Record Information
Version2.0
Creation Date2009-07-06 21:35:27 UTC
Update Date2014-12-24 20:25:47 UTC
Accession NumberT3D2624
Identification
Common NameMelittin (Apis mellifera)
ClassProtein
DescriptionMelittin is the main component of bee venom. It is a powerful stimulator of phospholipase A2 and also exhibits potent anti-microbial activity. (6)
Compound Type
  • Amide
  • Amine
  • Animal Toxin
  • Insect Toxin
  • Natural Compound
  • Organic Compound
  • Protein
Protein StructureT3d2624
Synonyms
Synonym
Bee venom melittin
Forapin
Forapine
GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2
GIGAVLKVLTTGLPALISWIKRKRQQ-NH2 MELITTIN
Honeybee melittin
Melitten
Melittin
Melittin (apis cerana)
Melittin (apis mellifera)
Melittin (honeybee)
Melittin (major)
Melittin (major) (8CI)
Melittin I
Melittin-t
Mellitin
Chemical FormulaNot Available
Average Molecular Mass7584.775 g/mol
CAS Registry Number20449-79-0
SequenceNot Available
Chemical Taxonomy
DescriptionNot Available
KingdomOrganic Compounds
Super ClassOrganic Acids
ClassCarboxylic Acids and Derivatives
Sub ClassAmino Acids, Peptides, and Analogues
Direct ParentPeptides
Alternative ParentsNot Available
SubstituentsNot Available
Molecular FrameworkNot Available
External DescriptorsNot Available
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular Locations
  • Cytosol
  • Extracellular
  • Extracellular matrix
  • Mitochondrion
  • Plasma Membrane
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
Pathways
NameSMPDB LinkKEGG Link
ApoptosisNot Availablemap04210
Applications
Biological Roles
Chemical Roles
Physical Properties
StateLiquid
AppearanceClear solution.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting PointNot Available
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility>10 mg/mL
LogPNot Available
Predicted PropertiesNot Available
Spectra
SpectraNot Available
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureInjection (sting/bite) (7)
Mechanism of ToxicityMelittin has strong haemolytic activity. It integrates into cell membranes and has multiple effects, probably, as a result of its interaction with negatively charged phospholipids. Melittin inhibits well known transport pumps such as the Na+-K+-ATPase and the H+-K+-ATPase, and increases the permeability of cell membranes to ions, particularly Na+ and indirectly Ca2+, because of the Na+-Ca2+-exchange. (1)
MetabolismFree toxin may be removed by opsonization via the reticuloendothelial system (primarily the liver and kidneys) or it may be degraded through cellular internalization via the lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of digestive enzymes, including several proteases.
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 6.00 mg/kg (Intravenous, Mouse) (2)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesMelittin is the main component of bee venom. (6)
Minimum Risk LevelNot Available
Health EffectsMelittin poisoning may cause development of optic neuritis and atrophy. Serious cases may lead to atrial fibrillation, cerebral infarction, acute myocardial infarction, Fisher's syndrome, Guillain-Barre syndrome, claw hand caused by Ulnar nerve entrapment, and haemorrhaging in the lungs. (5)
SymptomsMelittin poisoning is characterized by burning or stinging pain, swelling, and redness at the site of the bee sting, and may be followed by swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, and shock. (5)
TreatmentNot Available
Normal Concentrations
Not Available
Abnormal Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDNot Available
PubChem Compound ID16129627
ChEMBL IDNot Available
ChemSpider ID17286438
KEGG IDC11198
UniProt IDP01501
OMIM ID
ChEBI ID25520
BioCyc IDNot Available
CTD IDNot Available
Stitch IDMelittin
PDB ID1BH1
ACToR IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDST3D2624.pdf
General References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. Rothman RB: Does phentermine inhibit monoamine oxidase? Lancet. 1999 Apr 17;353(9161):1362-3. [10218558 ]
  3. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
  4. Habermehl G (1981). Venomous animals and their toxins. Berlin: Springer-Verlag,
  5. Wikipedia. Apamin. Last Updated 31 March 2009. [Link]
  6. Wikipedia. Melitten. Last Updated 19 March 2009. [Link]
  7. Wikipedia. Insect toxins. Last Updated 19 February 2009. [Link]
Gene Regulation
Up-Regulated Genes
GeneGene SymbolGene IDInteractionChromosomeDetails
Down-Regulated Genes
GeneGene SymbolGene IDInteractionChromosomeDetails

Targets

General Function:
Sodium:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
Catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of H(+) and K(+) ions across the plasma membrane. Responsible for acid production in the stomach.
Gene Name:
ATP4A
Uniprot ID:
P20648
Molecular Weight:
114117.74 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Sodium:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
Catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of H(+) and K(+) ions across the plasma membrane. Responsible for potassium absorption in various tissues.
Gene Name:
ATP12A
Uniprot ID:
P54707
Molecular Weight:
115509.45 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Hydrogen:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
Required for stabilization and maturation of the catalytic proton pump alpha subunit and may also involved in cell adhesion and establishing epithelial cell polarity.
Gene Name:
ATP4B
Uniprot ID:
P51164
Molecular Weight:
33366.95 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Steroid hormone binding
Specific Function:
This is the catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane. This action creates the electrochemical gradient of sodium and potassium ions, providing the energy for active transport of various nutrients.
Gene Name:
ATP1A1
Uniprot ID:
P05023
Molecular Weight:
112895.01 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Steroid hormone binding
Specific Function:
This is the catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane. This action creates the electrochemical gradient of sodium and potassium, providing the energy for active transport of various nutrients.
Gene Name:
ATP1A2
Uniprot ID:
P50993
Molecular Weight:
112264.385 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Steroid hormone binding
Specific Function:
This is the catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane. This action creates the electrochemical gradient of sodium and potassium ions, providing the energy for active transport of various nutrients.
Gene Name:
ATP1A3
Uniprot ID:
P13637
Molecular Weight:
111747.51 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Sodium:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
This is the catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of sodium and potassium ions across the plasma membrane. This action creates the electrochemical gradient of sodium and potassium ions, providing the energy for active transport of various nutrients. Plays a role in sperm motility.
Gene Name:
ATP1A4
Uniprot ID:
Q13733
Molecular Weight:
114165.44 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Sodium:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
This is the non-catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of Na(+) and K(+) ions across the plasma membrane. The beta subunit regulates, through assembly of alpha/beta heterodimers, the number of sodium pumps transported to the plasma membrane.Involved in cell adhesion and establishing epithelial cell polarity.
Gene Name:
ATP1B1
Uniprot ID:
P05026
Molecular Weight:
35061.07 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Sodium:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
This is the non-catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of Na(+) and K(+) ions across the plasma membrane. The exact function of the beta-2 subunit is not known.Mediates cell adhesion of neurons and astrocytes, and promotes neurite outgrowth.
Gene Name:
ATP1B2
Uniprot ID:
P14415
Molecular Weight:
33366.925 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Sodium:potassium-exchanging atpase activity
Specific Function:
This is the non-catalytic component of the active enzyme, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP coupled with the exchange of Na(+) and K(+) ions across the plasma membrane. The exact function of the beta-3 subunit is not known.
Gene Name:
ATP1B3
Uniprot ID:
P54709
Molecular Weight:
31512.34 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
General Function:
Transporter activity
Specific Function:
May be involved in forming the receptor site for cardiac glycoside binding or may modulate the transport function of the sodium ATPase.
Gene Name:
FXYD2
Uniprot ID:
P54710
Molecular Weight:
7283.265 Da
References
  1. Armas LA, Hollis BW, Heaney RP: Vitamin D2 is much less effective than vitamin D3 in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2004 Nov;89(11):5387-91. [15531486 ]
  2. The UniProt Consortium. The Universal Protein Resource (UniProt) Nucleic Acids Res. 2008;36:D190-D195.
12. Choriogonadotropin subunit beta (Protein Group)
General Function:
Beta subunit of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG is a complex glycoprotein composed of two glycosylated subunits alpha and beta which are non-covalently associated. The alpha subunit is identical to those in the pituitary gonadotropin hormones (LH, FSH and TSH). The beta subunits are distinct in each of the hormones and confer receptor and biological specificity. Has an essential role in pregnancy and maternal adaptation. Stimulates the ovaries to synthesize the steroids that are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy.
Specific Function:
Hormone activity
Included Proteins:
P0DN86 , P0DN87
References
  1. Vuorenoja S, Mohanty BP, Arola J, Huhtaniemi I, Toppari J, Rahman NA: Hecate-CGbeta conjugate and gonadotropin suppression shows two distinct mechanisms of action in the treatment of adrenocortical tumors in transgenic mice expressing Simian Virus 40 T antigen under inhibin-alpha promoter. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2009 Jun;16(2):549-64. doi: 10.1677/ERC-08-0232. Epub 2009 Mar 4. [19261682 ]