Cecropins are produced by insects, particularly under conditions of infection. Cecropins are bioactive peptides that exhibit activities by interacting with membranes and forming transmembrane channels that allow the free flow of electrolytes, metabolites and water across the phospholipid bilayers. Cecropins A, B and D are close homologues consisting of 35-39 residues. They are found in the pupae of the cecropin moth, but related homologues named lepodopteran, bactericidin, moricin and sarcotoxin are produced by other insects.
Function:
Cecropins have lytic and antibacterial activity against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted
Tissue Specificity:
Highest expression in fat body and hemocytes. Is also expressed in Malpighian tubules and to a much lesser extent in midgut. Not present in silk gland.
Post-translational modifications:
Lepidopteran-B differs from lepidopteran-A by its hydroxylated residue.
Similarity:
Belongs to the cecropin family.
SWISS:
P04142
Gene ID:
693028
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 693028 Silk worm
GenBank: DQ233467 Silk worm
GenBank: S60579 Silk worm
GenBank: S74297 Silk worm
SwissProt: P04142 Silk worm
Unigene: Bmo.151 Silk worm
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