Pore-forming Peptides and Protein Toxins

Pore-forming proteins and peptides play a central role in bacterial pathogenesis, the immune response, defense from venomous attack, and innate immunity. These proteins attack and eliminate other organisms by punching an aqueous channel through their membranes, which disrupts appropriate cell function. The discovery of this cellular interaction has led to an abundance of scientific, medical, and commercial applications with unlimited potential. 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.