The Effect of Botulinum Neurotoxin on Lipid Monolayers

Authors

Eric R. Draper, Brigham Young University
David Busath, Brigham Young University

Keywords

botulinum neurotoxin, lipid monolayers, cell membranes

College

Life Sciences

Department

Physiology and Developmental Biology

Abstract

Botulinum neurotoxin is a neurotoxic protein that is made by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It is one of the most deadly toxins in the world and is very commonly used in minute doses for medicinal purposes. It is therefore very important and beneficial to understand the mechanism by which the protein attaches to and injects its contents across cell membranes. In the protein there is a heavy chain and a light chain. These two chains work together in attaching to cells and injecting the light chain across the cell membrane. Through work with a Langmuir-Blodgett trough I have created lipid monolayers and have measured the effect on surface pressure of the monolayer as the toxin attaches itself to the lipid membrane.

Recommended Citation

Draper, Eric R. and Busath, David (2013) "The Effect of Botulinum Neurotoxin on Lipid Monolayers," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1471.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1471