Study of antimicrobial activity and the mode of action of Anal P5 peptide

In a previous study, we showed that Cecropin A (1-8)-Magainin 2 (1-12) hybrid peptide (CA-MA)'s analogue, Anal P5, exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Anal P5, designed by flexible region (positions 9, 10)-substitution, Lys- (positions 4, 8, 14, 15) and Leu- (positions 5, 6, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20) substitutions, showed an enhanced antimicrobial and antitumor activity without hemolysis. The primary objective of the present study was to gain insight into the relevant mechanisms of antimicrobial activities of Anal P5 by using flow cytometric analysis. Anal P5 exhibits strong antifungal activity in a salt concentration independent manner. In addition, Anal P5 causes significant morphological alterations of the bacterial surfaces as shown by scanning electron microscopy, supporting its antibacterial activity. Its potent antibiotic activity suggests that Anal P5 is an excellent candidate as a lead compound for the development of novel antibiotic agents.