Purification and characterization of a novel defensin from the salivary glands of the black fly, Simulium bannaense.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) are haematophagous insects that can cause allergic reactions and act as vectors of pathogens. Although their saliva has been thought to contain a diverse array of physiologically active molecules, little information is available on antimicrobial factors in black fly salivary glands, especially no defensins have been reported so far.

Methods

A novel cationic defensin designated SibaDef was purified using reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) from the salivary glands of the black fly Simulium bannaense. The amino acid sequence of SibaDef was determined by a combination method of automated Edman degradation and cDNA sequencing. The morphologic changes of Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus or Bacillu

SUBMITTER: Wei L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4324660 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature