Giulliana Altaf Dos Santos

Ms. Giulliana Altaf Dos Santos

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 July 2026 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
WNWaleska Nizer
Waleska Nizer
GSGiulliana Altaf Dos Santos
Giulliana Altaf Dos Santos
WLWilliam Gustavo Lima
William Gustavo Lima
Felipe Henrique de Souza SilvaFelipe Henrique de Souza Silva
Felipe Henrique de Souza Silva
WCWanderson Aparecido Brandão Candido
Wanderson Aparecido Brandão Candido
Maria Elena De LimaMaria Elena De Lima
Maria Elena De Lima
The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represents a major global health challenge by limiting the current therapeutic options. In this context, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been widely studied for their potent antimicrobial properties. In this study, we evaluated the anti-MRSA effect of a novel AMP, LyeTx I mnΔKL, derived from a toxin of Lycosa erythrognatha. Its activity was evaluated in vitro by minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC), antibiofilm effect, membrane interaction, cytotoxicity, synergistic interaction with vancomycin, and in vivo in an MRSA murine wound/abscess infection model. LyeTx I mnΔKL showed enhanced antimicrobial activity against clinical MRSA isolates compared to its prototype (LyeTx I mnΔK), with MIC50 and MBC50 of 2 and 8 µM and 16 and 32 µM, respectively. Furthermore, LyeTx I mnΔKL exhibited a rapid bactericidal effect and a pronounced ability to inhibit biofilm formation and disrupt mature biofilms. LyeTx I mnΔKL interacts with bacterial membranes, adopts an α-helical structure, and induces membrane disruption and leakage of intracellular material. In vivo, topical treatment with LyeTx I mnΔKL reduced MRSA burden compared with LyeTx I mnΔK and untreated controls (log10 CFU/g of wound of 2.4, 4.4, and 6.5 for LyeTx I mnΔKL, LyeTx I mnΔK, and the saline group, respectively). However, increased cytotoxicity remains a significant limitation. Overall, LyeTx I mnΔKL is a promising anti-MRSA candidate for topical use with potent antibiofilm and in vivo activity.