Action mechanism of scorpion venom peptide Ctry2459 against Candida albicans

Abstract:

[Objective] To investigate the action mechanism of scorpion venom peptide Ctry2459 against Candida albicans. [Methods] The broth microdilution and plate count methods were used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of Ctry2459 against C. albicans. Time-kill curves were drawn based on the plate count method. In addition, we evaluated the influence of Ctry2459 on the integrity of the cell membrane of C. albicans by propidium iodide (PI) absorption experiment. DNA gel retardation assay was conducted to investigate the binding effect between Ctry2459 and nucleic acid. Also, we measured the effects of Ctry2459 on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential, and apoptosis/necrosis induction of C. albicans by flow cytometry assays. [Results] The MIC and MFC of Ctry2459 against C. albicans were 25 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, respectively. Ctry2459 killed C. albicans in a time- and concentration-dependent manner and mainly through membrane disruption, and it could also induce C. albicans necrosis via a ROS-dependent pathway. [Conclusion] Ctry2459 had the potential for the development of anti-C. albicans drugs.