From Signal Transduction to Protein Toxins - a Narrative Review about Milestones on the Research Route of C. Difficile Toxins

From Signal Transduction to Protein Toxins - a Narrative Review about Milestones on the Research Route of C. Difficile Toxins
Author: Klaus Aktories
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2023
Genre:
ISBN:

Abstract: Selected findings about Clostridioides difficile (formerly Clostridium difficile) toxins are presented in a narrative review. Starting with a personal view on research about G proteins, adenylyl cyclase, and ADP-ribosylating toxins in the laboratory of Günter Schultz in Heidelberg, milestones of C. difficile toxin research are presented with the focus on toxin B (TcdB), covering toxin structure, receptor binding, toxin up-take and refolding, the intracellular actions of TcdB, and the treatment of C. difficile infection

Uptake and Trafficking of Protein Toxins

Uptake and Trafficking of Protein Toxins
Author: Holger Barth
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 261
Release: 2017-12-01
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3319588931

This volume focuses on the transport of medically relevant bacterial protein toxins into mammalian cells, and on novel pharmacological strategies to inhibit toxin uptake. The first chapters review our current understanding of the cell-surface receptors and cellular transport processes of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins, Clostridium botulinum C3 toxin, Clostridium difficile toxins, binary clostridial enterotoxins, anthrax toxins and diphtheria toxin. In brief, specific binding/transport (B) subunits deliver the enzyme (A) subunits into the cytosol, where the latter modify their substrates, producing cytotoxic effects and the characteristic toxin-associated diseases. Key mechanisms for the transport of the A subunits from endosomes into the cytosol and the role of trans-membrane pores formed by the B subunits and host cell chaperones for this process are reviewed. The book’s closing chapters focus on compounds which inhibit the transport of the A subunits from endosomes into the cytosol and therefore might lead to novel therapeutic strategies for toxin-associated diseases. These substances include pharmacological inhibitors of the host cell chaperones involved, as well as multivalent and heterocyclic molecules that specifically block the toxins’ translocation channels. This volume offers an up-to-date resource for scientists.

Guidebook to Protein Toxins and Their Use in Cell Biology

Guidebook to Protein Toxins and Their Use in Cell Biology
Author: Rino Rappuoli
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Total Pages: 278
Release: 1997-05-29
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 019154728X

Many bacteria, animals, and plants produce toxins that can prove lethal to other organisms. Toxins are a form of "biological warfare" that helps their producer to survive and so confer an evolutionary advantage. They display an extraordinary range of complexity, from the formic acid provided by ants to bacterial proteins composed of thousands of amino acids. This Guidebook considers the more complex protein and peptide toxins and groups them according to their mode of action. Topics covered include: membrane-permeabilizing toxins; toxins affecting signal transduction and protein synthesis; cytoskeleton-affecting toxins; toxins affecting the immune and inflammatory response. This class of biomolecules will be of interest to a wide range of researchers in cell biology, neuroscience, and toxicology.

Toxins and Signal Transduction

Toxins and Signal Transduction
Author: Yehuda Gutman
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 520
Release: 1997-05-22
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9789057020780

Of the multitude of toxins known and the enormous variety of effects they cause, of particular interest are those that influence signal transduction. Intercellular communication by chemical signals is essential for the functioning of multicellular organisms. Many toxins exert their biological effects by interfering with the signal transduction initiated by these chemicals (hormones, transmitters, growth factors, and other mediators). Up-to-date information is provided by outstanding experts, who discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in the action of many toxins, as well as the use of toxins as informative tools with which to study signal transduction and their potential therapeutic usage. This volume contains useful information for the experimentalist interested in toxins or in signal transduction, as well as for the reader interested in gaining a comprehensive overview of the field. The Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Toxin Action series will include monographs on signal transduction, secretory systems, cytoskeleton, selective neurotoxicity of natural, recombinant and chimeric toxins giving a broader emphasis on the mechanism of action, structure-function relationship, and use of toxins as research tools and their therapeutic applications.

Bacterial Protein Toxins

Bacterial Protein Toxins
Author: Alistair J. Lax
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 268
Release: 2011-04-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781139443593

Bacterial toxins that act inside cells interact very specifically with key components of the cell and some even manipulate the cell in subtle ways for their own purposes. These potent toxins, described in this 2005 book, will be of interest to both microbiologists and cell biologists. Some of these toxins are conventional multidomain toxins that are self-programmed to enter cells. Others are delivered by type III mechanisms, often as a package of potent molecules. The molecular targets for all these toxins mediate signal transduction and the cell cycle to regulate the crucial processes of cell growth, cell division and differentiation. Thus these potent toxins are not only responsible for disease, but also provide a powerful set of tools with which to interrogate the biology of the cell. In addition such toxins may act directly to promote carcinogenesis and hence their study is also of interest in a wider context.

Bacterial Protein Toxins

Bacterial Protein Toxins
Author: K. Aktories
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 713
Release: 2013-03-14
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3662059711

In recent years remarkable progress has been accomplished with respect to our knowledge about bacterial protein toxins. This refers especially to structural aspects of protein toxins but also holds true for genetics, molecular biology and biochemical mechanisms underlying the action of toxins. This volume covers the very current and exciting aspects of up-to-date bacterial toxicology and comprehensively reviews the most important bacterial protein toxins such as the intracellular acting toxins which exhibit enzyme activity, as well as those toxins that interact with cell plasma membranes by damaging the membranes (pore formation) or stimulating cell receptors (superantigens). This is the most current reference work on these important bacterial protein toxins, which are presented from the point of view of different disciplines such as pharmacology, microbiology, cell biology and protein chemistry.

The Comprehensive Sourcebook of Bacterial Protein Toxins

The Comprehensive Sourcebook of Bacterial Protein Toxins
Author: John H. Freer
Publisher:
Total Pages: 748
Release: 1999
Genre: Medical
ISBN:

The Comprehensive Sourcebook of Bacterial Protein Toxins, Second Edition provides an up-to-date description of the great advances made in our understanding of the structure, genetics, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of action of bacterial protein toxins over the past decade. This work follows and expands on the First Edition, with 70% totally new content and full-color illustrations. Molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, cell biology, protein engineering, structural biochemistry, and clinical research in infectious diseases are brought together to provide a complete overview of the field.

Assessment of Long-Term Health Effects of Antimalarial Drugs When Used for Prophylaxis

Assessment of Long-Term Health Effects of Antimalarial Drugs When Used for Prophylaxis
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 427
Release: 2020-04-24
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309672104

Among the many who serve in the United States Armed Forces and who are deployed to distant locations around the world, myriad health threats are encountered. In addition to those associated with the disruption of their home life and potential for combat, they may face distinctive disease threats that are specific to the locations to which they are deployed. U.S. forces have been deployed many times over the years to areas in which malaria is endemic, including in parts of Afghanistan and Iraq. Department of Defense (DoD) policy requires that antimalarial drugs be issued and regimens adhered to for deployments to malaria-endemic areas. Policies directing which should be used as first and as second-line agents have evolved over time based on new data regarding adverse events or precautions for specific underlying health conditions, areas of deployment, and other operational factors At the request of the Veterans Administration, Assessment of Long-Term Health Effects of Antimalarial Drugs When Used for Prophylaxis assesses the scientific evidence regarding the potential for long-term health effects resulting from the use of antimalarial drugs that were approved by FDA or used by U.S. service members for malaria prophylaxis, with a focus on mefloquine, tafenoquine, and other antimalarial drugs that have been used by DoD in the past 25 years. This report offers conclusions based on available evidence regarding associations of persistent or latent adverse events.

Biological Toxins and Bioterrorism

Biological Toxins and Bioterrorism
Author: P. Gopalakrishnakone
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2015-01-22
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 9789400758681

Biological toxins are an important part of our world, a reality with which we need to cope, so in parallel with understanding their mechanisms of action and thereby improving our fundamental knowledge, there are successful efforts to utilize them as therapeutics against some debilitating human and animal diseases. In view of the complexity of different types of biotoxins and the broad range of toxin structure, physiology, utility, and countermeasures including regulatory issues, it was thus aimed to compile a book on biotoxins and bioweapons. This reference work in the Toxinology handbook series gathers together knowledge from around the globe about naturally inspired and manufactured biological weapons. The authors describe how they work; how authorities may detect their presence, prevent their use, and diagnose their impacts; and the means by which medical and paramedical professionals may treat victims. Also described are how they have been used to further our knowledge and what insights they have given us into evolutionary and physiological processes. Finally, it is also discussed how these toxins can be used as therapeutics and what the implications of such therapeutics are to their use as biothreat agents. This volume provides a reference accessible to scientists, educators, and medical experts alike with an interest in biotoxins, focusing on the major toxins used as bioweapons. Regulatory agencies will also benefit from the information provided in this book. Some in the intended audience may need to understand how they elicit their effects and how we can defend ourselves against them. Others may be interested in the sometimes colorful histories that surround this subset of biotoxins that can be and, in some cases, have been used as weapons.

MRCOG Part One

MRCOG Part One
Author: Alison Fiander
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 557
Release: 2016-10-13
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1107667135

A fully updated and illustrated handbook providing comprehensive coverage of all curriculum areas covered by the MRCOG Part 1 examination.