Antimicrobial · Antimicrobial peptide
Esculentin-1a
Also known as Esc(1-46)
A 46-amino-acid peptide from frog skin, Esculentin-1a is researched for its membrane-disrupting antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activities in vitro.
- Length
- 46 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- This peptide interacts with and disrupts microbial membranes, and some evidence suggests it may also translocate into the cell to interact with intracellular targets.
- Studied in
- In vitro studies focus on its activity against bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, as well as its potential immunomodulatory effects in cell culture.
About Esculentin-1a
Esculentin-1a is a cationic antimicrobial peptide isolated from the skin of the European edible frog, Pelophylax esculentus. Comprising 46 amino acid residues, it is a member of the esculentin family, characterized by a C-terminal Rana-box disulfide loop. It serves as a research tool for investigating innate immune responses and novel antimicrobial mechanisms.
Its primary mode of action involves the permeabilization of microbial membranes, leading to cell death. Beyond direct lysis, some in vitro data suggests Esculentin-1a can modulate host cell responses, such as cytokine release and chemotaxis, indicating a dual function that is a subject of ongoing laboratory investigation. These properties are examined in various cell-based assays.
Laboratory notes
- The C-terminal disulfide bridge is critical for the full spectrum of its biological activity; ensure reducing agents are absent in buffers unless denaturation is intended.
- Reconstitute in sterile, nuclease-free water, then dilute into appropriate assay buffer.
- Due to its length and complex structure, aggregation can occur at high concentrations; sonication may be required to fully dissolve.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Esculentin-1a
What defines the Esculentin peptide family?
They are typically long-chain peptides containing a conserved 'Rana-box' motif, which is a disulfide-bridged loop at the C-terminus.
Does Esculentin-1a only kill microbes?
While its primary studied function is antimicrobial, research also explores its capacity to influence host immune cells in vitro, suggesting potential immunomodulatory roles.
What is the isoelectric point (pI) of this peptide?
Esculentin-1a has a high pI, making it highly cationic at physiological pH, which is crucial for its initial interaction with negatively charged microbial membranes.
Is Esculentin-1a 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.