Packing a punch: the mechanism of pore formation by cholesterol dependent cytolysins and membrane attack complex/perforin-like proteins.
The bacterial cholesterol dependent cytolysins (CDCs) and membrane attack complex/perforin-like proteins (MACPF) represent two major branches of a large, exceptionally diverged superfamily. Most characterized CDC/MACPF proteins form large pores that function in immunity, venoms, and pathogenesis. Extensive structural, biochemical and biophysical studies have started to address some of the questions surrounding how the soluble, monomeric form of these remarkable molecules recognize diverse targets and assemble into oligomeric membrane embedded pores. This review explores mechanistic similarities and differences in how CDCs and MACPF proteins form pores.
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
Michelle A
MA
Dunstone
Rodney K
RK
Tweten
D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D008958:Models, Molecular; D054353:Perforin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D011485:Protein Binding; D011487:Protein Conformation
D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003603:Cytotoxins; D054353:Perforin; D002784:Cholesterol