Membrane permeabilisation by Bacillus thuringiensis toxins: protein insertion and pore formation

Abstract

Following recognition of specific binding sites at the surface of midgut target cell membranes, activated Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins act mainly by permeabilising the cells and disrupting vital ion and metabolite homeostasis. This chapter reviews our present knowledge on the various steps involved in the permeabilisation process at both structural and functional levels, and describes several biophysical and physiological approaches used for the study of membrane permeabilisation by Bt toxins.