The crystal δ‐endotoxins of <i>Bacillus thuringiensis</i>: Models for their mechanism of action on the insect gut

Abstract

Abstract The crystal δ‐endotoxins of Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt ) are a family of insecticidal proteins which have been known for some time to kill insects by lysing their gut epithelial cells, but the precise molecular mechanism of toxicity has remained elusive. The recent publication of the crystal structure of a Bt δ‐endotoxin has made it possible for us to model the molecular events that occur as the toxin binds to its receptor and inserts into the membrane to form a pore. Using our knowledge of insect gut physiology, we can also predict the effect on the insect of the formation of a toxic pore. We present a new model to explain the events that occur in the insect gut during toxin action.