Mechanisms of clostridial toxin binding and translocation
Abstract
The bacterial genus Clostridium consists of over 150 species of anaerobic, fermentative, spore-forming bacilli. Clostridial species produce up to 20% of all known bacterial exotoxins, which serve as important virulence factors in the 10% of clostridial species that are highly pathogenic. The seven serotypes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNTs A-G) and tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) are the causative agents of the paralytic diseases botulism and tetanus, respectively. Entry of toxins into neurons is mediated through initial interactions with gangliosides, followed by binding to a protein co-receptor. Herein we aimed to understand the mechanism through which individual neurotoxins recognize the carbohydrate motif of gangliosides. Using cell-based and in vitro binding assays, in conjunction with structure-driven site-directed mutagenesis, a conserved hydrophobic residue within the BoNTs that contributes to both affinity and specificity towards Sia5-containing gangliosides was identified. We demonstrate that targeted mutations within the Sia5 binding pocket result in the generation of neurotoxins that either bind and enter cells more efficiently (BoNT/A1 and BoNT/B) or display altered ganglioside binding specificity (TeNT). These data support a model in which recognition of Sia5 is largely driven by hydrophobic interactions between the sugar and the Sia5 binding site. Another key step in intoxication by the clostridial neurotoxins (CNTs) involves translocation domain (HCT)-mediated translocation of the light chain (LC) across the endosomal membrane. Although our understanding of the translocation process has grown in recent years, the exact mechanism by which this occurs is not well defined.
Degree
Ph. D.
Thesis Department
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