1. Cryo‐EM structure of the octameric pore of Clostridium perfringens β‐toxin.
- Author
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Bruggisser, Julia, Iacovache, Ioan, Musson, Samuel C, Degiacomi, Matteo T, Posthaus, Horst, and Zuber, Benoît
- Abstract
Clostridium perfringens is one of the most widely distributed and successful pathogens producing an impressive arsenal of toxins. One of the most potent toxins produced is the C. perfringens β‐toxin (CPB). This toxin is the main virulence factor of type C strains. We describe the cryo‐electron microscopy (EM) structure of CPB oligomer. We show that CPB forms homo‐octameric pores like the hetero‐oligomeric pores of the bi‐component leukocidins, with important differences in the receptor binding region and the N‐terminal latch domain. Intriguingly, the octameric CPB pore complex contains a second 16‐stranded β‐barrel protrusion atop of the cap domain that is formed by the N‐termini of the eight protomers. We propose that CPB, together with the newly identified Epx toxins, is a member a new subclass of the hemolysin‐like family. In addition, we show that the β‐barrel protrusion domain can be modified without affecting the pore‐forming ability, thus making the pore particularly attractive for macromolecule sensing and nanotechnology. The cryo‐EM structure of the octameric pore of CPB will facilitate future developments in both nanotechnology and basic research. Clostridium perfringens β‐toxin (CPB) is a beta‐pore‐forming toxin of the hemolysin family and an essential virulence factor of type C strains causing fatal necrotic enteritis in animals and humans. This study reports the cryo‐electron microscopy structure of the oligomeric CPB‐pore which can facilitate future developments in both nanotechnology and basic research. CPB is the prototype of a novel hemolysin subfamilyThe N‐termini of the eight protomers form a β‐barrel protrusion atop of the cap domainThe membrane binding domain contains two unique flexible loops which are most likely involved in receptor specificity of CPB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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