Bacterial Toxin Uptake: Mechanisms and Simulations

This lecture explores the mechanisms by which bacterial toxins, such as Shiga toxin, infect cells, focusing on the interaction with membranes and the formation of tubular invaginations. It discusses the importance of symmetry in biological cells, the role of specific lipids like Globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), and the clustering of nanoparticles on membranes. The instructor presents computational simulations and experimental observations to elucidate the process of toxin entry, membrane curvature, and cluster formation. The lecture also delves into the significance of tight toxin binding to membranes, potential drivers of toxin clustering, and the role of fluctuation-induced forces in cluster formation. Overall, it highlights the complex interplay between bacterial toxins, membranes, and cellular machinery in the infection process.