Structure-function of cyclic lipodepsipeptides
Cyclic lipodepsipeptides (CLPs) are a diverse group of non-ribosomal peptides produced by bacteria. Depending on the bacterial producer strain, there is a very large range of different CLPs that can be produced. The naturally occurring structural variations observed between different CLPs is investigated in order to understand the effect of conformation on biological activity.
As the cellular membrane is thought to be the primary target for these molecules, their membrane interactions are analysed with liquid state NMR spectroscopy usingmodel membrane systems such as micelles and isotropically tumbling lipid bicelles. Additionally, a vast array of different biophysical techniques are used to complement the NMR results, including IR, CD, fluorescence, etc.