Isolation and Partial Structure of a Unique Lipophilic Peptide, VAP Peptide, from the Heads of Male Silkworm Moths

Abstract

A new lipophilic peptide was isolated from the MeOH-CH₂Cl₂ extract of adult heads of the male silkworm, Bombyx mori, by monitoring the diapause egg-inducing activity. Partial amino acid sequencing (1-55) revealed this peptide to be a unique type having a high content of lipophilic amino acids, Val, Ala, and Pro, and many repeating sequences. The compound was thus named VAP peptide.