Cry1F Protein

Cry1F Protein, also known as Cry1F Insecticidal Crystal Protein or Cry1F δ-Endotoxin, is a type of parasporal crystal protein naturally produced by the soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), specifically Bt var. aizawai Berliner. This protein belongs to the broader Cry (Crystal) protein family, which is renowned for its highly specific insecticidal activity and has become a cornerstone of modern agricultural biotechnology and pest management research.
The discovery and application of Cry1F Protein are closely linked to the need for sustainable pest control solutions. Traditional synthetic insecticides often face challenges such as pest resistance, environmental contamination, and harm to beneficial organisms. In contrast, Cry1F Protein, as a naturally derived toxin, offers a more targeted alternative.
Key to its biological function is its activation mechanism: the protein is initially expressed as an inactive protoxin (e.g., the 130 kDa chimeric Cry1F(synpro) protoxin) and only becomes biologically active after being cleaved by proteases in the midgut of target insect larvae. This cleavage produces a truncated core toxin (typically around 65-68 kDa) that binds to specific receptors on the insect’s midgut epithelial cells, forming pores that lead to intestinal paralysis and eventual death due to sepsis.
Cry1F Protein has been widely studied and applied in transgenic crop development. For instance, maize hybrids containing the transformation event TC1507 and cotton varieties with event DAS-24236-5 are engineered to express Cry1F Protein, providing effective pest control across multiple geographies including the United States and Brazil. Its role in integrated pest management (IPM) programs has been validated by numerous field and laboratory studies, highlighting its significance in modern agriculture and life sciences research.

Target-Specific Mode of Action: Cry1F Protein exerts insecticidal activity only after being activated by the specific proteases in the midgut of target lepidopteran pests, ensuring minimal impact on non-target organisms such as beneficial arthropods, mammals, and plants.
Well-Characterized Molecular Properties: The active form of Cry1F Protein has a well-documented molecular mass (approximately 65-68 kDa), and its identity can be confirmed through techniques like N-terminal sequencing, peptide mass fingerprinting, and MS/MS analysis.
Stable Biological Activity: When produced in transgenic crops or recombinant systems (e.g., Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas fluorescens), Cry1F Protein maintains consistent insecticidal efficacy, with crop-derived protein showing equivalent activity to that from microbial sources.
Compatibility with Pyramiding Strategies: Cry1F Protein functions effectively in combination with other Bt proteins (e.g., Cry1A.105, Cry2Ab2) in "pyramided" transgenic traits, expanding pest control spectrum and supporting resistance management.

Store at room temperature and valid for 12 months.

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Transgenic Crop Development: Cry1F Protein is a core component in engineering insect-resistant crops, including maize (event TC1507) and cotton (event DAS-24236-5), to protect against lepidopteran pests like fall armyworm, European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), and western bean cutworm (Striacosta albicosta).
Pest Resistance Mechanism Research: Researchers use Cry1F Protein to study insect midgut receptor interactions, toxin activation pathways, and the evolution of pest resistance to Bt proteins, supporting the design of durable pest control strategies.
Immunoassay Development: The protein serves as a target antigen for producing specific antibodies (polyclonal and monoclonal), which are used in ELISA, western blot, and immunoprecipitation assays to detect Cry1F Protein in transgenic crops or environmental samples.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Evaluation: Agricultural scientists utilize Cry1F Protein to test the efficacy of combined pest control approaches (e.g., Bt crops + biological control agents) and optimize IPM programs for diverse agroecosystems.

Customers interested in Cry1F Protein often seek complementary products in the Bt protein and insect pest research space, including other insecticidal crystal proteins like Cry1Ac, Cry1A.105, and Cry2Ab2, which are commonly used in pyramided transgenic traits for broad-spectrum lepidopteran control. Additionally, specific antibodies targeting Cry1F (both polyclonal and monoclonal) are in high demand for detection and characterization studies, along with recombinant Cry protein variants engineered for enhanced efficacy or resistance management. Other relevant products include Bt toxin activation kits, insect midgut receptor extracts, and pest bioassay kits tailored for evaluating Cry protein toxicity. If you are interested in related products, you can directly contact us for product customization services.