Botulinum neurotoxin

Botulinum neurotoxin (CBN) is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. CBP contains a light and a heavy chains (LC and HC). CBP HC contains two modules: the N-terminal translocation domain and the C-terminal receptor-binding domain. CBP LC proteolyzes SNARE substrates which are essential for synaptic vescicle fusion and neurotransmitter release thus causing paralysis. CBP HC acts as a channel and as transmembrane chaperone enabling the passage of the LC into the cytosol. CBP type A is used by the cosmetics industry for smoothing wrinkles and is known commercially as Botox. For more details see Clostridium Botulinum Neurotoxin Type B.

Function

Disease

CBP is the most lethal toxin known causing botulism.

Relevance

Structural highlights