Determination of the minimal sequence of bovine lactoferricin responsible for apoptosis induction

We examined the minimal amino acid sequence of bovine lactoferricin (Lfcin-B), a cationic peptide corresponding to residues 17-41 near the N-terminus of bovine lactoferrin, to induce apoptosis in THP-l human monocytic leukemic cells using synthetic peptides. A synthetic peptide (Lfc-17/29, amino acid sequence; FKCRRWQWRMKKL) which is consist of 13 amino acids near the N-terminus of Lfcin-B induced cell death in THP-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, showing apparent apoptotic changes such as hypodiploid forms of genomic DNA and apoptotic DNA fragmentation. (omitted)