Melittin demonstrates therapeutic potential for precision targeting of treatment resistant cancers 3358

Abstract Description This study investigates the therapeutic potential of melittin, a cytotoxic peptide from bee venom, for inducing apoptosis in various cancer cell types. We hypothesized that melittin could selectively promote cancer cell death, enhancing the outcomes of standard chemotherapy and surgery. Using in vitro cytotoxicity assays and nuclear morphology staining, we assessed melittin’s effects across multiple cancer lines, observing significant reductions in cell viability. By targeting cancer cells with precision, melittin offers a promising approach to minimize damage to healthy cells, a common challenge in traditional treatments. Mechanistically, melittin disrupts cancer cell membranes and initiates programmed cell death, with nuclear condensation and fragmentation as key indicators. These findings highlight melittin’s promise as both an independent treatment and an adjunct to existing therapies, particularly for treatment-resistant cancers. Our results suggest melittin’s potential to address therapeutic gaps in cancer treatment, warranting further investigation for clinical application and improved patient outcomes. Topic Categories Tumor Immunology: Checkpoints, Prevention, and Treatment (TIPT)