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Updated: Aug 18, 2025

Fluorescent Leakage Assay to Investigate Membrane Destabilization by Cell-Penetrating Peptide
Published on: December 19, 2020
[Mechanism of Leakage in Phosphatidylserine-Containing Membranes by Melittin]
R Wang1,2, M-Y Shi1, B-B Ma1,2
1Xinjiang Laboratory of Phase Transitions and Microstructures of Condensed Matter Physics, College of Physical Science and Technology, Yili Normal University, Yining, 835000 China.
Abstract:
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is an important apoptotic-cell surface signal that exists in bacterial and cancer cells. The mechanism by which melittin interacts with the PS membrane remains unclear. Here, we revealed this mechanism by using a dual-channel fluorescence microscope to observe the concentration-dependent process of pore formation in giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) that were exposed to melittin solution. We found that unsaturated PS membranes differed significantly from saturated PS membranes in different phases. This study provides a reference for research and development of anticancer drugs.
Insights
Melittin interacts with phosphatidylserine (PS) membranes by forming pores, with unsaturated PS membranes showing distinct behavior from saturated ones. This finding aids anticancer drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
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