pore-forming module of aerolysin-type beta-barrel pore-forming proteins; uncharacterized subgroup
Generally, pore-forming proteins (PFPs) are secreted as water-soluble monomers, which upon binding to target lipid membranes, oligomerize and form transmembrane pores detrimental to cells. Beta-PFPs form pores by transmembrane beta-barrels. Aerolysin-type beta-PFPs are believed to use an amphipathic beta-hairpin to form the beta-barrel. Many of this family are bacterial toxins. A significant portion of the monomeric subunit structure is re-organized to form the pore. Oligomers formed by members of the aerolysin family include: hepta- (aerolysin), octa- (Dln1), and nonameric oligomers (lysenin and monalysin).