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Antimicrobial peptides produced by Brevibacillus spp.: structure, classification and bioactivity: a mini review

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Abstract

Species that are currently listed under the genus Brevibacillus (formerly, Bacillus brevis cluster) have been a rich source of antimicrobial peptides for many decades. The first known peptide antibiotic, gramicidin, is presumed to be produced by a Brevibacillus sp. Members of the genus are widely spread in nature. They can be found in a variety of environments including intestinal tracts of animals, seawater, and soil. Some Brevibacillus strains have been used commercially as probiotics. Bioactive peptides produced by Brevibacillus spp. include antibacterial, antifungal and anti-invertebrate agents. Brevibacillus antimicrobial peptides are synthesized through ribosomal or nonribosomal pathway; these two groups can be further categorized based on specific structural features such as cyclization and presence of lipid chain. Some of the antimicrobial compounds produced by this genus share structural similarities that were overlooked previously. For example, the structural similarity between BT peptide, brevibacillin, and bogorol was revealed only recently. Here we review and classify Brevibacillus antimicrobial peptides and summarize their bioactivities and potential applications.

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Acknowledgements

The project was supported by Center for Advanced Processing and Packing Studies (CAPPS) and a scholarship to X. Yang from China Scholarship Council (CSC).

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  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, 2015 Fyffe Court, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Xu Yang & Ahmed E. Yousef

  2. Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Ahmed E. Yousef

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Yang, X., Yousef, A.E. Antimicrobial peptides produced by Brevibacillus spp.: structure, classification and bioactivity: a mini review. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 34, 57 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-018-2437-4

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