Investigation of Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin receptor: focus on gangliosides

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24590542
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Bacteriology (including Mycology)
• Research Institution: Niigata University (2013-2014); Tokushima Bunri University (2012)
• Principal Investigator: ODA MASATAKA 新潟大学, 医歯学系, 准教授 (00412403)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: ウエルシュ菌 / α毒素 / ガングリオシド / GM1a / チロシンキナーゼ / TrkA受容体 / ホスホリパーゼC-γ1 / 細胞膜流動性

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We investigated the receptor of Clostridium perfringens alpha-toxin, which is main factor of gas gangrene. First, we revealed that Trp-84 and Tyr-85 in the loop region in the N-domain of alpha-toxin specifically interact with ganglioside GM1a through a carbohydrate moiety, leading to the clustering of GM1a at the cell membrane and activation of tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkA). Second, we discovered that alpha-toxin also specifically activated endogenous phospholipase Cγ-1, a TrkA adaptor protein, via phosphorylation. Third, the flip-flop motion of hydrophobic lipids such as diacylglycerol in the cells treated with the toxin leads to the accumulation of GM1a and TrkA.

Free Research Field

細菌学