Scientists at Leibniz-HKI discovered an enzyme called BurK that cleaves the toxic molecule malleicyprol in human pathogenic bacteria. This mechanism regulates toxin levels and renders it harmless to humans, offering a potential therapeutic approach for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers identify colibactin, a bacterial toxin that alters DNA, as a potential trigger for early-onset colorectal cancer. Exposure to colibactin in childhood may imprint a distinct genetic signature on colon cells, increasing the risk of developing cancer before age 50.
Researchers at La Trobe University have discovered how enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) bacteria use a molecular toxin called EspC to destroy gut cells. This breakthrough could lead to the development of targeted drugs to combat EPEC infections and their devastating consequences, including severe dehydration and death.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh developed a new treatment approach for anthrax by reactivating the ERK pathway with a combination of growth factors. This method shows promise for treating the disease beyond its typical point of no return, offering hope for patients diagnosed late in the illness.
A recent study published in MDPI reveals that plants, fungi, bacteria, protists, and even some viruses employ venom-like mechanisms to solve critical problems. The research expands our understanding of venom beyond animal organisms, highlighting its broader evolutionary significance.
A new study finds that disease-causing bacteria can infect a wide range of plant species, including non-flowering plants, using a common set of pathogenicity factors. The research suggests that the toxin syringomycin interferes with cell membranes across diverse plant species.
Researchers found that neuroinflammation in the hippocampus significantly alters motivation and behaviour in mice, particularly in females. This study suggests that treatments targeting hippocampal neuroinflammation could help reduce cognitive and behavioural symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Depression.
A study led by UF Health Cancer Center researchers found that a toxin in the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni accelerates the spread of colorectal tumors. The findings could lead to new tools for detecting metastatic colorectal cancer early, ultimately helping determine patients who need more aggressive treatments.
Researchers have found that specific E. coli bacteria in the gut promote colon cancer by binding to intestinal cells and releasing a DNA-damaging toxin called colibactin. This binding is made possible by bacterial pili and adhesins, which can be targeted to prevent tumor development.
Researchers have identified a new group of bacterial toxins that can destroy cells of bacteria and fungi without harming other organisms. The study reveals how these toxins are used by bacteria to compete with other microbes, offering exciting possibilities for clinical and biotechnological applications.
Providencia rustigianii carries a type III secretion system and cytolethal distending toxin virulence gene, increasing its pathogenicity, similar to Salmonella.
Yptb utilizes plasmid- and chromosome-encoded proteins to modulate phagocyte activity, promoting bacterial survival and liver colonization. YopM selectively targets inflammatory cells, reducing inflammation and stimulating anti-inflammatory cytokines.
A recent study uses machine learning to analyze 950 microbial genomes, identifying 2,194 potential toxins that could be used as new antimicrobials or biotechnological tools. The researchers also discovered four new toxins with enzymatic activities against different molecules.
Researchers have identified a novel class of antimicrobial toxins, dubbed umbrella toxins, produced by soil bacteria Streptomyces. These toxins are large protein complexes that specifically target other Streptomyces species, making them a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have identified and detailed the structure of Mcf1, a bacterial toxin that kills insects by disrupting essential proteins in their cells. The discovery has implications for developing new organic pest control agents and may also shed light on human diseases.
Research reveals that a small subset of bacterial cells produces deadly toxins while sacrificing themselves for the benefit of their comrades. The bacteria use a temperature-sensitive genetic switch to synchronize toxin production with cell enlargement, ensuring an efficient strategy for infection.
Sezáry syndrome patients face a vicious circle where cancer and treatment weaken the immune system, allowing bacteria like S. aureus to thrive. Eliminating these bacteria may make cancer cells more susceptible to anti-cancer drugs.
A potential treatment for Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) has been discovered by an international team of scientists. The breakthrough found that inhibiting the complement pathway early on can successfully treat STEC-HUS, a devastating disease that can lead to life-long dialysis and death in children.
Scientists have identified a bacterial strain that can break down the toxic tomatine in tomato roots, providing new understanding of how soil microbes interact with plants. This discovery could lead to the development of new bioactive compounds for human applications.
A team of scientists has discovered a second toxin produced by the cyanobacterium Aetokthonos hydrillicola, which is highly toxic and similar to substances used in cancer treatment. The findings could lead to the development of new anti-cancer drugs.
Researchers at IISc designed a short peptide that targets topoisomerases in disease-causing bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant species. The peptide effectively killed bacterial cells and reduced infection in animal models, providing leads for combination therapy with existing antibiotics.
Researchers at The University of Queensland have discovered the venom of asp caterpillars contains toxins similar to those produced by disease-causing bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. These toxins can punch holes in cells, making them a potential source for targeted cancer treatment.
A recent study has shown that the mutual symbiosis between bacteria and fungi can be fragile, as a specific protein maintains the balance. When this protein is absent, the bacteria are trapped within fungal hyphae and die.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a novel approach to fight cancer by inducing cancer cells to produce a toxic protein using mRNA molecules. The treatment was successful in eliminating 44-60% of cancer cells in animal models, with no damage to healthy cells.
A recent study confirmed which genes in the HiVir cluster are essential and which contribute partially to the disease. The toxin produced by Pantoea ananatis has broad-spectrum activity, potentially targeting conserved functions within plants.
Researchers discovered Vibrio pathogens can stick to microplastics, adapting to plastic, and have aggressive behavior, forming biofilms and causing infections. The study highlights the risks of Sargassum-plastic marine debris interactions, with potential for opportunistic pathogens and disease transmission.
A new liposome-based method aims to kill periodontitis-causing leukotoxin while protecting immune cells, providing an alternative treatment for aggressive gum infections. The approach has potential applications against a range of bacteria and could help combat antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered the molecular structure of a new toxin class, Ssp, capable of entering and killing human cells. The discovery offers insights into developing targeted inhibitors to combat infections caused by Serratia marcescens, a pathogen with high antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Aalto University developed a drug that undercuts antibiotic resistance by blocking key toxins involved in the infection process. The treatment sequesters toxins and disrupts biofilms, making bacteria more vulnerable to antibiotics. Initial results show promising protection against bacterial infections.
Researchers discovered genetically identical bacterial cells have different functions, with some producing toxins. Nutrient-rich conditions reduce toxin levels and bad actor cells. This finding could lead to alternative antibiotic treatments for animals and humans.
Researchers have developed nanodiscs based on the cell membranes of human red blood cells, which can effectively neutralize bacterial toxins. These nanodiscs, called RBC-NDs, are biocompatible and non-toxic, making them potentially useful as nanovaccines.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023
Researchers found that bacteria's cooperative behavior helps in the short term but fails to protect them from predators. However, individual defense through filament formation proves successful and stabilizes bacterial population densities.
Researchers found that two proteins help MRSA cells pump toxins into their environment. Targeting these proteins could disable MRSA and reduce its virulence.
Researchers at Leibniz-HKI discovered keanumycins in bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas, effective against plant fungal diseases like grey mould rot and human-pathogenic fungi like Candida albicans. The natural product could be an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides.
A potent plant toxin called albicidin has emerged as a strong new antibiotic candidate, effective in small concentrations and highly potent against pathogenic bacteria. Its unique mechanism targets the bacterial enzyme DNA gyrase, which is essential for cell function.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a preclinical evaluation pipeline for characterization of bacterial therapies in lung cancer models. They combined bacterial therapies with other modalities of treatment to improve treatment efficacy without any additional toxicity.
MIT researchers have identified molecules found in mucus that can block cholera infection by interfering with the genes that cause the microbe to switch into a harmful state. The protective molecules, known as glycans, prevent Vibrio cholerae from producing the toxin that usually leads to severe diarrhea.
Researchers found that a vaccine against the toxin produced by E. coli protects infant mice from intestinal damage, suggesting it could boost global efforts to combat childhood malnutrition. Vaccinating kids against E. coli diarrhea may prevent long-term effects like stunting and micronutrient deficiencies.
Researchers discovered that toxins produced by Vibrio bacteria hijack cell processes, redirecting key proteins into "roads to nowhere". This abnormal filament formation wastes cell resources and raises questions about its potential role or necessity.
Researchers mapped the detailed neural pathway of defensive responses from the gut to the brain in mice after detecting germs. The study could lead to better anti-nausea medications for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a previously unknown bacteria-killing toxin that targets essential RNA molecules in other bacteria. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics by exploiting this vulnerability.
Researchers uncovered the sophisticated mechanism of bacterial Tc toxin's action by utilizing cryo-EM and protein NMR 3D snapshots. The subunits assemble like a syringe, triggering the release of toxic enzymes that disturb cytoskeleton regulation, leading to paralysis.
Researchers have discovered that the FDA-approved drug 3,4-diaminopyridine (3,4-DAP) can reverse botulism symptoms in pre-clinical models. Continuous infusion of the drug produces rapid and sustained therapeutic benefits, supporting its immediate clinical use for botulism patients.
Researchers have gained a deeper understanding of how bacteria use the type VI secretion system to develop toxins for battle. The discovery reveals that toxins are encapsulated in a capsule secured by a cork-like plug, which can be released upon mechanical force.
Research by UC Berkeley biologists highlights the importance of conserving harlequin toad diversity due to the loss of potential pharmaceuticals. A review of 113 species found that only 16 have been studied for toxins, and many are in decline or extinct.
Researchers found that Botox-treated patients reported anxiety significantly less often than those undergoing different treatments for similar conditions. The data used was from the FDA's Adverse Effect Reporting System and showed a 22-72% lower risk of anxiety for four out of eight conditions and injection sites.
A recent study has discovered genetic markers associated with high levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the blood, a toxin linked to sepsis and cardiovascular diseases. The research also found a connection between LPS levels and blood coagulation disorders, such as thromboembolism and stroke.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created a system that enables the production of 'good' bacteria capable of eliminating 'bad' bacteria. This breakthrough technology uses a toxin injection system to target specific types and amounts of toxins, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
Researchers found that bacterial toxins bind unrelated human receptors, causing diarrhea and fatal toxic shock syndrome. The discovery reveals a mechanism by which pathogens evolve receptor preferences to infect different organs.
Researchers from Kanazawa University purified and characterized Monalysin, a pore-forming bacterial toxin, to study its interaction with the innate immune system. The study revealed that activated Monalysin forms pores in cell membranes, leading to cell death, and that it preferentially inserts into curved parts of membranes.
Researchers identified a new way C. difficile causes severe disease by triggering an immune response through Th17 cells, explaining why patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more susceptible to severe infections and increasing mortality rates.
Researchers at the University of Freiburg have discovered that Clostridium difficile toxins penetrate intestinal cells by exploiting a protein called TRiC. Blocking or inhibiting TRiC can prevent cell poisoning, offering potential new strategies for combating these bacterial infections.
Researchers at the John Innes Centre have discovered a connection between microcin B17, a bacterial toxin, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Breakdown products from the toxin trigger gut inflammation characteristic of IBD. The study identifies a new source of environmental and microbial triggers of gastrointestinal inflammation.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered how bacterial toxin ACD cripples cellular infrastructure by modifying actin protein, affecting muscle contraction, cell division, and immune response. The study could lead to better tactics to fight antibiotic-resistant bugs.
A human protein, teneurin, plays a key role in embryonic development and nervous system wiring by binding to other proteins on cell surfaces. Its unique structure, resembling a bacterial toxin, allows it to perform multiple functions through alternative splicing.
Researchers have developed a microgel scavenger that targets intestinal toxins, reducing inflammation and supporting natural gut flora. The new therapy has the potential to treat conditions caused by bacterial infections, such as C. difficile-induced colitis.
Austrian scientists identify critical enterotoxin tilivalline and its potent metabolite tilimycin, produced by penicillin-resistant bacteria. The discovery provides insights into antibiotic side reactions and potential new approaches for producing anticancer drugs.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that Streptococcus pneumoniae secretes pneumolysin toxin to exploit host immune defenses. This helps the bacteria survive on human airways and exit the body, ultimately spreading to a new host.
Researchers discovered a toxin that turns a common protein into poison, disabling the immune cell's ability to neutralize bacteria. The toxin targets a protein called formin, which is essential for assembling actin filaments, ultimately crippling the cell.
A study reveals that Mycoplasma pneumoniae CARDS toxin triggers excessive inflammation by activating NALP3, leading to tissue injury and airway narrowing. The discovery could lead to the development of therapeutic strategies to improve health in individuals with airway diseases.