In silico bioprospecting of receptors for Doderlin: an antimicrobial peptide isolated from Lactobacillus acidophilus

Abstract Background The emergence of resistant bacterial strains against traditional antibiotics and treatments increases each year. Doderlin is a cationic and amphiphilic peptide active against gram-positive, gram-negative and yeast stains. The aim of the present work was to identify potential receptors associated with the antimicrobial activity of Doderlin using in silico bioinformatics tools. Methods To search for potential targets of Doderlin, PharmMapper software was used. Molecular docking between Doderlin and the receptor was performed by PatchDock. Additional interaction and ligand site prediction for each receptor was performed by I-TASSER software. Results Those PDB, 1XDJ (11746), 1JMH (11046), 1YR3 (10578), and 1NG3 (10082), showed the highest dock score. Doderlin was found to be predicted/co-localized with A and B, enzymes accountable for nitrogenic bases. Conclusion The resulting receptor bioprospecting is highly correlated and suggests that Doderlin might act by interfering with DNA metabolism/production of bacteria, altering microorganism homeostasis and growth impairment.