collagen-peptide-powder-before-and-after The alpine violet, *Viola biflora*, is recognized as a significant source of cyclotides, a class of naturally occurring cyclic peptides. These small plant-derived molecules are characterized by their unique circular peptide backbone and a stable, knotted arrangement of disulfide bonds, which confers remarkable resistance to degradation. The potent cytotoxicity observed in some cyclotides derived from *Viola* species highlights their potential biological activity and therapeutic interest.
Cyclotides are a fascinating group of peptides that have garnered considerable attention in scientific research. They are typically composed of approximately 30 amino acid residues and are biosynthesized in plants as precursor proteins that undergo post-translational modification to form their characteristic circular structure. This head-to-tail cyclization, along with the formation of a cysteine knot, creates a highly stable three-dimensional fold. The stability of cyclotides makes them particularly interesting for various applications, as they are not easily broken down by enzymes that typically degrade linear peptides.
The genus *Viola*, which includes *Viola biflora* (the alpine violet) and other species like *Viola odorata* and *Viola tricolor*, has been identified as a prolific producer of diverse cyclotides. Research has revealed that these plants can yield a wide array of cyclotides, such as vibi-B, vibi-I, and cycloviolacin O2The alpine violet, Viola biflora, is a rich source of cyclotides .... The presence of these peptides in plants suggests a role in defense mechanisms, potentially protecting the plant from pathogens and pests.The sweet violet (Viola odorataL.) produces a wide array of cyclotides, including kB1 (kalata B1) and cyO2 (cycloviolacin O2), with distinct presumed ... For instance, cycloviolacin O2 has demonstrated antitumor effects and specific membrane-disrupting activity, leading to cell death, with a notable selectivity towards tumoral cells作者：R Hellinger·2015·被引用次数：118—Cyclotides are plant-derived mini proteins. They are genetically encoded as precursor proteins that become post-translationally modified to ....
The structural stability and biological activities of cyclotides make them attractive candidates for drug development and other biotechnological applications. Their cyclic nature renders them resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis, a common limitation for conventional peptide-based therapeutics. This inherent stability means that cyclotides can potentially be administered orally and may have longer circulation times in the bodyThe alpine violet, Viola biflora,is a rich source of cyclotides with potent cytotoxicity. Phytochemistry. 2008;69:939–952. Crossref · PubMed · Web of Science..
The potent cytotoxicity observed in cyclotides from *Viola biflora* and related species is a key area of research作者：L ASLAM·2022·被引用次数：8—Viola odorata L., known for its pharmacological properties,produces a plethora of structurally stable peptides called cyclotides.. This activity has led to investigations into their potential as anticancer agentsCyclic peptide - Wikipedia. Furthermore, cyclotides have been explored for their antimicrobial properties and their ability to inhibit viral infections, such as HIV-1.1 Ribosomally-synthesised cyclic peptides from plants as drug ... The unique structural framework of cyclotides also makes them valuable scaffolds for designing novel peptide-based drugs with tailored properties. Their compact and rigid structure allows for precise presentation of functional groups, which can be exploited to enhance binding affinity and specificity for therapeutic targets.
Scientific efforts have focused on identifying and characterizing new cyclotides from various *Viola* species. Techniques such as small-scale peptide extraction, mass spectrometry, and transcriptome analysis are employed to discover these compounds作者：MF Fisher·2018·被引用次数：36—Thesecyclic peptidesare stable and range in size and topologies making them potential scaffolds for peptide drugs; some display valuable .... For example, studies on *Viola betonicifolia* have led to the identification of novel cyclotides and acyclotides. The ongoing exploration of plant-derived cyclic peptides, including those from the *Viola* genus, continues to expand our understanding of their chemical diversity and biological functions. The discovery of cyclotides from species like *Viola abyssinica* further underscores the widespread presence of these peptides across different *Viola* lineages, suggesting a conserved evolutionary role.
The investigation into the evolution of cyclotides also provides insights into their complex structures and functions. By analyzing their genetic makeup and evolutionary pathways, researchers aim to understand how these peptides have diversified and adapted over time. This knowledge is crucial for harnessing their full potential in medicinal chemistry and biotechnology. The quest to understand "Going around in circles, the art of peptide cyclization" is intrinsically linked to the study of cyclotides, as their very nature exemplifies the principles and benefits of peptide cyclization.
*Viola biflora* stands out as a significant natural reservoir of cyclotides, small cyclic peptides with remarkable stability and potent biological activities. Their unique structure, characterized by a circular peptide backbone and a cysteine knot, confers resistance to enzymatic degradation, making them promising candidates for therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases. Ongoing research continues to uncover new cyclotides from *Viola* species, deepening our understanding of their chemistry, biology, and potential to serve as novel drug scaffolds. The exploration of these plant-derived molecules represents an exciting frontier in the development of next-generation peptide therapeutics.
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