Clostridium perfringens Delta Toxin Is Sequence Related to Beta Toxin, NetB, and Staphylococcus Pore-Forming Toxins, but Shows Functional Differences
2008

Clostridium perfringens Delta Toxin and Its Functional Differences

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Manich Maria, Knapp Oliver, Gibert Maryse, Maier Elke, Jolivet-Reynaud Colette, Geny Blandine, Benz Roland, Popoff Michel R.

Primary Institution: Institut Pasteur, Paris, France

Hypothesis

How does the Delta toxin from Clostridium perfringens differ functionally from other related toxins?

Conclusion

Delta toxin shows significant sequence homology with other toxins but exhibits different channel properties in lipid bilayers.

Supporting Evidence

  • Delta toxin is cytotoxic for cells expressing the ganglioside GM2.
  • Delta toxin forms slightly anion-selective channels in lipid bilayers.
  • Delta toxin shows a significant sequence homology with C. perfringens Beta toxin and NetB.

Takeaway

Delta toxin from Clostridium perfringens can make holes in cell membranes, which is important for understanding how it causes disease.

Methodology

The study involved genetic characterization and pore-forming activity analysis of Delta toxin in lipid bilayers.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003764

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