Solution Structure of Cryptdin-4, a Mouse Paneth Cell α-Defensin,

Abstract

Mammalian defensins are abundant antimicrobial peptides that contribute to host defense. They are characterized by several conserved amino acids, including six invariant cysteine residues which form three intramolecular disulfide bonds and stabilize the tertiary structure. Cryptdin-4 (Crp4), a mouse α-defensin with potent in vitro bactericidal activity, has a primary structure distinct from all known α-defensins in that its polypeptide backbone uniquely lacks three residues between Cys^IV and Cys^V. NMR diffusion experiments showed that Crp4 is monomeric in solution, and its three-dimensional solution structure, determined by two-dimensional proton NMR, consists of a triple-stranded antiparallel β-sheet with the β-strands joined to each other by a series of tight turns and a β-hairpin. However, the overall β-sheet content in Crp4 is lower than that of other α-defensin structures, while the shape and orientation of the Crp4 β-hairpin also differ from those of other α-defensin structures. These structural characteristics combined with the high overall cationicity of Crp4 may contribute to its broad bactericidal spectrum and membrane disruptive activity.