Cyclotides : a novel class of natural antibiotics

Abstract

Cyclotides are circular plant proteins that are approximately 30 amino acids long and have high heat and enzymatic stability. Their N- and C- termini are joined together to form a continuous cyclic conformation. The three-dimensional structure is stabilized by three disulphide bonds arranged in a cystine knot. Cyclotides are known to be antimicrobial, hemolytic, immunomodulating and anti-cancer, thus forming the basis of medicinal plants against various diseases. Bacterial drug resistance is a major concern, and there is an urgent need to discover novel antibiotics. In this project, we are looking at the antibacterial function of cyclotides extracted from a locally grown

plant, Clitoria ternatea which belongs to the Fabaceae family. My results show that cyclotides are potent antimicrobial agents and exhibit synergy with conventional antibiotics. [Peer Assessment Review]