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Voltage‐dependent cationic channels formed by a cytolytic toxin produced by Gardnerella vaginalis
Author(s) -
Moran Oscar,
Zegarra-Moran Olga,
Virginio Caterina,
Rottini Giandomenico
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/0014-5793(91)80617-c
Subject(s) - cytolysin , toxin , cytolysis , biophysics , chemistry , membrane , liposome , cationic polymerization , membrane potential , lipid bilayer , conductance , biochemistry , biology , in vitro , physics , cytotoxicity , polymer chemistry , virulence , gene , condensed matter physics
A cytolytic toxin produced by G. vaginalis was incorporated in artificial membranes and giant liposomes. The toxin formed ionic channels when incorporated in lipid bilayers. The electrical properties of such channels were studied. Current records revealed a unitary conductance of 126 pS (in symmetrical 150 mM KCl). The open state probability of the cytolysin formed channels was a function of the applied membrane potential. The permeability ratio of cations to anions was estimated to be 6.5.