Many proteolipids have bound fatty acid chains,[1] which often provide an interface for interacting with biological membranes[2] and act as lipidons that direct proteins to specific zones.
[3] Proteolipids were discovered serendipitously in 1951 by Jordi Folch Pi and Marjorie Lees while extracting sulfatides from brain lipids.
Matrixyl is a pentapeptide and has the sequence KTTKS, with an attached palmitoyl lipid chain, that is able to stimulate collagen and fibronectin production in fibroblasts.
[11] Several studies have shown promising results of palmitoyl-KTTKS, and topical formulations have been found to significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles, helping to delay the aging process in the skin.
[15] Bacterial "lipoproteins" and "lipopeptides" (LP) are potent inducers of sepsis, second only to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in its ability to cause an inflammation response.
[22][23][24] Lipidated peptides produced by Bacillus strains have many useful bio-activities such as anti-bacterial, anti- viral, anti-fungal, and anti-tumour properties,[21][22] making them very attractive for use in a wide range of industries.
As the name implies, surfactins are potent biosurfactants (surfactants produced by bacteria, yeast, or fungi), and they have been shown to reduce the surface tension of water from 72 to 27 mN/m at very low concentrations.
These include low toxicity, biodegradability and a higher tolerance towards variation of temperature and pH,[22] making them very interesting for use in a wide range of applications.
[22][23][28] Mycosubtilin is an iturin isoform that can interact with membranes via its sterol alcohol group, to target ergosterol (a compound found in fungi) to give it antifungal properties.
[6] It has very potent antimicrobial properties and is used as an antibiotic to treat life-threatening conditions caused by Gram positive bacteria including MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and vancomycin resistant Enterococci.
This then causes a serious depolarization resulting in the inhibition of various synthesis processes including those of DNA, protein and RNA, leading to apoptosis.