The main pain-producing peptide of bee venom and a classic model for membrane-lytic activity.
Part of the Foundational & therapeutic peptides cluster
Overview
Melittin is the principal component of honeybee venom, a 26-residue amphipathic peptide that inserts into and permeabilizes lipid membranes. It is a foundational model for studying pore formation and membrane lysis and is investigated for antimicrobial and anticancer research. It is a research compound, not an approved drug.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Honeybee venom (Apis mellifera)
Primary research or clinical context: Membrane and antimicrobial research (not an approved drug)
Structure and lytic action
Melittin (GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ) has a hydrophobic N-terminus and a basic, hydrophilic C-terminus, with no disulfide bonds. This amphipathic layout lets it partition into membranes and form pores, making it a standard reference for membrane-disruption studies.
Research directions and caution
Laboratory studies examine melittin's antimicrobial and anticancer activity, but its strong lytic action toward many cell types complicates any therapeutic use. Educational coverage here focuses on its chemistry and mechanism, not human application.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Melittin (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Melittin
What is Melittin?+
Melittin is the principal component of honeybee venom, a 26-residue amphipathic peptide that inserts into and permeabilizes lipid membranes. It is a foundational model for studying pore formation and membrane lysis and is investigated for antimicrobial and anticancer research. It is a research compound, not an approved drug.
Is Melittin an approved medicine?+
Melittin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Membrane and antimicrobial research (not an approved drug). This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Melittin?+
Melittin is commonly described as approximately 26 amino acids (Membrane-active peptide).