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Detection of toxin induced pore formation in membranes

Application Note #157

AN_157

Sea anemone actinoporins (pore forming toxins) bind to the lipid membrane causing cell death. Equinatoxin II (EqtII), fragaceatoxin C (FraC), sticholysin II (StnII) and sticholysin I (StnI) binding to lipid vesicles were measured using MP-SPR.

Pore forming toxins are a protein family which interacts with the cell membrane causing hemolytic pores that are lethal for their target cells. In water the proteins are firmly folded but upon interaction with the cell membrane lipids, they become oligomeric integral membrane structures. The binding of toxins depends on the membrane structure.

Multi-Parametric Surface Plasmon Resonance (MP-SPR) is a highly sensitive and label-free method used to study surface changes. Lipid vesicle layers were spread on a sensor surface and four sea anemone actinoporins interactions on lipids were measured. Sticholysin I and II had clearly higher binding and pore forming ability when compared to other two actinoporins. Cholesterol in the lipid structure was found to increase the binding of equinatoxin II and fragaceatoxin C.

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