Strategy of Cinnamycin and Duramycin, Peptide Toxins that Target Ethanolamine Phospholipids

Abstract

Cinnamycin (Ro09-0198) and duramycin are toxins of 19 amino acid cyclic peptides derived from Streptomyces species that specifically bind ethanolamine phospholipids such as phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylethanolamine plasmalogen. Since PE preferentially distributes in the cytoplasmic leaflet of the plasma membrane, the strategy of the toxin seems inefficient. However, the toxins use tricks to exhibit the toxicity.