• Updates our knowledge of pore-forming proteins and pore-forming peptides

• Discusses current and potential applications based on the discovery of pore formation

• Includes contributions from leading researchers in the field

Pore-Forming Peptides and Protein Toxins describes how natural and synthetic peptides and toxins form pores and ionic channels that cause cell membrane collapse and cell death. Divided into two parts on pore-forming proteins and pore-forming peptides, each chapter reviews the normal physiological cellular structure and function, discusses the interference of toxins with this process, and considers the use of specific toxins in research.

Written by researchers from around the world, the text includes such topics as the channel-forming properties of Helicobacter pylori and the role of amyloid peptide channels in the development of amyloid diseases.

This authoritative volume provides a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the basic principles and cellular mechanisms of the action of toxins and their potential use as research tools. It is an essential work for researchers and students in the fields of biochemistry, toxicology, biophysics, and pharmaceutical science.

Contents

1. Pore-Forming Proteins
   1. Staphylococcal Bicomponent Leucotoxins, Mechanisms of Action, Impact on Cells and Contribution to Virulence
   2. The Formulation of Ion-permeable Channels by RTX-toxins in Lipid Bilayer Membranes: Basis for Their Biological Activity
   3. Properties of the Monomeric and the Pentameric Pseudomonas Cytotoxin
   4. Helicobacter pylori Vacuolating Toxin VacA: Channel-forming Properties and Cell Intoxication
   5. Delta-endotoxin Mode of Action
   6. Functional Studies of Helix -5 Region from Bacillus Thuringiensis Cryl1Ab -endotoxin
   7. Colicin Channels and Protein Translocation: Parallels with Diphtheria Toxin
   8. Actinoporins, Pore-forming Toxins of Sea Anemones (Actiniaria)

2. Pore-Forming Peptides
   9. Structural and Change Requirements for Antimicrobial Peptide Insertion into Biological and Model Membranes
   10. Pardaxins - Pore-forming Neurotoxins as Pharmaceutical Tools in Dissecting Neurotransmitter Exocytosis and Neurotoxicity
   11. Cecropin-melittin Hybrid Peptides as Versatile Templates in the Development of Membrane-active Antibiotic Agents
   12. The Syringomycins: Lipodepsipeptide Pore Formers from Plant Bacterium Pseudomonas syringae
   13. Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Syringopeptins, Antifungal Peptides from Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae
   14. The Role of Amyloid Peptide Channels in Amyloid Disease

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