protamine
/ˈproʊtəmiːn/
noun
- A type of simple, arginine-rich protein found in the sperm of fish and some other animals, used medically to neutralize heparin.
- Unlike histones, protamines pack DNA very tightly in sperm cells.
- Researchers are studying protamine as a way to deliver DNA into cells for gene therapy.
- Protamine sulfate is the standard drug used to reverse the effects of heparin after surgery.
Synonyms