Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Marjan M Hashemi

Publications

• Review Article
  Ceragenins as Mimics of Endogenous Antimicrobial Peptides
  Author(s): Marjan M Hashemi, Brett S Holden, Bonita Durnaś, Robert Bucki and Paul B SavageMarjan M Hashemi, Brett S Holden, Bonita Durnaś, Robert Bucki and Paul B Savage
  
  Ceragenins are small molecule mimics of endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and as such display broadspectrum antimicrobial activity. These molecules are derived from a common bile acid and can be prepared at a large scale. Because ceragenins are not peptide based, they are not substrates for proteases. Gram-negative and positive bacteria are susceptible to ceragenins, including drug resistant organisms. Although ceragenins and colistin have common features, ceragenins retain full antibacterial activity against colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Bactericidal activity of ceragenins involves selective association with bacterial membranes followed by membrane depolarization. Due to this mechanism of action, which provides bactericidal activity against sessile bacteria, ceragenins eradicate established biofilms. Lipid-enveloped viruses (e.g. vaccinia) are deactivated by cera.. Read More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2472-1212.1000141

  Abstract PDF