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Antifungal activity and mechanism of novel peptide Glycine max antimicrobial peptide (GmAMP) against fluconazole-resistant Candida tropicalis

Summary

Scientists developed a new antimicrobial peptide called GmAMP that can effectively kill drug-resistant fungal infections caused by Candida tropicalis, a pathogen resistant to common antifungal medications. The peptide works by damaging the fungal cell membrane and is safe for human use. In laboratory tests using insect larvae, the peptide successfully treated infections and reduced the fungal burden, suggesting it could become a new treatment option for patients with resistant fungal infections.

Background

Fluconazole-resistant Candida tropicalis is an increasingly common clinical problem due to overuse of antifungal drugs. Antimicrobial peptides represent a novel alternative approach to combat drug-resistant fungal infections. This study investigates a novel peptide GmAMP screened using artificial intelligence modeling techniques for its antifungal potential.

Objective

To comprehensively investigate the antimicrobial activity and mechanisms of action of GmAMP against fluconazole-resistant C. tropicalis both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

GmAMP demonstrated strong antifungal activity with MIC of 25 µM and fungicidal effects at 100 µM within 2 hours. It inhibited biofilm formation by 88.32% and eradicated mature biofilm by 58.28%. GmAMP disrupted cell membranes, caused membrane depolarization, and induced ROS accumulation. In vivo, GmAMP enhanced larval survival to 75% and reduced fungal burden to 6.37 × 10⁶ CFU per larva.

Conclusion

GmAMP exhibits potent antifungal activity against fluconazole-resistant C. tropicalis through membrane disruption mechanisms. It demonstrates low cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity with favorable in vivo therapeutic efficacy, suggesting potential as a clinical therapeutic agent against drug-resistant fungi.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: 10.7717/peerj.19372, PMID: 40416617
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