Discovery and Characterization of MaK: A Novel Knottin Antimicrobial Peptide from Monochamus alternatus

Abstract

Knottin-type antimicrobial peptides possess exceptional attributes, such as high efficacy, low vulnerability to drug resistance, minimal toxicity, and precise targeting of drug sites. These peptides play a crucial role in the innate immunity of insects, offering protection against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Knottins have garnered considerable interest as promising contenders for drug development due to their ability to bridge the gap between small molecules and protein-based biopharmaceuticals, effectively addressing the therapeutic limitations of both modalities. This work presents the isolation and identification of a novel antimicrobial peptide derived from Monochamus alternatus. The cDNA encodes a 56-amino acid knottin propeptide, while the mature peptide comprises only 34 amino acids. We have labeled this knottin peptide as MaK. Using chemically synthesized MaK, we evaluated its hemolytic activity, thermal stability, antibacterial properties, and efficacy against nematodes. The results of this study indicate that MaK is an exceptionally effective knottin-type peptide. It demonstrates low toxicity, superior stability, potent antibacterial activity, and the ability to suppress pine wood nematodes. Consequently, these findings suggest that MaK has potential use in developing innovative therapeutic agents to prevent and manage pine wilt disease.

The Neurotranscriptome of Monochamus alternatus

“…Since the discovery of this disease on Pinus thunbergii in Zhongshan Mausoleum in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China in 1982, over the past few decades, the epidemic area has expanded to include 731 county-level administrative regions in 19 provinces and municipalities, including Fujian, Sichuan, and Hunan. Currently, the disease has been reported in multiple countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and China [5][6][7][8]. The disease has caused severe damage to China's forest resources and ecological environment, leading to a continuous reduction in the area of dominant tree species, especially the pioneering reforestation species of Pinus massoniana.…”