Using 2 - D NMR spectroscopy, the structure of the sex pheromone from Litoria splendida has been determined, in order to elucidate its mode of transport through the aquatic environment. The peptide was found form an α - helical structure, with a central flexible hinge region. The mode of transport through the aquatic environment has been discussed in relation to the structure. Previous work indicated that the Australian amphibian host defence skin peptides that inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase ( nNOS ) were likely to act indirectly on the enzyme, by binding to the co - enzyme of nNOS, calmodulin. [superscript 15] N labelled calmodulin was expressed and purified via a bacterial protein expression system and a series of 2 - D NMR [superscript 15] N - HSQC titrations was performed with Australian amphibian host defence skin peptides. in order to determine whether these peptides bind to calmodulin. The three peptides tested were found to bind, and with differing strengths of interaction. One of these was selected for further study. [superscript 15] N and [superscript 13] C doubly labelled calmodulin was then prepared in order to study the complex between this protein and the selected peptide, caerin 1.8, an Australian amphibian skin peptide isolated from Litoria chloris. A series of 3 - D NMR spectra has been recorded on this complex. The backbone atom resonances have been assigned for free calmodulin and for the calmodulin - peptide complex, using a combination of main chain directed and sequential assignment strategies. By analysing the changes in chemical shift that occur upon binding the peptide, it was determined that the mode of binding involves a stronger interaction with the C - terminal domain than the N - terminal domain. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Chemistry and Physics, 2006.

The skin extracts from amphibians have been investigated for over fifty years and have been found to contain numerous components with therapeutic and medicinal uses. Host - defence compounds are secreted onto the dorsal surface of the animal from specialised granular glands in response to a variety of stimuli, such as stress induced by a predator. Isolated peptides can exhibit either pharmacological properties or antibiotic activity. Previous studies isolated a potent hypotensive neuropeptide, crinia angiotensin II, within skin secretions of the Australian frog Crinia georgiana. This prompted further investigations into the isolation and sequence determination of host - defence compounds from other species in this genus - C. signifera, C. riparia and C. deserticola. Fifteen novel peptides were identified. The major peptide components were potent disulfide containing neuropeptides of a type not observed in other Australian anurans that have been previously investigated. The remaining peptides demonstrate either antibiotic activity or inhibit the enzyme neuronal nitric oxide synthase. The skin components from anurans of the Litoria genus have been extensively studied, with a number of peptides exhibiting both antibacterial and pharmacological activity. The skin secretion of Litoria dentata has been investigated, with five novel peptides identified. The neuropeptide tryptophyllin L 1.3 was previously isolated from the related frog L. rubella. Other components that are unique in structure have not yet been tested for biological activity. The parasitic disease malaria is responsible for over one million deaths per year. The increase in resistance of current antimalarial compounds has led to the development of new treatments from various animal - derived peptide antimicrobials. A number of amphibian peptides and their derivatives were investigated as potential antiplasmodial agents against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Results indicate that these compounds inhibit parasite growth with minimal haemolytic activity, making them promising tools for malaria research.The defence chemistry of amphibian neuropeptides has been extensively studied and is important in understanding both the ecology and physiology of the vertebrate. Neuropeptides are classified into groups with similar structural characteristics. Biological activity occurs via interaction with a G protein - coupled receptor. The most studied of all amphibian neuropeptides is caerulein, which has a similar spectrum of activity to the mammalian peptide cholecystokinin. This includes smooth muscle contraction that occurs via interaction with cholecystokinin receptors. The pharmacological activity of Australian anuran neuropeptides from various genera was investigated. Two biological assays were conducted - a smooth muscle contraction test and a lymphocyte proliferation assay. A range of neuropeptides contracted smooth muscle at nanomolar concentrations, while others only proliferated lymphocytes. Some peptides were inactive in both assays. Young marsupials are born at an immature stage of development and rely on immune protection provided by the mother. Eugenin is a host - defence compound isolated from pouch secretions of the Tammar wallaby. The immunomodulator activates CCK2 receptors, resulting in lymphocyte proliferation. Therefore, eugenin stimulates immune cells in the pouch providing vital immune protection for pouch young. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--School of Chemistry and Physics, 2006.