Kaushik Nath Bhaumik, Réka Spohn, Anett Dunai, Lejla Daruka, Gábor Olajos, Florina Zákány, Anasztázia Hetényi, Csaba Pál, Tamás A. Martinek
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The negative membrane potential within bacterial cells is crucial in various essential cellular processes. Sustaining a hyperpolarised membrane could offer a novel strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. However, it remains uncertain which molecules are responsible for inducing hyperpolarization and what the underlying molecular mechanisms are. Here, we demonstrate that chemically diverse antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) trigger hyperpolarization of the bacterial cytosolic membrane when applied at subinhibitory concentrations. Specifically, these AMPs adopt a membrane-induced amphipathic structure and, thereby, generate hyperpolarization in Escherichia coli without damaging the cell membrane. These AMPs act as selective ionophores for K+ (over Na+) or Cl− (over H2PO4− and NO3−) ions, generating diffusion potential across the membrane. At lower dosages of AMPs, a quasi-steady-state membrane polarisation value is achieved. Our findings highlight the potential of AMPs as a valuable tool for chemically hyperpolarising bacteria, with implications for antimicrobial research and bacterial electrophysiology. Antimicrobial peptides with membrane-induced structure generate diffusion potential across the E. coli cytosolic membrane at subinhibitory concentrations. The differential ion permeability generates bacterial hyperpolarization.
期刊介绍:
Communications Biology is an open access journal from Nature Research publishing high-quality research, reviews and commentary in all areas of the biological sciences. Research papers published by the journal represent significant advances bringing new biological insight to a specialized area of research.