Evidence for a Prepore Stage in the Action of Clostridium perfringens Epsilon Toxin
2011
Understanding the Action of Clostridium perfringens Epsilon Toxin
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Robertson Susan L., Li Jihong, Uzal Francisco A., McClane Bruce A.
Primary Institution: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin have a prepore stage in its action?
Conclusion
The study provides evidence that epsilon toxin forms a prepore stage before creating an active pore in cell membranes.
Supporting Evidence
- Epsilon toxin binds to MDCK II cells at both 4°C and 37°C but only forms a pore at 37°C.
- The complex formed at 4°C is more susceptible to degradation, indicating it remains in a prepore state.
- Shifting cells treated with epsilon toxin at 4°C to 37°C results in rapid cytotoxicity.
Takeaway
The epsilon toxin from Clostridium perfringens can bind to cells at low temperatures but doesn't form a harmful pore until the temperature is higher.
Methodology
The study involved comparing the effects of temperature on the binding and pore-forming ability of epsilon toxin in MDCK II cells.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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