Trichosanthin interacts with and enters cells via LDL receptor family members

The type-I ribosome-inactivating protein trichosanthin displays selective cytotoxicity, suggesting specific mechanisms for entry into cells. Here we show that trichosanthin binds specifically to the endocytic receptors LRP and megalin, and that binding as well as uptake into cells is inhibited by the receptor-associated protein (RAP). The results suggest that the known abortifacient and renotoxic actions of trichosanthin are caused by LRP-mediated uptake in trophoblasts and megalin-mediated uptake in proximal tubule epithelial cells, respectively.