Novel antimicrobial peptides and peptide-microbiome crosstalk in Appalachian salamander skin
Using multi-omics tools, we discovered new antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and examined AMP-microbial interactions in three Appalachian salamander species (Plethodon cinereus, Eurycea bislineata and Notophthalmus viridescens). We conducted skin transcriptomics (n = 13) and proteomics (n = 91) to identify 200+ candidate AMPs. With candidate AMPs, we identified correlations with skin microbiomes and synthesized 20 peptides to challenge against pathogens of amphibians (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis: Bd) and humans (ESKAPEE). Using transcriptomics, candidate AMPs were detected in all individuals with Cathelidicins being most common. Using proteomics, AMPs were found in 34% of individuals (31/91)-predominately E. bislineata-with Kinin-like peptides being most common. Candidate AMP composition generally predicted skin bacterial composition, suggesting that AMPs influence host-microbial symbioses. Crude and synthesized peptides showed limited activity against Bd. Two synthesized Cathelicidins (Pcin-CATH3 and Pcin-CATH5) inhibited human pathogens, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Our findings inform the potential usage of AMPs in conservation and translational applications.
Authors
- Timothy P. Cleland (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9198-2828)
- José L. Montaño (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8555-4197)
- Owen G. Osborne (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1213-1169)
- Brian Gratwicke (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7332-4060)
- Randall R. Jiménez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2832-5168)
- Carly R. Muletz‐Wolz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5047-9601)
- Joseph D. Madison (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9617-7270)
- Norma Roncal
- Steve Kutos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4230-3715)
- Amy Ellison (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3885-6077)
- Ratanachat Racharaks
- Julian Urrutia-Carter
Institutions
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (US)
- Bangor University (GB)
- Xavier University of Louisiana (US)
- Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (US)
- Museum Conservation Institute (US)
- National Zoological Park (US)
- Conservation Biology Institute
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- npj Biofilms and Microbiomes
- Published
- 2025-11-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-025-00837-0
- Primary Topic
- Antimicrobial Peptides and Activities
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Science Foundation
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Smithsonian Institution
- Directorate for Biological Sciences
- Museum Conservation Institute
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research