穿孔素一裂解酶二元裂解系统是双链DNA噬菌体普遍采用的裂菌模式,以λ噬菌体为例,系统地揭示了噬菌体穿孔素的结构与功能。λ噬菌体的S基因的特征是呈双起始基序(dual-start motif),编码穿孔素(holin)S105和抗穿孔素(antiholin)S107,通过二者不同水平的表达及相互作用,触发裂菌过程。作者综述了λ噬菌体穿孔素的膜拓扑结构和成孔机制的最新研究进展,并展望了穿孔素的研究热点和应用前景。
The holin-lysin two-step lysis system widely exists in double stranded DNA bacteriophages for the release of progeny bacteriophage from an infected bacterial cell at the final stage of phage infection. Lambda bacteriophage is a prototype for studying holin. The S gene in Lambda bacteriophage has a dual-start motif and encodes holin S105 and antiholin S107. Here, we reviewed the progress in topological structure of holin from Lambda bacteriophage and its formation of membrane lethal holes. We also discussed the potential of the holin in the control of bacterial infection.