Mechanism of $Zn^{2+}$ Inhibition on Tolaasin Channel Activity

Tolaasin is a 1.9 kDa peptide produced by Pseudomonas tolaasii and causes a brown blotch disease on cultivated oyster mushrooms. These molecules form channels in the plasma membranes of various cells including red blood cells and destroy cellular structure, known as 'colloid osmotic lysis'. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of tolaasin-mediated channel formation, the effect of Zn$^{2+}$ was investigated on hemolysis and channel formation since Zn$^{2+}$ has been known to block the tolaasin activity.(omitted)ted)