Expression of an optimized Argopecten purpuratus antimicrobial peptide in E. coli and evaluation of the purified recombinant protein by in vitro challenges against important plant fungi

► A previously designed antimicrobial peptide from Argopecten purpuratus hemocytes was expressed in E. coli using a chimaeric gene. ► Identity of the resulting recombinant peptide was confirmed by mass spectrometry analyses ► Peptide aliquots showed a very effective antifungal capacity against four important pathogenic plant fungi. ► Microscopy analyses of antifungal challenges revealed a decreased formation of reproductive structures caused by the peptide. ► Results lead to schedule further assays to propose applicability of this AMP in plant antifungal programs.