The Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum (and some strains of Clostridium butyricium and Clostridium baratii) is the most lethal toxin known today. Seven serotypically botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) have been found, each of them is categorized into subtypes depending on their amino acid sequence. The protein is initially synthesized as a single polypeptide chain of ≈150 kDa and is then cleaved by a protease to yield the mature toxin, which consists of a light chain (LC which is 50 kDa) and a heavy chain (HC which is 100 kDa). LC and HC are held together by a long peptide belt, non-covalent interactions and a single inter-chain disulphide bond [1]
The Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain (BoNT/A-LC) shown below is composed of 425 residues. It was obtained with high resolution X-ray crystal structure using an inhibitory peptide and the catalytic Zn(II) ion. [2]
Structure
Global aspect
BoNT/A-LC presents
The light chain of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype A has X α-helix :
Helix 1 :
/n Helix 2 :
Helix 3 :
Helix 4 :
Structural highlights
Mechanism
Therapeutic applications
In the late 1960s, a Edward Schantz and a San Francisco opthalmologist, Alan Scott, start to work on the using of the botulinum toxin in therapeutic process.
First, they try to treat strabismus and in the late 1970s the neurotoxin is used in many therapeutic applications.
hyperhidrosis and CHARGE syndrome
We can now treat excessive sweating with botulinium toxin [3] thanks to his action on the receptors of the parasympathetic network. Excessive dribbling can be treated in the same way.
Cosmetic
Non-lethal amount of botulinum toxin can be injected localy to paralyse targeted muscles and reduce wrinkles temporaly[4] (5 to 6 months).
Blepharospesm, nystagmus, torticollis and strabismus
This pathologic can be treated by the same methode. Every anomalous behaviour of muscle tissue can be fixed thanks to the paralyzing effect of the toxin. It is based on the muscles relaxation.
Cervical dystonia
BTX-A is used against cervical dystonia. But it can become inefficient after a periode of use.
