Characterization of the stability of a novel antifungal peptide

Antimicrobial resistant infections are a burgeoning threat to humankind. Unfortunately, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) programs have traditionally focused on bacteria and excluded fungi, which are now considered critical priority pathogens. Candida albicans, a commensal in many sites in the human body, can become pathogenic in immunocompromised patients. It is resistant to almost all classes of clinically-available antifungals. We have recently engineered an antimicrobial peptide from a salivary host defence peptide and confirmed its ability to mitigate antifungal resistance. Although our peptide was degraded by some of the fungal proteases, it retained excellent antifungal activity and further in-depth investigation of this is necessary. To further develop this peptide, the intern will perform in-depth characterization of the effects of fungal proteolytic enzymes and salt conditions on the peptide. Investigations will include high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to characterize peptide degradation. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm assays will be performed against reference and multi-drug resistant clinical isolates of Candida albicans. The intern will also perform circular dichroism assays to characterize the secondary structure of the peptides. This MITACS Globalink Research Award funded project will take us a big step closer towards the development of a resistance-proof antifungal peptide.

Faculty Supervisor:

Prasanna Neelakantan

Student:

Partner:

The University of Hong Kong

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: