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Updated: May 18, 2026
09:25
Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells
Published on: August 19, 2016
Pathogenic pore-forming proteins: function and host response.
Mirko Bischofberger1, Ioan Iacovache, F Gisou van der Goot
1Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Global Health Institute, Station 15, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
Cell Host & Microbe
|September 18, 2012
Summary
Pore-forming toxins from various organisms create diverse channels affecting cell membranes and ion balance. Understanding these toxins' secondary effects is crucial for comprehending their role in infection.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pore-forming proteins are produced by organisms across all kingdoms.
- Bacterial pore-forming proteins are the most extensively studied.
- Recent research highlights the diversity of channels formed by these proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diverse effects of pore-forming proteins on cell membranes.
- To understand the varied cellular outcomes resulting from altered membrane permeability.
- To elucidate the secondary effects of pore-induced ion imbalance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of pore-forming protein structures and functions.
- Cell-based assays to measure membrane permeability changes.
- Biochemical and molecular techniques to study downstream cellular responses.
Main Results:
- Pore-forming proteins generate a wide array of channel structures.
- These diverse channels differentially impact target cell membrane permeability.
- Altered ion balance triggers complex and varied downstream cellular effects.
Conclusions:
- The diversity of pore-forming proteins leads to varied biological consequences.
- Understanding secondary effects of these toxins is key to infection pathogenesis.
- Further research is essential to fully grasp the impact of pore-forming toxins.
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