Melittin: a membrane-active peptide with diverse functions

Raghuraman, H. ; Chattopadhyay, Amitabha (2007) Melittin: a membrane-active peptide with diverse functions Bioscience Reports, 27 (4-5). pp. 189-223. ISSN 0144-8463

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Official URL: http://www.springerlink.com/content/980826550rh77h...

Related URL: http://dx.doi.org/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.

Item Type:Article
Source:Copyright of this article belongs to Portland Press Limited.
Keywords:Melittin; Hemolysis; Tryptophan Fluorescence; Lipid-Protein Interactions; Melittin Orientation; Aggregation and Pores
ID Code:7067
Deposited On:25 Oct 2010 12:42
Last Modified:16 May 2016 17:19

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