The synthetic peptide inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in cancer-derived cell lines Hep2 (IC(50)=1.5 mM) and HCT15 and, to a lesser extent, in non-cancerous NIH/3T3 cells. The mode of action is presumably an arrest in the G0/G1 phase. Has DNA-binding activity. Antiproliferative, proapoptotic and DNA-binding activities are increased by acetylation at Ala-1 and Lys-3. Has no hemolytic activity against mouse erythrocytes. Has antibacterial activity against S.epidermitis (MIC=60 ug), B.subtilis (MIC=30 ug), P.aeruginosa (MIC=30 ug) and E.coli strain ATCC 8739 (MIC=30 ug). Antibacterial activity is decreased by acetylation.