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The cytotoxic properties of a plant lipid transfer protein involve membrane permeabilization of target cells
Author(s) -
Regente M.C.,
Giudici A.M.,
Villalaín J.,
Canal L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2004.01647.x
Subject(s) - plant lipid transfer proteins , membrane , cytotoxic t cell , biology , liposome , plant cell , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , antimicrobial , antimicrobial peptides , biophysics , in vitro , chemistry , gene
Aims: To determine whether Ha‐AP10, a member of the plant lipid transfer proteins (LTPs) family produces a direct cytotoxic effect on fungal cells mediated by membrane permeabilization. LTPs can inhibit fungal growth and are considered members of the ubiquitous class of antimicrobial peptides. However, the way they exert their effects on target cells is not yet understood. Methods and Results: Viability assays demonstrate that Ha‐AP10 acts as a fungicidal compound but no harmful effect is observed on plant cells. Liposome leakage assays show that the protein induces a moderate release of fluorescent probes encapsulated in model membranes, indicating its ability to interact with phospholipids. Using a fluorescent indicator of damage at the membrane level, we demonstrate that Ha‐AP10 is able to induce the permeabilization of intact fungal spores in a dose‐dependent manner. Conclusion: The results presented here demonstrate the permeabilization of fungal spores caused by Ha‐AP10. Significance and Impact of the Study: To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of fungal membrane damage by an LTP, giving a clue to elucidate the basis of its antimicrobial properties.