Application

The toxin is released from B. pertussis in an inactive form. When the pertussis toxin B oligomer binds to the cell membrane, the S1 subunit of its A protomer becomes activated, perhaps through the action of glutathione and ATP. A protocol for activating pertussis toxin in vitro is given by Kaslow, et al.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Pertussis toxin catalyzes the ADP-ribosylation of the α subunits of the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins G_i, G_o, and G_t. This prevents the G protein heterotrimers from interacting with receptors, thus blocking their coupling and activation. Since the G_α subunits remain in their GDP-bound, inactive state, they are unable to inactivate adenylyl cyclase or open K⁺ channels.

Features and Benefits

This compound is featured on the G Proteins (Heterotrimeric) page of the Handbook of Receptor Classification and Signal Transduction. To browse other handbook pages, click here.

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General description

Product is not activated. If activation is required, see Kaslow, et al., for suggested conditions.

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing sodium chloride and sodium phosphate buffer salts