Magainin 2a - Induced Permeabilization of Phospholipid Vesicles
Abstract
The magainins, a class of antimicrobial peptides secreted by the frog Xenopus laevis. appear to kill cells by permeabilizing the plasma membrane. To gain some insight into the mechanism of action, we have studied the magainin2 a-induced release of entrapped 6-carboxyfluorescein (6Cr) from small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) of phosphatidylserine (PS). We conclude that the fast release is caused by transient destabilization of the bilayer upon initial interaction of the SUVs with peptide. The mechanism of slow release remains to be determined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 02, 1991
- Accession Number
- AD1011000
Entities
People
- Earl Jr Grant
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences