Download MendeleyProtein-lipid interaction at low pH induces oligomerization of the MakA cytotoxin from Vibrio cholerae .
Nadeem, A., Berg, A., Pace, H., Alam, A., Toh, E., Aden, J., Zlatkov, N., Myint, S.L., Persson, K., Grobner, G., Sjostedt, A., Bally, M., Barandun, J., Uhlin, B.E., Wai, S.N.(2022) Elife 11
- PubMed: 35131030
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.73439
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
7P3R - PubMed Abstract:
The α-pore-forming toxins (α-PFTs) from pathogenic bacteria damage host cell membranes by pore formation. We demonstrate a remarkable, hitherto unknown mechanism by an α-PFT protein from Vibrio cholerae . As part of the MakA/B/E tripartite toxin, MakA is involved in membrane pore formation similar to other α-PFTs. In contrast, MakA in isolation induces tube-like structures in acidic endosomal compartments of epithelial cells in vitro. The present study unravels the dynamics of tubular growth, which occurs in a pH-, lipid-, and concentration-dependent manner. Within acidified organelle lumens or when incubated with cells in acidic media, MakA forms oligomers and remodels membranes into high-curvature tubes leading to loss of membrane integrity. A 3.7 Å cryo-electron microscopy structure of MakA filaments reveals a unique protein-lipid superstructure. MakA forms a pinecone-like spiral with a central cavity and a thin annular lipid bilayer embedded between the MakA transmembrane helices in its active α-PFT conformation. Our study provides insights into a novel tubulation mechanism of an α-PFT protein and a new mode of action by a secreted bacterial toxin.
Organizational Affiliation:
Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
