Antimicrobial · Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)
Cathelicidin-BF
Also known as BF-30
A 30-amino-acid snake-derived cathelicidin with a dual mechanism of membrane disruption and intracellular DNA binding, used in microbiology research.
- Length
- 30 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Cathelicidin-BF forms an amphipathic alpha-helix that disrupts bacterial membranes and also binds to intracellular DNA, inhibiting replication.
- Studied in
- Research investigates its dual mechanism of action, its broad antimicrobial spectrum, and its potential immunomodulatory effects in cell culture models.
About Cathelicidin-BF
Cathelicidin-BF is an antimicrobial peptide identified from the venom of the krait snake, *Bungarus fasciatus*. The mature peptide is 30 amino acids long and is a member of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides. Upon interaction with membranes, it folds into an amphipathic alpha-helix, a common structure for membrane-active peptides.
This peptide exhibits a dual mechanism of action that is a subject of significant research interest. It initially disrupts the bacterial cell membrane, causing permeabilisation. Subsequently, it can translocate into the cytoplasm and bind to bacterial DNA, interfering with replication and other vital processes. This multi-hit mechanism makes it a potent agent in in-vitro antimicrobial assays.
Laboratory notes
- To study its dual mechanism, use assays that measure membrane permeabilisation (e.g., SYTOX green) in conjunction with assays for DNA binding (e.g., electrophoretic mobility shift assay).
- Its activity is generally stable in the presence of physiological salt concentrations, a feature worth confirming for specific experimental conditions.
- Derived from snake venom, its activity and selectivity should be carefully profiled in-vitro using both bacterial and relevant eukaryotic cell lines.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Cathelicidin-BF
What is a 'dual mechanism' of action?
It means the peptide kills microbes through more than one distinct process. For Cathelicidin-BF, this involves both disrupting the outer cell membrane and, after entering the cell, binding to DNA to halt essential functions.
Is this peptide related to the human cathelicidin LL-37?
Yes, both are members of the cathelicidin family of host defense peptides. They share a conserved N-terminal 'cathelin' domain in their precursor form but have distinct mature peptide sequences, structures, and specific activities.
What is the natural source of Cathelicidin-BF?
It was discovered in the venom of the banded krait (*Bungarus fasciatus*), a species of venomous snake. The research-grade product is a synthetic peptide.
Is Cathelicidin-BF for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.