Melitidin

Melitidin is a peptide found in the venom of bees, specifically Apis mellifera (the western honey bee). It is a relatively small peptide, closely related to melittin, the primary active component of bee venom. Melitidin is thought to be a precursor molecule, or propeptide, to melittin. The primary structural difference lies in an extended N-terminal sequence on melitidin compared to mature melittin.

The propeptide region present in melitidin is cleaved off during the venom maturation process, transforming it into the more potent and cytotoxic melittin. While melittin is well-characterized for its amphipathic structure and membrane-disrupting properties, melitidin's specific biological activities are less extensively studied. However, it is believed that the propeptide region modulates the activity of melitidin, making it less toxic than melittin and potentially aiding in the storage and processing of the peptide within the venom gland.

Further research is required to fully elucidate the specific roles and functions of melitidin in bee venom and its potential therapeutic or toxicological implications.