Molecular Cloning and Activity Study of the Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Brevinin-1EG From Pelophylax nigromaculatus

Objective/Background: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new drugs for fighting this disease. Recent studies have reported that antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can be used as anticancer drugs. Methods: We discovered brevinin-1EG, a novel antimicrobial peptide from Pelophylax nigromaculatus, using gene cloning techniques. Brevinin-1EG was then investigated for its structure and biological activity. Results: Brevinin-1EG, with an alpha-helical structure, showed broad-spectrum anti-proliferative activity against several cancer cell lines, including U-2OS, HepG2, HT-29, A375, HeLa, and A549 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 15 to 22 & mu;g/mL. These same concentrations were insufficient to induce hemolysis in erythrocytes, indicating the safety of this molecule. Brevinin-1EG also exhibited antioxidant activity, scavenging ABTS(& BULL;+) and DPPH free radicals. Conclusion: Brevinin-1EG has good safety and potential use as an anticancer therapeutic agent. It provides support for the research of new peptide drugs and templates for structural modification.