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Multifunctional Roles of Hemocyanins

  • Swansea University
  • University of São Paulo

Research output: Chapter in Book or Conference Publication/ProceedingChapterpeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The copper-containing hemocyanins are proteins responsible for the binding, transportation and storage of dioxygen within the blood (hemolymph) of many invertebrates. Several additional functions have been attributed to both arthropod and molluscan hemocyanins, including (but not limited to) enzymatic activity (namely phenoloxidase), hormone transport, homeostasis (ecdysis) and hemostasis (clot formation). An important secondary function of hemocyanin involves aspects of innate immunity—such as acting as a precursor of broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptides and microbial/viral agglutination. In this chapter, we present the reader with an up-to-date synthesis of the known functions of hemocyanins and the structural features that facilitate such activities.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSubcellular Biochemistry
PublisherSpringer
Chapter9
Pages233-250
Number of pages18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameSubcellular Biochemistry
Volume94
ISSN (Print)0306-0225

Keywords

  • Antimicrobial
  • Cryptides
  • Innate immunity
  • Invertebrate
  • Oxygen transport protein
  • Phenoloxidase

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