Identification and characterization of a novel gene-encoded antioxidant peptide obtained from amphibian skin secretions

Abstract

Amphibian skin is known to secrete gene-encoded antioxidant peptides of small molecular weight, which play important roles in host defense. However, recognition of such peptides is still in its infancy. Here, we discovered a novel gene-encoded antioxidant peptide (named OM-GF17) from skin secretions of amphibian species, Odorrana margaretae. Produced by the post-translational processing of a 61-residue prepropeptide, the amino acid sequence of OM-GF17 was 'GFFKWHPRCGEEHSMWT', with a molecular mass of 2135.7 Da. Functional analysis revealed that OM-GF17 scavenged ABTS+, DPPH, NO and decreased iron oxidation. Our results also implied that five amino acid residues, including Cys, Pro, Met, Trp, and Phe, be related to the antioxidant activity of OM-GF17. Furthermore, OM-GF17 did not exhibit direct microbe-killing activity. This novel gene-encoded antioxidant peptide could help in the development of new antioxidant agents and increase our understanding of the biological functions of amphibian skin.