Part:BBa_K660200

Latherin (Surfactant Protein)

Origin

Horse sweat (Equus caballus)

Function

Latherin is a surfactant protein with detergent like properties.

Its normal biological function is temperature regulation and is believed to function by enhancing evaporation from the pelt. It does so by binding to hydrophobic surfaces and allowing them to become wettable.

Applications

Latherin is able to temporarily bind to hydrophobic surfaces and has therefore been investigated as a possible method of breaking up biofilms. It is also suspected that the protein may have antimicrobial functions.
The 2011 University of Glasgow iGEM team used this part in their system, DISColi, to aid in the dispersal of biofilms.

Additional Information

Note: Latherin is suspected to be the cause of allergic reaction in individuals with an allergy to horses.

References & Further Reading

Beegley J, et al., 1986. Isolation and characterization of latherin, a surface-active protein from horse sweat
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=search&term=3753435>.

Kennedy M., 2011., Latherin and other biocompatible surfactant proteins
http://www.biochemsoctrans.org/bst/039/bst0391017.htm

Sequence and Features

Assembly Compatibility:

• 10
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[10]

  Illegal PstI site found at 200
  Illegal PstI site found at 431
  Illegal PstI site found at 569
  
• 12
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[12]

  Illegal PstI site found at 200
  Illegal PstI site found at 431
  Illegal PstI site found at 569
  
• 21
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[21]

  Illegal BglII site found at 514
  
• 23
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[23]

  Illegal PstI site found at 200
  Illegal PstI site found at 431
  Illegal PstI site found at 569
  
• 25
  INCOMPATIBLE WITH RFC[25]

  Illegal PstI site found at 200
  Illegal PstI site found at 431
  Illegal PstI site found at 569
  
• 1000
  COMPATIBLE WITH RFC[1000]