Antimicrobial · Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)
Buforin II
A 21-amino-acid AMP that acts by translocating into bacterial cells and binding to nucleic acids, used for microbiology and mechanism-of-action research.
- Length
- 21 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Buforin II translocates across the bacterial cell membrane without causing lysis and binds to intracellular DNA and RNA, disrupting essential cellular processes.
- Studied in
- In-vitro studies focus on its broad-spectrum activity against various bacterial strains and its mechanism of intracellular targeting as an alternative to membrane-disrupting AMPs.
About Buforin II
Buforin II is a cationic antimicrobial peptide originally isolated from the stomach tissue of the Asian toad, *Bufo bufo gargarizans*. It belongs to the histone H2A-derived family of peptides and is notable for its potent antimicrobial activity. Its alpha-helical structure contains a proline-induced hinge region that is critical for its function.
Unlike many other AMPs that act by permeabilising the cell membrane, the primary mechanism of Buforin II involves penetrating the bacterial membrane without causing significant lysis. Once inside the cytoplasm, it binds strongly to DNA and RNA, inhibiting replication, transcription, and translation. This intracellular mode of action is a key area of investigation in microbiology and drug discovery research.
Laboratory notes
- Activity can be salt-sensitive; test its efficacy in buffers with varying ionic strengths (e.g., low vs. high salt) to characterise its optimal conditions.
- When preparing for assays, use low-protein-binding labware to minimise loss of peptide due to adsorption.
- Confirm the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) against specific bacterial strains of interest, as efficacy varies between species.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Buforin II
What distinguishes Buforin II's mechanism from other AMPs like defensins?
While many AMPs, such as defensins, form pores or disrupt the integrity of the bacterial cell membrane, Buforin II translocates across the membrane and targets intracellular nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) to inhibit cellular functions.
Is Buforin II effective against Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria?
In laboratory studies, Buforin II has demonstrated broad-spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi.
What is the source of natural Buforin II?
It was originally identified in the stomach of the Asian toad, *Bufo bufo gargarizans*. The product available for research is a synthetic equivalent, ensuring high purity and batch consistency.
Is Buforin II for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.