S. aureus ribosomal polypeptide S20

Staphylococcus aureus alpha Hemolysin binds to the membrane of eukaryotic cells resulting in the release of low-molecular weight molecules and leading to an eventual osmotic lysis. The toxin self-assembles to form first, a nonlytic oligomeric intermediate, and then, a mushroom-shaped homoheptamer structure. Heptamer oligomerization and pore formation is required for lytic activity.