A cytolytic δ-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis forms cation-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers

Barbara H. Knowles, Michael R. Blatt, Mark Tester, Jane M. Horsnell, Joe Carroll, Gianfranco Menestrina, David J. Ellar*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

115 Scopus citations

Abstract

In order to determine the mechanism of action of the 27 kDa mosquitocidal δ-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis we have studied its effects on the conductance of planar lipid bilayers. The toxin formed cation-selective channels in the bilayers, permeable to K+ and Na+ but not to N-methylglucamine or Cl-, showing very fast, cooperative opening and closing. Channel opening was greatly reduced in the presence of divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) and the effect was reversed when these ions were removed. These results are consistent with our proposal that B. thuringiensis toxins act by a mechanism of colloid-osmotic lysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)259-262
Number of pages4
JournalFEBS Letters
Volume244
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 27 1989
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis)
  • Endotoxin, δ-
  • Ion channel
  • Planar lipid bilayer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

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