Parasin I (CAS 219552-69-9)

Parasin I is a bioactive peptide originally isolated from the epidermal mucus of the catfish, Parasilurus asotus. This peptide is a part of a broader group of host defense peptides, known for their role in the innate immune system of various organisms. Parasin I has garnered significant interest in scientific research due to its potent antimicrobial properties, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. The mechanism of action of Parasin I involves disrupting the bacterial cell membrane. The peptide is believed to interact with the lipid components of microbial membranes, inserting itself and causing perturbations that lead to increased membrane permeability and ultimately, cell lysis. This mode of action is typical of many antimicrobial peptides, which compromise bacterial cell integrity rather than targeting specific metabolic pathways. In research contexts, Parasin I has been utilized to study the efficacy and potential of antimicrobial peptides in controlling microbial growth, independent of traditional antibiotic mechanisms. Studies have examined its structure-activity relationships, investigating how alterations in its amino acid sequence affect its antimicrobial potency and spectrum.