The discovery of a novel peptide from the defensive skin secretion of Hylarana guentheri

To date, thousands of proteins and peptides with diverse biological activities have been isolated from amphibian skins. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are one of the most essential groups of these molecules.

AMPs are relatively small molecules, which have recently been considered as a novel therapeutic strategy and serve as the first barrier of defence for a wide range of organisms against pathogens. They have considerable broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and parasites. Some even have inhibitory effects on cancer cells and some may work on the innate immune system. <br>In this study, a novel bioactive peptide named QUB-1875 was isolated from Guenther's frog, Hylarana guentheri, and several bioactive and cytotoxic assays were performed to evaluate the biological activities of this peptide.