Title:Rise of Bacterial Small Proteins and Peptides in Therapeutic Applications
Volume: 30
Issue: 2
Author(s): Ruby Shelin and Shanmugaraja Meenakshi*
Affiliation:
- Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and
Education, Kelambakkam, 603103, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Keywords:
Small open reading frame, bacterial small proteins, peptides of the human microbiome, therapeutic application of bacterial small proteins, eukaryotes, prokaryotes.
Abstract:
Background: Polypeptides that comprise less than 100 amino acids (50 amino acids in some
cases) are referred to as small proteins (SPs), however, as of date, there is no strict definition. In
contrast to the small polypeptides that arise due to proteolytic activity or abrupt protein synthesis, SPs
are coded by small open reading frames (sORFs) and are conventionally synthesized by ribosomes.
Purpose of the Review: Although proteins that contain more than 100 amino acids have been studied
exquisitely, studies on small proteins have been largely ignored, basically due to the unsuccessful
detection of these SPs by traditional methodologies/techniques. Serendipitous observation of several
small proteins and elucidation of their vital functions in cellular processes opened the floodgate of a
new area of research on the new family of proteins called "Small proteins". Having known the
significance of such SPs, several advanced techniques are being developed to precisely identify and
characterize them.
Conclusion: Bacterial small proteins (BSPs) are being intensely investigated in recent days and that
has brought the versatile role of BSPs into the limelight. In particular, identification of the fact that
BSPs exhibit antimicrobial activity has further expanded its scope in the area of therapeutics. Since the
microbiome plays an inevitable role in determining the outcome of personalized medicine, studies on
the secretory small proteins of the microbiome are gaining momentum. This review discusses the
importance of bacterial small proteins and peptides in terms of their therapeutic applications.
