Characterization and antimicrobial mechanism of CF-14, a new antimicrobial peptide from the epidermal mucus of catfish

In this study, we identified a novel antibacterial peptide, RIVELTLPRVSVRL-NH2 (named CF-14), derived from the epidermal mucus of catfish and characterized its antimicrobial activity. Analysis of antimicrobial activity and hemolytic activity of CF-14 revealed broad spectrum, high levels of antimicrobial activity and low toxicity to eukaryotic cells. CF-14 remained stable at pH values ranging from 4.0 to 12.0 and remained bioactive when exposed to high temperature. CD analysis indicated that CF-14 forms a random coil in PBS buffer and an α-helical conformation in the membrane-mimetic 2.5% SDS micelle. Additionally, the antibacterial mechanism of CF-14 against Shewanella putrefaciens was investigated. Membrane permeability experiments confirmed that CF-14 could increase cell wall membrane permeability and cause nucleotide leakage. Moreover, observations performed using scanning electron and confocal microscopy indicated that CF-14 could penetrate into the cell membranes of S. putrefaciens and accumulate in bacterial cells, but did not break down cell membranes. Further, electrophoresis analysis demonstrated that CF-14 possesses DNA-binding affinity. The results provide a substantial basis for future application of CF-14, a novel cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) derived from catfish.