Host-Defense Activities of Cyclotides

Toxins

关键词: circular protein;    cyclic peptide;    cyclotide;    cystine knot;    insecticide;    kalata B1;   

DOI  :  10.3390/toxins4020139

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Cyclotides are plant mini-proteins whose natural function is thought to be to protect plants from pest or pathogens, particularly insect pests. They are approximately 30 amino acids in size and are characterized by a cyclic peptide backbone and a cystine knot arrangement of three conserved disulfide bonds. This article provides an overview of the reported pesticidal or toxic activities of cyclotides, discusses a possible common mechanism of action involving disruption of biological membranes in pest species, and describes methods that can be used to produce cyclotides for potential applications as novel pesticidal agents.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.