A textbook cationic amphipathic AMP from frog skin that helped launch the AMP field.
Also known as: magainin 2 · magainin II
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Magainins are cationic antimicrobial peptides from the skin of the African clawed frog, with magainin 2 (GIGKFLHSAKKFGKAFVGEIMNS) the best-studied member. They fold into amphipathic alpha-helices in membranes and disrupt microbial cell membranes, making them a classic model in antimicrobial-peptide research.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Skin of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)
Primary research or clinical context: Antimicrobial-peptide research (not an approved drug)
Discovery and structure
Magainins were discovered in Xenopus laevis skin in the late 1980s. They are largely unstructured in water but adopt an amphipathic alpha-helix on contact with membranes, separating cationic and hydrophobic faces — the hallmark architecture of many host-defense peptides.
Why researchers study it
Magainin 2 is a reference AMP for studying membrane permeabilization, pore formation and broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi and protozoa. It underpins ongoing design of synthetic analogs and is not an approved therapeutic.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Magainin (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
GIGKFLHSAKKFGKAFVGEIMNS
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Magainin
What is Magainin?+
Magainins are cationic antimicrobial peptides from the skin of the African clawed frog, with magainin 2 (GIGKFLHSAKKFGKAFVGEIMNS) the best-studied member. They fold into amphipathic alpha-helices in membranes and disrupt microbial cell membranes, making them a classic model in antimicrobial-peptide research.
Is Magainin an approved medicine?+
Magainin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Antimicrobial-peptide research (not an approved drug). This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Magainin?+
Magainin is commonly described as approximately 23 amino acids (Antimicrobial peptide).