A rivet model for channel formation by aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins

A rivet model for channel formation by aerolysin-like pore-forming toxins.

The bacterial toxin aerolysin kills cells by forming heptameric channels, of unknown structure, in the plasma membrane. Using disulfide trapping and cysteine scanning mutagenesis coupled to thiol-specific labeling on lipid bilayers, we identify a loop that lines the channel. This loop has an alternating pattern of charged and uncharged residues, suggesting that the transmembrane region has a be...

The Aerolysin-Like Toxin Family of Cytolytic, Pore-Forming Toxins

Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) represent the largest known group of bacterial protein toxins to date. Membrane insertion and subsequent pore-formation occurs after initial binding to cell-surface receptor and oligomerization. Aerolysin, a toxin produced by the Gram-negative bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila and related species, belongs to the PFT group and shares a common mechanism of action involving...

Enhanced SnapShot: Pore-Forming Toxins

Structural basis for receptor recognition and pore formation of a zebrafish aerolysin-like protein.

Various aerolysin-like pore-forming proteins have been identified from bacteria to vertebrates. However, the mechanism of receptor recognition and/or pore formation of the eukaryotic members remains unknown. Here, we present the first crystal and electron microscopy structures of a vertebrate aerolysin-like protein from Danio rerio, termed Dln1, before and after pore formation. Each subunit of ...

Staphylococcal Bicomponent Pore-Forming Toxins: Targets for Prophylaxis and Immunotherapy

Staphylococccus aureus represents one of the most challenging human pathogens as well as a common colonizer of human skin and mucosal surfaces. S. aureus causes a wide range of diseases from skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) to debilitating and life-threatening conditions such as osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and necrotizing pneumonia. The range of diseases reflects the remarkable diversity ...