Current Microbiology, Vol.33, No.1, 40-43, 1996
The novel antibacterial peptide ceratotoxin A alters permeability of the inner and outer membrane of Escherichia coli K-12
Ceratotoxins are antibacterial 3-kDa amphiphilic peptides isolated from the female reproductive apparatus of the medfly Ceratitis capitata. The antibacterial activity of a chemically synthesized ceratotoxin A (ctx 4) has been investigated. Ctx A was mainly active against Gram-negative organisms, and it had a lytic effect on nongrowing Escherichia coli K-12. Data showed that ctx A alters both the outer and the inner membrane of E. coli K-12 cells.