Kink in Helical Peptides Affects Membrane Pore Formation

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can kill pathogenic cells via the formation of membrane pores. However, the connection between peptide properties and their effect on pore formation remains elusive. In particular, the role of proline/glycine kink in helical AMPs has been reported with contradictory effects on antimicrobial activity. Using computer simulations and fluorescence leakage experiments we show the relationship between alpha-helical kink...