Feb 27, 2026
New research on Small Cationic Membrane-Active Cyclic Peptides with Broad-Spectrum Activity against Bacteria and Fungi
Our latest research, titled "Selectivity Modulation of Small Cationic Membrane-Active Cyclic Peptides with Broad-Spectrum Activity against Bacteria and Fungi." Published in Journal Of Medicinal Chemistry.
As antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to challenge global health. Our collaborative team focused on the Advanced Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) design to combat multidrug resitant bacteria and fungi.
🧪 The Science:
Using a lead macrocyclic antimicrobial peptide scafold, we synthesized a new series peptides by strategically incorporating Glycine, EAA, and Dab to tune the scaffold's architecture.
Key Breakthroughs:
Superior Selectivity: Two of the lead optimized peptides achieved therapeutic indices (~407 and ~394) nearly double that of the original lead.
Broad-Spectrum activity: Lead peptides demonsteate potent activity against drug-resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as pathogenic fungi: Candida and Aspergillus.
Membranolytic Action: These peptides rapidly disrupt microbial membranes to eradicate biofilms.
A UniquePeptide design: NMR analysis of peptide revealed a unique "sandwich" conformation that explains its enhanced safety profile and high plasma stability (half life~ 6–8 h).
A Collaborative Multidisciplinary Effort
This work wouldn't have been possible without the incredible synergy between my lab, spearheaded by Dr. Kaustav Das Gupta, and the leading investigators at Chapman University, including Drs. Keykavous Parang, Sandeep Lohan, and Innokentiy Maslennikov, as well as Dr. Rakesh Tiwari at Western University.
​It’s a testament to how structural fine-tuning and rigorous mechanistic study can transform a potent molecule into a viable and strong therapeutic candidate.
​Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/ghBkVhCP