Symbiotic NCR Peptide Fragments Affect the Viability, Morphology and Biofilm Formation of Candida Species

The increasing rate of fungal infections causes global problems not only in human healthcare but agriculture as well. To combat pathogens limited numbers antifungal agents are available therefore alternative drugs needed. Antimicrobial peptides potent candidates because their broad activity spectrum and diverse mode actions. model legume Medicago truncatula produces >700 nodule specific cysteine-rich (NCR) symbiosis many them have vitro antimicrobial activities without considerable toxicity on cells. In this work we demonstrate the anticandidal NCR335 NCR169 peptide derivatives against five Candida species by using micro-dilution method, measuring inhibition biofilm formation with XTT (2,3-Bis-(2-Methoxy-4-Nitro-5-Sulfophenyl)-2H-Tetrazolium-5-Carboxanilide) assay, assessing morphological change dimorphic microscopy. We show that both N- C-terminal regions possess well sequence NCR169. active inhibit yeast-hypha transformation. Combined treatment C. auris fluconazole revealed synergistic interactions reduced 2-8-fold minimal inhibitory concentrations. Our results shortening NCR can even enhance broaden therapeutic potential.