
eISSN - 1096-9888
pISSN - 1076-5174
DOI - 10.1002/jms.1042
Subject(s) - cyclic peptide , depsipeptide , peptide , chemistry , nonribosomal peptide , fungal pathogen , biochemistry , computational biology , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , gene , biosynthesis
Some cyclic peptides and depsipeptides are synthesized in microorganisms by large multienzymes called nonribosomal peptide synthetases. The structures of peptide products originating in this way are complex and diverse and are microorganism‐specific. This work proposes the use of fungal cyclic peptides and depsipeptides as extremely specific markers of fungal infections. Since a reliable molecular tool for diagnosing fungal infections at an early stage is still missing, we present mass spectrometry as a new, modern, broadband (with respect to fungal strain) and specific tool for clinical mycologists. More than 40 different fungal species can be rapidly characterized according to specific families of cyclic peptides, and in some cases, a particular fungal strain can be identified on the basis of its cyclopeptide profile. This paper is also aimed at initiating discussion on the biological role of these secondary metabolites, especially of those synthesized by medically important strains. Proven cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory or immunosuppressive activities of some cyclic peptides indicate that these molecules may contribute to the synergistic array of fungal virulence factors and support microbial invasion during fungal infection. In addition to an overview on recent mass spectrometric protocols for cyclic peptide sequencing, the structures of new peptides from Paecilomyces and Pseudallescheria are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.