Structures, Functions and Therapeutic Potential of Cyclotides

Abstract

Plants usually produce a large number of secondary metabolite molecules, including antimicrobial peptides that typically interact with membranes of pathogens and kill these. Cysteine is more abundant in plant antimicrobial peptides than other sources. These phytopeptides can be classified into 5–8 distinct groups, based on the length, secondary structure type, number and model of disulphide bridges, and others. Among the different groups of phytopeptides, cyclotides are end-to-end cyclic with a disulphide bridge in the knot fashion. Cyclotide peptides are primarily known for its anti-nematode, anti-mollusk, and anti-trematode action. This review aims to provide detailed insights on cyclotides, from their origin, and structural and functional characterization, to their therapeutic potential, biotechnological application, and future prospective.