This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Researchers at University of Tsukuba and collaborating institutions have identified short antimicrobial peptides derived from Nemuri, a sleep-inducing protein in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.
As antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to pose a global health threat, there is an urgent need for antimicrobial agents that act through mechanisms distinct from those of existing antibiotics. This study identified several short peptides derived from Nemuri, a sleep-inducing protein previously discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, revealing their ability to inhibit the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, including clinically important drug-resistant bacterial strains. In Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, the peptides, termed Nemuri peptides, also exhibited bactericidal activity at concentrations close to those required to inhibit bacterial growth.
The peptides were shown to enter bacterial cells and accumulate in ribosome- and RNA-rich regions. No substantial membrane disruption was detected at antimicrobial concentrations under the conditions tested. The peptides interacted broadly with RNA molecules and ribosomal surfaces, inducing condensation-like remodeling of ribosome-rich regions.
This process reduced ribosomal mobility and suppressed global protein synthesis. The peptides also showed low toxicity toward cultured insect and mammalian cells. These findings suggest that Nemuri peptides inhibit bacterial protein synthesis via a mechanism involving changes in the physical organization and dynamic properties of ribosome-rich regions within bacterial cells.
This study highlights the potential of Nemuri peptides as a starting point for developing antimicrobial agents against drug-resistant bacteria. Further studies, including evaluations of efficacy and safety in animal models of bacterial infection, are required to explore this potential. Suguru Nishinami et al., Antimicrobial peptides derived from Nemuri induce ribosomal condensation to inhibit translation, Nature Communications (2026).
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-78960-5 Journal information: Nature Communications BSc Life Sciences & Ecology. Microbiology lab background with pharmaceutical news experience in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Full profile → Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing.
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