Melittin is a PLA2 activator, stimulates the activity of the low molecular weight PLA2, while it does not the increase activity of the high molecular weight PLA2.
CAT No: R1513
CAS No:20449-79-0
Synonyms/Alias:Melittin;20449-79-0;Honeybee melittin;Forapine;Bee venom melittin;Forapin;Melittin (honeybee);Melitten;GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2;MFCD00076868;CHEBI:6736;Melittin I;Melittin TFA;Melittin (major);Melittin (apis cerana);UNII-24VT8NVE75;Melittin?;L-Glutamamide, glycyl-L-isoleucylglycyl-L-alanyl-L-valyl-L-leucyl-L-lysyl-L-valyl-L-leucyl-L-threonyl-L-threonylglycyl-L-leucyl-L-prolyl-L-alanyl-L-Leucyl-L-isoleucyl-L-seryl-L-tryptophyl-L-isoleucyl-L-lysyl-L-arginyl-L-lysyl-L-arginyl-L-glutaminyl-;Melittin, 70%;Melittin - 95%;BEE VENOM POWDER;24VT8NVE75;CHEMBL412927;DTXSID001046261;EX-A7430;AKOS024456456;FM10065;Melittin, >=97% (HPLC), synthetic;RS-2008;NCGC00167171-01;AC-32561;DA-75406;XM176021;A12242;Melittin (GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-amide);Melittin from honey bee venom, >=65% (HPLC);Melittin from honey bee venom, >=85% (HPLC);G-I-G-A-V-L-K-V-L-T-T-G-L-P-A-L-I-S-W-I-K-R-K-R-Q-Q-NH2;Gly-Ile-Gly-Ala-Val-Leu-Lys-Val-Leu-Thr-Thr-Gly-Leu-Pro-Ala-Leu-Ile-Ser-Trp-Ile-Lys-Arg-Lys-Arg-Gln-Gln-NH2;Gly-L-Ile-Gly-L-Ala-L-Val-L-Leu-L-Lys-L-Val-L-Leu-L-Thr-L-Thr-Gly-L-Leu-L-Pro-L-Ala-L-Leu-L-Ile-L-Ser-L-Trp-L-Ile-L-Lys-L-Arg-L-Lys-L-Arg-L-Gln-L-Gln-NH2;glycyl-L-isoleucylglycyl-L-alanyl-L-valyl-L-leucyl-L-lysyl-L-valyl-L-leucyl-L-threonyl-L-threonylglycyl-L-leucyl-L-prolyl-L-alanyl-L-leucyl-L-isoleucyl-L-seryl-L-tryptophyl-L-isoleucyl-L-lysyl-L-arginyl-L-lysyl-L-arginyl-L-glutaminyl-L-glutamamide;
Melittin is a linear cationic peptide that constitutes the principal active component of bee venom, renowned for its amphipathic structure and potent membrane-disruptive properties. As a 26-amino-acid peptide, it exhibits a unique ability to interact with lipid bilayers, making it an invaluable tool in membrane biology and biochemistry research. Its capacity to form pores and induce lysis in cellular membranes underpins its significance in studies exploring cell permeability, lytic mechanisms, and peptide-membrane interactions. Melittin's distinctive physicochemical attributes have also catalyzed its adoption across a spectrum of scientific disciplines, from molecular pharmacology to nanotechnology, where it serves as an essential model for understanding peptide-driven biological processes.
Membrane Permeabilization Studies: Melittin is extensively employed in research investigating the mechanisms of membrane disruption and permeabilization. Its amphipathic alpha-helical structure enables it to insert into phospholipid bilayers, leading to pore formation and increased membrane permeability. Researchers utilize this peptide to elucidate the dynamics of peptide-lipid interactions, membrane destabilization, and the biophysical parameters governing cellular lysis. Such studies are fundamental to advancing knowledge of membrane integrity, protein translocation, and the development of novel membrane-active agents.
Model for Antimicrobial Peptide Research: As a prototypical cytolytic peptide, melittin serves as a reference compound in the study of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Its well-characterized sequence and mechanism of action provide a benchmark for evaluating the structure-activity relationships and functional properties of novel AMPs. Investigators leverage melittin to dissect the role of charge, hydrophobicity, and secondary structure in peptide-mediated antimicrobial activity, thereby informing the rational design of synthetic peptides with tailored biological functions.
Drug Delivery System Development: The membrane-penetrating capacity of melittin has spurred its application in the engineering of advanced drug delivery systems. By harnessing its ability to facilitate intracellular delivery, researchers are able to design peptide-based carriers and nanostructures that improve the transport of bioactive molecules across cellular barriers. Melittin's integration into liposomes, nanoparticles, and other delivery vehicles is studied to optimize payload release and targeting efficiency, contributing to the evolution of precision delivery technologies in pharmaceutical research.
Cell Lysis and Protein Extraction: In biochemical and molecular biology workflows, melittin is utilized as an efficient agent for controlled cell lysis and protein extraction. Its rapid action on cellular membranes allows for the release of intracellular contents without the need for harsh chemical or mechanical disruption. This application is particularly valuable in protocols requiring gentle lysis conditions to preserve protein structure and function, supporting downstream analyses such as enzyme assays, immunodetection, and proteomics.
Biophysical Characterization of Peptide-Membrane Interactions: Melittin is a preferred model in biophysical studies aimed at characterizing peptide-induced changes in membrane properties. Techniques such as fluorescence spectroscopy, calorimetry, and atomic force microscopy are employed to observe its impact on membrane fluidity, curvature, and phase behavior. These investigations not only deepen understanding of peptide-lipid interactions at the molecular level but also guide the development of novel biomimetic materials and membrane-active compounds for research and industrial applications.
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