Ectatomin (1eci) is the main component of venom of the ant Ectatomma tuberculatum. When bitten by E. tuberculatum, Ectatomin inserts into the target's cell membranes and forms a nonselective cation channel.
Structure
Biologically, Ectatomin exists as a heterodimer. Each subunit is composed of two α-helices, linked by disulfide bonds, with a connecting hairpin hinge region. The two subunits are linked by a disfulide bond between their hairpin hinge regions.
Mechanism
Toxicology