Potent antimicrobial peptide that is active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (B.subtilis (MIC=15 ug/ml or 4-16 uM), S.epidermidis (MIC=8-16 uM), S.aureus (MIC=15 ug/ml or 4 uM), E.coli (MIC=8-64 uM) and P.aeruginosa (MIC=64-128 uM)) (PubMed:16129513, PubMed:22450985, PubMed:23836163, PubMed:30534613). Also shows cytotoxicity towards HEK293 cells (32 uM) (PubMed:30534613). Adopts an amphipathic alpha helical conformation, that may allow to partition into the target membrane (PubMed:21745529, PubMed:23836163). Acts by disrupting bacterial membrane (PubMed:21745529, PubMed:22450985). Also acts in inflammation since it is chemotactic for polymorphonucleated leukocytes (PMNL) (PubMed:16129513). Shows potent antitumor activity against prostate and bladder cancer cell lines (PubMed:21745529). Causes a reduced hemolysis to mammalian erythrocytes (HC(50)=50 uM) and has no mast cell degranulation activity at physiological concentrations (PubMed:16129513, PubMed:30534613). In addition, when tested in vitro on the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (responsible of the Chagas disease), is able to reduce the number of the three forms (epimastigote, trypomastigote and amastigote), probably acting through the apoptotic cell death pathway (PubMed:32360153). Is stable between 20 and 100 degrees Celsius. Expressed by the venom gland. Promising drug candidate or lead for the development of new drugs to treat Chagas disease (also called American Trypanosomiasis). The [Lys]7-Pol-CP-NH2 analog is a promising drug lead for the treatment of drug-resistant infection. It demonstrates anti-infective activity aginst P.aeruginosa, when tested in vivo on a skin infection mice model. Belongs to the MCD family. Protonectin subfamily. A wasp's sting - Issue 229 of October 2020