Evaluation of bioactivity of a peptide QUB-1669, from the skin secretion of the African running frog, Kassina senegalensis

They not only play an essential role in the host's physiological system but also in the research and development of new drugs for mammals. Many amphibian skin-derived peptides have been proven to have clinically-valuable activities, including antibacterial effects, anticancer effects, enzyme inhibitor effects, smooth muscle inhibition or relaxation effects, etc., and they are also the current research hotspots of many scientists. <br><br>In this experimental study, a new pharmacologically active peptide QUB-1669 was studied.

This is a C-terminal amidated peptide (FFPLALPLPKATKVQ-amide) identified from the skin secretion of the African running frog Kassina senegalensis. To obtain the mature peptide sequence, a K.senegalensis skin secretion-derived cDNA library was constructed and then subjected to molecular cloning experiments. Thereafter, the obtained sequence of peptide QUB-1669 was chemically synthesised by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), and then the synthesised crude peptide was purified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), along with mass spectrometry.