This form constitutes the precursor of the pore-forming protein and acts as a sensor of infection: upon infection by S.pyogenes, specifically cleaved by S.pyogenes effector protein SpeB in epithelial cells, releasing the N-terminal moiety (Gasdermin-A, N-terminal) that binds to membranes and forms pores, triggering pyroptosis.
Pore-forming protein that causes membrane permeabilization and pyroptosis ( , ). Released upon cleavage by S.pyogenes effector protein SpeB, and binds to membrane inner leaflet lipids ( ). Homooligomerizes within the membrane and forms pores of 10-15 nanometers (nm) of inner diameter, triggering pyroptosis ( ). Pyroptosis triggers the elimination of the infected skin cell, depriving the pathogen of its protective niche, while inducing an inflammatory response (, ). This ultimately prevents bacterial penetration of the epithelial barrier and a subsequent systemic dissemination of the pathogen (, ). Binds to cardiolipin and other acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine, which mediate its targeting to the inner leaflet membrane (, ).
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasm, Perinuclear region, Cytoplasm, Cytosol
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane
Expressed predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract and, at a lower level, in the skin. Also detected in mammary gland. In the gastrointestinal tract, mainly expressed in differentiated cells, including the differentiated cell layer of esophagus and mucus-secreting pit cells of the gastric epithelium. Down-regulated in gastric cancer cells.