Size and structure of the cholera toxin molecule and its subunits

Cholera toxin (choleragen) dissociated into two types of subunit with molecular weights estimated to be 28,000 daltons (A) and 11,000 daltons (B); this dissociation was effected by gel filtration at acid pH with or without urea. Subunit A could be separated into two fragments, A1 (23,000 daltons) and A2 (about 2,500 daltons), after reduction and alkylation. Choleragenoid (68,000 daltons) appeared to be a polymerized form of subunit B. A-specific antigen was found in choleragen as well as in A1 and A2, while B-specific antigen was found in both choleragen and choleragenoid. In electron micrographs, the toxin molecule appeared as a particle of uniform size consisting of subunits in V- or Y-shape and in ring form. The dimensions coincided with the values calculated from the molecular weights.