CTB signal and lipid raft interpretation

CTB fluorescence reports GM1-associated distribution; puncta alone do not establish native lipid-raft structure.

CTB and GM1Mechanism schematic

AF–CTB

GM1

GM1-associated binding

Dashed line: noncovalent target recognition. Shapes are schematic. AF marker: generic dye symbol.

Signal versus structural conclusions

CTB signal reflects binding associated with accessible GM1 and depends on probe access and detection conditions. Fluorescent puncta alone do not define membrane-domain boundaries, composition or stability.

Probe effects on membrane organization

Multivalent CTB binding can affect GM1 distribution. Interpret membrane organization alongside independent evidence and distinguish pre-existing organization from observations made after probe binding.

References

Structured clustering of the glycosphingolipid GM1 is required for membrane curvature induced by cholera toxin

Kabbani AM, Raghunathan K, Lencer WI, Kenworthy AK, Kelly CV. · PNAS · 117(26):14978–14986 · 2020

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2001119117

Read paper ↗

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