Metridin

Metridin is a protein toxin found in the sea anemone Metridium senile. It is a relatively small protein with a molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa. Metridin is classified as a cytolytic toxin, meaning it can cause cell lysis, the breakdown or destruction of cells.

Metridin's mechanism of action involves the formation of pores in cell membranes. These pores disrupt the cell's ionic balance, leading to cell swelling and eventual lysis. The toxin exhibits a preference for certain types of cells, although the exact reasons for this selectivity are not fully understood.

Metridin has been studied for its potential biomedical applications, including its use as an anti-cancer agent. Research suggests that metridin can selectively target and destroy cancer cells in vitro, showing promise as a potential therapeutic option. However, further research is required to fully understand its efficacy and safety in in vivo models and, eventually, in humans.

The toxin is typically isolated from the sea anemone through various extraction and purification techniques, often involving chromatography. While the exact amino acid sequence and structure of metridin have been characterized, minor variations may exist depending on the specific Metridium senile population studied.