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oai:figshare.com:article/32641863 2026-10-01T16:20:12Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

The discovery of a novel bioactive peptide identied from the skin secretion of <i>Hylarana spinulosa</i> Meng Ju (1401853) PUREID: 657629623 Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) Brevinin-2 family antimicrobial activity antiproliferative activity Cytoxicity Amphibian skin secretions are rich in antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), vital components of innate immunity. With increasing antibiotic resistance, AMPs are promising alternatives due to broad activity and unique mechanisms. In this study, a novel AMP of the Brevinin-2 family was identified from the skin secretion of Hylarana spinulosa, a species rarely studied for bioactive compounds. mRNA from skin secretions was used to clone the gene by RACE, and bioinformatics predicted its sequence and structure. The peptide, QUB-3002, was synthesised by SPPS, purified by HPLC, and confirmed by MALDI TOF MS. QUB-3002 showed strong antimicrobial activity, with MICs of 0.5 μM against S. aureus, 1 μM against E. coli, and 1 μM against C. albicans. It caused minimal haemolysis (HC10 = 16 μM). Antiproliferative assays revealed effects on lung cancer cells H838 (IC50 = 2.196 μM), though normal fibroblasts MRC-5 also showed sensitivity (IC50 = 2.538 μM). Structural predictions indicated an -helical conformation, consistent with membrane-targeting activity. This work expands the AMP repertoire of H. spinulosa and suggests therapeutic potential for antimicrobial and anticancer applications.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2030.</i><br> 2026-10-01T16:20:12Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641863.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/The_discovery_of_a_novel_bioactive_peptide_identied_from_the_skin_secretion_of_i_Hylarana_spinulosa_i_/32641863 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2030-12-31