Mode of Action of Shigella Toxin: Effects on Ribosome Structure and Function
Abstract
The goals of this research contract are to examine the primary action of Shigella dysenteriae 1 toxin as an inhibitor of eukaryotic protein biosynthesis. Two major objectives of this investigation are designed to reveal Shiga toxin-induced changes in ribosome structure-function relationships. These objectives are 1) to explain, in biochemical terms, the manner by which Shiga toxin enzymatically inactivates mammalian ribosomes and 2) to define the steps of protein biosynthesis which are specifically inhibited by the toxin as a result of ribosome modification. A comparison between Shiga toxin and a similar plant-derived toxin is to be made in regard to ribosome inactivation. It is likely that information obtained from these studies will be of value in describing the role of Shiga toxin in establishment of intestinal infections by the toxin-producing Shigella species. It is concluded that: 1) Shiga toxin is an inhibitor of protein synthesis elongation and is without effect on the initiation process, 2) Shiga toxin does not hydrolyze ribosomal RNA into larger fragments and 3) the toxin does not result in modification of ribosomal proteins which would cause a major change in their mass or isoelectric points.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 18, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA219815
Entities
People
- Tom G. Obrig
Organizations
- Albany Medical College