Purification and characterization of a diptericin homologue from Sarcophaga peregrina (flesh fly)

A protein with a molecular mass of 8 kDa was found to be synthesized specifically when the fat-body from injured Sarcophaga peregrina larvae was cultured in vitro. This protein was purified from the haemolymph of the injured larvae to near-homogeneity. Partial amino acid sequencing revealed that this protein is a diptericin homologue. It showed bactericidal activity on growing, but not resting Escherichia coli cells. E. coli cells become elongated on treatment with this protein.