A cytolytic delta-endotoxin from Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis forms cation-selective channels in planar lipid bilayers |
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| Authors: | B H Knowles M R Blatt M Tester J M Horsnell J Carroll G Menestrina D J Ellar |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, England. |
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| Abstract: | In order to determine the mechanism of action of the 27 kDa mosquitocidal delta-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. |
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