Polypeptides for microbial detection
Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions.
1. A method for detecting a target microorganism in a sample, comprising:
providing a sample, a lipid vesicle comprising a signaling element which generates a detectable signal, and a polypeptide;
contacting the sample, the lipid vesicle, and the polypeptide; and
detecting the detectable signal;
wherein the polypeptide comprises an activatable pore-forming portion which, when activated modulate the permeability of the lipid vesicle; and at least three phosphate groups;
wherein hydrolysis of at least one of the at least three phosphate groups activates the pore-forming portion of the polypeptide.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein hydrolysis of at least two of the at least three phosphate groups activates the pore-forming portion of the polypeptide.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein hydrolysis of at least three of the at least three phosphate groups activates the pore-forming portion of the polypeptide.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide comprises SEQ ID No. 1 with at least three phosphate groups attached thereto.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the polypeptide comprises SEQ ID No. 3 with at least three phosphate groups attached thereto.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein detecting the detectable signal comprises measuring the detectable signal.