International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials

Korean Society of Sericultural Science (한국잠사학회)
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Molecular Characterization of a Defensin-like Peptide from Larvae of a Beetle, Protaetia brevitarsis

  • Hwang, Jae-Sam (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Kang, Bo-Ram (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Kim, Seong-Ryul (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Yun, Eun-Young (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Park, Kwan-Ho (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Jeon, Jae-Pil (Korea National Institute of Health) ;
  • Nam, Sung-Hee (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Suh, Hwa-Jin (Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, RDA) ;
  • Hong, Mee-Yeon (College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University) ;
  • Kim, Ik-Soo (College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, Chonnam National University)
  • Published : 2008.09.30
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Abstract

A cDNA encoding a defensin-like peptide (Protaetiamycine) from the larvae of a beetle, Protaetia brevitarsis was cloned. The DNAs encoded the deduced propeptide of 79 amino acid residues with the predicted molecular weight of 8.4 kDa and PI of 8.24. Overall amino acid sequence of this protein has 39% similarity to that of Rhodnius prolixus defensin, 43% similarity to that of Acalolepta luxuriosa defensin, and 72% similarity to that of Oryctes rhinoceros defensin, suggesting that this gene is an insect defensin. In an attempt to apply the anti-bacterial peptide to the development of therapeutic agents, a 12-mer peptide amidated at its C-terminus, ACAAHCLAIGRG-$NH_2$ (Ala55-Lys66-$NH_2$, 12Pbn) was synthesized. This peptide showed some antifungal activity against Candida albicans. To increase antifungal activity, six 9-mer peptides were synthesized by modifying amino acid sequences of 12Pbn fragment. Among these peptides, 9Pbm3-9Pbm6 exhibited strong activity compared with Cecropin B and mellitin.

Keywords

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