RESEARCH PAPER
Homology modeling deduced tridimensional structure of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ab18 toxin
 
More details
Hide details
 
Publication date: 2014-10-28
 
 
BioTechnologia 2012;93(1):48-58
 
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Cry1Ab18 is an δ-endotoxin produced by Bacillus thuringiensis strain. Till date the detailed mechanism of this
toxin action is unclear. Therefore, solution of the three-dimensional structure of all Cry1 family members would
be desirable for a comprehensive understanding of the initial mechanisms that underlie the toxicity of this type
of toxin. Here, we predict a theoretical structural model of the newly reported Cry1Ab18 δ-endotoxin, using
a homology modeling technique with the structure of Cry1Aa toxin molecule (resolution 2.25Å). Cry1Ab18 resembles
Cry1Aa toxin by sharing a common three-domain structure. Domain I is composed of nine α helixes and
one small β strand, domain II is composed of nine β strands and two α helixes and domain III consists of two
α helixes and eleven β strands. This model supports the existing hypotheses of receptor insertion and will further
provide the initiation point for the domain swapping experiments aimed towards improving protein toxicity, and
will help in the deeper understanding of the mechanism of action of common toxins.
eISSN:2353-9461
ISSN:0860-7796
Journals System - logo
Scroll to top