Purification and cDNA cloning of an insect defensin from larvae of the longicorn beetle, Acalolepta luxuriosa

摘要: We purified an antibacterial peptide from the larval hemolymph of a coleopteran beetle, Acalolepta luxuriosa. Using structure analysis and cDNA cloning, this was identified as novel member insect defensin family named A. luxuriosa 1. 1 shares high sequence similarity with other defensins, especially defensins. A dendrogram defensins based on homology revealed that is closer to Tenebrionoidea than Scarabaeoidea defensin, which parallels evolutionary relationship these insects. Although most homologous Tenebrio molitor tenecin 1, its spectrum broader, affecting growth Gram-positive Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting variability results small differences.