The mechanistic basis of tropism in an insecticidal pore-forming toxin (2022-2025)
Abstract
This project aims to answer a fundamental question regarding the mechanism of a recently discovered family of insecticidal protein complexes - how do these pore-forming proteins recognise and target specific hosts? The project will use an innovative, cross-disciplinary approach to determine the mechanisms of cellular recognition and uptake on a molecular scale. These outcomes have the potential to influence the use of ABC toxins in many areas of biotechnology, delivering benefits including the development of new bioinsecticides for pest control and crop protection as well as in the development of bespoke protein delivery devices which may find use in biotechnological and therapeutic applications.
