ISSN:
1420-9071
Keywords:
Tetanus
;
botulism
;
neurotoxins
;
proteases
;
exocytosis
;
endosomes
;
membrane fusion
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract A group of bacterial protein toxins interfere with vesicular trafficking inside cells. Clostridial neurotoxins affect mainly the highly regulated fusion of neurotransmitter- and hormone-containing vesicles with the plasma membrane. They cleave the three SNARE proteins: VAMP, SNAP-25 and syntaxin, and this selective proteolysis results in a blockade of exocytosis. TheHelicobacter pylori cytotoxin is implicated in the pathogenesis of gastroduodenal ulcers. It causes a progressive and extensive vacuolation of cells followed by necrosis, after a cytotoxin-induced alteration of membrane trafficking by late endosomes. Vacuoles originate from this compartment in a rab7-dependent process and swell because they are acidic and accumulate membrane-permeant amines.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01952098
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