The Pinholin of Lambdoid Phage 21: Control of Lysis by Membrane Depolarization

Abstract

The phage 21 holin, S(21), forms small membrane holes that depolarize the membrane and is designated as a pinholin, as opposed to large-hole-forming holins, like S(lambda). Pinholins require secreted SAR endolysins, a pairing that may represent an intermediate in the evolution of canonical holin-endolysin systems.