Toxin transformation (IMAGE)

University of Münster

Toxin transformation

Caption

When the α-latrotoxin binds to the receptor of the presynaptic membrane of the signalling cell, it undergoes a transformation: part of the molecule forms a stalk that penetrates the cell membrane (“membrane insertion”, right). As a special feature, this stalk forms a small pore in the membrane that acts as a calcium channel. MD simulations revealed that calcium ions (Ca2+ ions) enter the cell through a lateral selective gate directly above the pore.

Credit

University of Münster - Gatsogiannis group

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