{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Short-Chained Linear Scorpion Peptides: A Pool for Novel Antimicrobials.
{Author}: Panayi T;Diavoli S;Nicolaidou V;Papaneophytou C;Petrou C;Sarigiannis Y;
{Journal}: Antibiotics (Basel)
{Volume}: 13
{Issue}: 5
{Year}: 2024 May 5
{Factor}: 5.222
{DOI}: 10.3390/antibiotics13050422
{Abstract}: Scorpion venom peptides are generally classified into two main groups: the disulfide bridged peptides (DBPs), which usually target membrane-associated ion channels, and the non-disulfide bridged peptides (NDBPs), a smaller group with multifunctional properties. In the past decade, these peptides have gained interest because most of them display functions that include antimicrobial, anticancer, haemolytic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Our current study focuses on the short (9-19 amino acids) antimicrobial linear scorpion peptides. Most of these peptides display a net positive charge of 1 or 2, an isoelectric point at pH 9-10, a broad range of hydrophobicity, and a Grand Average of Hydropathy (GRAVY) Value ranging between -0.05 and 1.7. These features allow these peptides to be attracted toward the negatively charged phospholipid head groups of the lipid membranes of target cells, a force driven by electrostatic interactions. This review outlines the antimicrobial potential of short-chained linear scorpion venom peptides. Additionally, short linear scorpion peptides are in general more attractive for large-scale synthesis from a manufacturing point of view. The structural and functional diversity of these peptides represents a good starting point for the development of new peptide-based therapeutics.