New records and invasion risk of Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in Brazil

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  New records and invasion risk of Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae) in Brazil Abstract Stenochrus portoricensis Chamberlin, 1922 is a schizomid native to the Caribbean and Central America and is notable for facultative parthenogenesis and a broad synanthropic distribution. It is widely reported as an exotic species in several regions worldwide, with recognized invasive potential. Here, we expand its known distribution in Brazil by documenting the first records from the state of Mato Grosso and new occurrences in tourist caves in Bahia. We also model the species’ potential distribution in South America using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm under current and future climate scenarios. The models indicate higher habitat suitability in regions characterized by low annual temperature variation and consistent rainfall patterns, conditions typical of tropical and subterranean environments, and predict range expansion under future climate change, p...

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Scorpion-Derived Css54 Peptide Against Candida albicans

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Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Scorpion-Derived Css54 Peptide Against Candida albicans

Abstract

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is one of the most common opportunistic fungi worldwide, which is associated with a high mortality rate. Despite treatment, C. albicans remains the leading cause of life-threatening invasive infections. Consequently, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives as antifungal agents with excellent antifungal activity. We previously reported that Css54, found in the venom of Centrurodies suffusus suffusus (C. s. suffusus) showed antibacterial activity against zoonotic bacteria. However, the antifungal activity of Css54 has not yet been elucidated. The objective of this study was to identify the antifungal activity of Css54 against C. albicans and analyze its mechanism. Css54 showed high antifungal activity against C. albicans. Css54 also inhibited biofilm formation in fluconazole-resistant fungi. The antifungal mechanism of action of Css54 was investigated using membrane-related assays, including the membrane depolarization assay and analysis of the membrane integrity of C. albicans after treatment with Css54. Css54 induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in C. albicans, which affected its antifungal activity. Our results indicate that Css54 causes membrane damage in C. albicans, highlighting its value as a potential therapeutic agent against C. albicans infection.

Park, J., Kim, H., Kang, D.D. et al. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Scorpion-Derived Css54 Peptide Against Candida albicans. J Microbiol. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12275-024-00113-4