Open    Access



Antimicrobial Peptides from the Plants



Author(s)

Abulimiti Yili, Vladimir Maksimov, Qing-Ling Ma, Yan-Hua Gao, Olga Veshkurova, Shavkat Salikhov and Haji Akber Aisa

Full-Text PDF XML     890 Views

DOI:10.17265/2328-2150/2014.11.001

AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) are small, mostly basic peptides that range in size from 2-9 kDa, and they are an important component of the innate defense system of plants where they are effector molecules considered to be an important defense barrier to pathogens and pests. Nine families of antimicrobial peptides have been identified in plants, including thionins, defensins, lipid transfer proteins, hevein and knotting-like peptides, four cysteine-types, and the recently reported shepherdins, snakins and cyclotides. They are part of both permanent and inducible defense barriers of plants. Transgenic overexpression of the corresponding genes leads to enhanced tolerance to pathogens, and peptide-sensitive pathogen mutants have reduced virulence. In this review, the recent studies on peptides from plant sources, including peptides isolated from indigenous medicine and edible plants of Central-Asia, are briefly discussed with a focus on their origins, antioxidant, antitumor activities and the possible mechanisms of actions in order to provide a profile of important plant peptides.

AMPs, plant defense peptides, thionin, LTPs (lipid transfer proteins), Ib-AMPs (Impatiens balsamina antimicrobial peptides), disulfide bridge, pathogen.

Yili, A., et al. 2014. “Antimicrobial Peptides from the Plants.” Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2 (11): 627-641.