Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
2008547 | Peptides | 2007 | 7 Pages |
Two cDNAs encoding defensin-like antimicrobial peptides were cloned and sequenced from the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. The full-length cDNA of Hlgut-defensin (H. longicornis midgut defensin) is 333 bp, encoding an expected protein with 73 amino acids. The full-length cDNA of Hlsal-defensin (H. longicornis salivary gland defensin) is 382 bp, encoding an expected protein with 81 amino acids. The antibacterial activities of the synthetic peptides based on the Hlgut-defensin and Hlsal-defensin sequences were tested against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Using real-time PCR, the tissue-specific expression of two defensin-like peptides were determined and it was also found that the gene transcripts of Hlgut-defensin and Hlsal-defensin were significantly induced by a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection.