Melittin: a Membrane-active Peptide with Diverse Functions

H. Raghuraman; Amitabha Chattopadhyay

doi:10.1007/s10540-006-9030-z

journal article Aug 06, 2007

Melittin: a Membrane-active Peptide with Diverse Functions

H. Raghuraman Amitabha Chattopadhyay

Bioscience Reports Vol. 27 No. 4-5 pp. 189-223 · Portland Press Ltd.

View at Publisher Save 10.1007/s10540-006-9030-z

Abstract

Melittin is the principal toxic component in the venom of the European honey bee Apis mellifera and is a cationic, hemolytic peptide. It is a small linear peptide composed of 26 amino acid residues in which the amino-terminal region is predominantly hydrophobic whereas the carboxy-terminal region is hydrophilic due to the presence of a stretch of positively charged amino acids. This amphiphilic property of melittin has resulted in melittin being used as a suitable model peptide for monitoring lipid–protein interactions in membranes. In this review, the solution and membrane properties of melittin are highlighted, with an emphasis on melittin–membrane interaction using biophysical approaches. The recent applications of melittin in various cellular processes are discussed.

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References

Details

Published: Aug 06, 2007
Vol/Issue: 27(4-5)
Pages: 189-223

Authors

H

H. Raghuraman

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India

A

Amitabha Chattopadhyay

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Uppal Road, Hyderabad 500 007, India

Cite This Article

H. Raghuraman, Amitabha Chattopadhyay (2007). Melittin: a Membrane-active Peptide with Diverse Functions. Bioscience Reports, 27(4-5), 189-223. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10540-006-9030-z

Melittin: a Membrane-active Peptide with Diverse Functions

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