A mechanism is proposed for the way in which cholesterol facilitates channel formation by polyene antibiotics and bacterial protein toxins. Central elements of the model are: (i) interactions between the ring system of the sterol and rigid elements of the polyene or toxin molecule, and (ii) the specific orientation of cholesterol within the membrane.

Keywords:
polyene antibiotics, bacterial protein toxins, channel formation, cholesterol
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© 1990 Plenum Publishing Corporation
1990
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