Glossary

Lactoferricin

Glossary / Lactoferricin
Compound

Lactoferricin — An antimicrobial peptide derived from the N-terminal region of lactoferrin, studied for broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi.

Category
Compound
Glossary Section
L

What Is Lactoferricin?

Lactoferricin is a 25-amino acid cationic antimicrobial peptide released by pepsin digestion of bovine lactoferrin. Lactoferricin B (LfcinB, residues 17-41 of lactoferrin) has broad-spectrum antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-cancer activities. Its mechanism involves direct membrane disruption of microbial and tumor cells.

Research

  • Structure: Amphipathic loop stabilized by single disulfide bond (Cys19-Cys36)
  • Anti-cancer: Selectively kills cancer cells at concentrations non-toxic to normal cells
  • Food safety: Natural nutraceutical antimicrobial from milk protein digestion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lactoferricin?

An antimicrobial peptide derived from the N-terminal region of lactoferrin, studied for broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi.

Why is Lactoferricin important in peptide research?

Lactoferricin is a fundamental concept in compound as it relates to peptide science. It directly influences experimental design, compound characterization, and the reliability of research outcomes across biochemistry and molecular biology disciplines.

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