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The Antimicrobial Activity of an Acidic Phospholipase A2 (NN-XIa-PLA2) from the Venom of Naja naja naja (Indian Cobra)

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Abstract

Microbial resistance against antibiotics is considered as a potentially serious threat to public health. Therefore, there is much interest in developing new molecules with novel modes of action. In this study, when antimicrobial potential of an acidic protein—NN-XIa-PLA2 (Naja naja venom phospholipase A2 fraction—XIa) of N. naja venom was evaluated, it demonstrated potent bactericidal action against the human pathogenic strains. It inhibited more significantly, the gram-positive bacteria, when compared to gram-negative bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 17 to 20 μg/ml. It was interesting to observe that the NN-XIa-PLA2 showed comparable antibacterial activity to the standard antibiotics used. It was found that there was a strong correlation between phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activities, hemolytic, and antimicrobial activity. Further, it is found that in the presence of p-bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB), there is a significant decrease in enzymatic activity and associated antimicrobial activities, suggesting that a strong correlation exists between catalytic activity and antimicrobial effects, which thereby destabilize the membrane bilayer. However, other mechanisms cannot be completely ruled out. Thus, these studies encourage further in-depth study on molecular mechanisms of antibacterial properties and thereby help in development of this protein into a possible therapeutic lead molecule for treating bacterial infections.

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Acknowledgments

DBL thanks Jain University for the constant encouragement given to progress in research. DBL acknowledge DST (department of Science and Technology), Govt of India for the grant INT/SLP/P-007/2012. SS and DBL acknowledge the Adichunchanagiri Mahasamstana Mutt and Shikshana Trust for providing facilities in the Adichunchanagiri Biotechnology and Cancer Research Institute (ABCRI). We thank Balagangadharanatha Swamiji Institute for Technology (BGS-IT) and Sri Adichunchangiri College of Pharmacy for the support to carry out the research.

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The authors declare that they have no competing interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adichunchanagiri Biotechnology and Cancer Research Institute (ABCRI), Balagangadharanatha Nagara, Mandya District, Karnataka, 571 448, India

    S. Sudarshan & B. L. Dhananjaya

  2. Toxinology/Toxicology and Drug Discovery Unit, Center for Emerging Technologies, Jain University, Jain Global Campus, Kanakapura Taluk, Ramanagara, 562112, Karnataka, India

    B. L. Dhananjaya

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Correspondence to B. L. Dhananjaya.

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Sudarshan, S., Dhananjaya, B.L. The Antimicrobial Activity of an Acidic Phospholipase A2 (NN-XIa-PLA2) from the Venom of Naja naja naja (Indian Cobra). Appl Biochem Biotechnol 176, 2027–2038 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-015-1698-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-015-1698-8

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