Antifungal proteins: More than antimicrobials?

Publication date: January 2013 Source:Fungal Biology Reviews, Volume 26, Issue 4 Author(s): Nikoletta Hegedüs , Florentine Marx Antimicrobial proteins (AMPs) are widely distributed in nature. In higher eukaryotes, AMPs provide the host with an important defence mechanism against invading pathogens. AMPs of lower eukaryotes and prokaryotes may support successful competition for nutrients with other microorganisms of the same ecological niche. AMPs show a vast variety in structure, function, antimicrobial spectrum and mechanism of action. Most interestingly, there is growing evidence that AMPs also fulfil important biological functions other than antimicrobial activity. The present review focuses on the mechanistic function of small, cationic, cysteine-rich AMPs of mammals, insects, plants and fungi with antifungal activity and specifically aims at summarizing current knowledge concerning additional biological properties which opens novel aspects for their future use in medicine, agriculture and biotechnology. Highlights ► Mammals, insects, plants and fungi produce various antimicrobial proteins (AMPs). ► This review focuses on small, cysteine-rich antifungal proteins. ► Their antifungal spectrum, structure and mode of action are described. ► Additional biological functions based on their signalling activity are highlighted. ► The multitude of functions endows AMPs with great medical/biotechnological potential.
Source: Fungal Biology Reviews - Category: Biology Source Type: research