A novel suite of cyclotides from Viola odorata: sequence variation and the implications for structure, function and stability.

ABSTRACT: Cyclotides are a fascinating family of plant-derived peptides characterized by their head-to-tail cyclized backbone and knotted arrangement of three disulfide bonds. This conserved structural architecture, termed the CCK (cyclic cystine knot), is responsible for their exceptional resistance to thermal, chemical and enzymatic degradation. Cyclotides have a variety of biological activities, but their insecticidal activities suggest that their primary function is in plant defence. In the present study, we determined the cyclotide content of the sweet violet Viola odorata, a member of the Violaceae family. We identified 30 cyclotides from the aerial parts and roots of this plant, 13 of which are novel sequences. The new sequences provide information about the natural diversity of cyclotides an

SUBMITTER: Ireland DC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1635437 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature