Antimicrobial · Lantibiotic
Duramycin
A 19-residue lantibiotic that selectively binds phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), used as a molecular probe for membrane research.
- Length
- 19 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- It specifically binds to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in cell membranes, disrupting membrane structure and function.
- Studied in
- Investigated for its unique binding to phosphatidylethanolamine, making it a tool for labeling PE-rich domains in membranes and studying apoptosis.
About Duramycin
Duramycin is a tetracyclic lantibiotic (lanthionine-containing antibiotic) peptide produced by strains of Streptomyces and Streptoverticillium. Its complex bridged structure is formed by post-translational modifications, including the formation of lanthionine and methyllanthionine bridges. This rigid conformation is key to its specific molecular recognition properties.
Unlike many membrane-disrupting peptides, duramycin exhibits high specificity by binding almost exclusively to the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). This interaction can alter membrane curvature and integrity, or in some contexts, inhibit enzymes like phospholipase A2. This PE-specificity makes it a valuable research tool for detecting and imaging PE in biological membranes and for studying cellular processes where PE distribution is critical.
Laboratory notes
- Duramycin's activity is highly dependent on the presence and accessibility of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the target membrane.
- Can be fluorescently labeled to serve as a probe for imaging PE distribution in live or fixed cells.
- Solubility is limited in aqueous buffers; often dissolved in organic solvents like DMSO or ethanol first.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Duramycin
What makes Duramycin different from other antimicrobial peptides?
Its high specificity for a single phospholipid, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), distinguishes it from peptides that target membranes based on general properties like charge or curvature.
What is a 'lantibiotic'?
A lantibiotic is a class of peptide that contains characteristic thioether cross-links (lanthionine bridges), which create a rigid, polycyclic structure.
What is a primary research application for Duramycin?
It is used as a molecular tool to label and track phosphatidylethanolamine, enabling the study of membrane dynamics during cellular events like apoptosis.
Is Duramycin 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.