Shiga toxin

PDB 1r4q.png|thumb|Ribbon diagram of Shiga toxin (Stx) from S. dysenteriae. From PDB: 1R4Q​.]]

Shiga toxins are a family of related toxins with two major groups, Stx1 and Stx2, expressed by genes considered to be part of the genome of lambdoid prophages. The toxins are named for Kiyoshi Shiga, who first described the bacterial origin of dysentery O104:H4, and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC).

Shiga toxins act to inhibit protein synthesis within target cells by a mechanism similar to that of ricin. After entering a cell via a macropinosome, the protein cleaves a specific adenine nucleobase from the 28S RNA of the 60S subunit of the ribosome, thereby halting protein synthesis.

Structure

The toxin has two subunits—designated A (mol. wt. 32000 D) and B (mol. wt. 7700 D)—and is one of the AB₅ toxins. The B subunit is a pentamer that binds to specific glycolipids on the host cell, specifically globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Following this, the A subunit is internalised and cleaved into two parts. The A1 component then binds to the ribosome, disrupting protein synthesis. Stx-2 has been found to be about 400 times more toxic (as quantified by LD₅₀ in mice) than Stx-1.

Gb3 is, for unknown reasons, present in greater amounts in renal epithelial tissues, to which the renal toxicity of Shiga toxin may be attributed. Gb3 is also found in central nervous system neurons and endothelium, which may lead to neurotoxicity. Stx-2 is also known to increase the expression of its receptor GB3 and cause neuronal dysfunctions.

The toxin requires highly specific receptors on the cells' surface to attach and enter the cell; species such as cattle, swine, and deer which do not carry these receptors may harbor toxigenic bacteria without any ill effect, shedding them in their feces, from where they may be spread to humans.

See also

• Cholera toxin
• Enterotoxin
• Pertussis toxin
• 2011 German E. coli outbreak

External links

• Shiga toxin at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)