Purification and characterization of a biliverdin-associated protein from the hemolymph of Manduca sexta

A biliverdin binding protein, insecticyanin, has been isolated from the hemolymph of the fourth instar tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta. The protein has been purified to apparent homogeneity by conventional chromatography with a cumulative yield of 40-50%. The protein (Mw 71 600) is composed of three subunits (Mr 23 000). Each subunit binds one biliverdin molecule. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy and absorption spectroscopy demonstrate that the bilin is the biliverdin IX gamma isomer.