Crystallization of the B chain of Shiga-like toxin I from Escherichia coli

J Mol Biol. 1991 Apr 20;218(4):691-4. doi: 10.1016/0022-2836(91)90256-6.

Abstract

Shiga-like toxin I (SLT-I) is produced by several pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli associated with diarrheal disease. The toxin consists of an A chain, which attacks eukaryotic ribosomes, inhibiting protein synthesis, and multiple copies of a 69 amino acid B chain. The B subunit mediates cell binding and uptake through its interactions with cell surface carbohydrate moieties. Here we report that the B chain has been crystallized in a form suitable for high-resolution X-ray analysis. The space group is P2(1)2(1)2(1), with a = 56.2 A, b = 59.9 A and c = 102.5 A. A rotation function using three-dimensional diffraction data suggests that the asymmetric unit is a tetramer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Toxins / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / analysis*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Shiga Toxin 1
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Shiga Toxin 1