Difference between revisions of "Defending against anthrax: Cell membrane channels and drug design"

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;Abstract
 
;Abstract
:Anthrax causes disease by secreting proteins that form channels or openings on the surface of a host target cell.  These channels allow toxins to enter the host cell and ultimately cause diseaseUnderstanding channel structure and function can lead to small-molecule drugs that block the actions of anthrax toxins.
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:The bacterium ''Bacillus anthracis'' causes the disease anthrax, the Sixth Plague mentioned in Exodus.  A key step in the pathogenesis of anthrax is secretion of proteins that form channels or openings on the surface of a host target cell.  These channels allow toxins to enter the host cell, which contributes to the symptoms of ''B. anthracis'' infectionStudies of channel structure and function could soon lead to the development of small-molecule drugs that block the action of anthrax toxins.
  
 
Dr. Nestorovich will be introduced by Dr. Michael E. Wall, Staff Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory.
 
Dr. Nestorovich will be introduced by Dr. Michael E. Wall, Staff Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Revision as of 14:49, 25 February 2009

By Dr. Ekaterina Nestorovich, Staff Scientist, National Institutes of Health

March 17, 2009

Santa Fe Complex

Abstract
The bacterium Bacillus anthracis causes the disease anthrax, the Sixth Plague mentioned in Exodus. A key step in the pathogenesis of anthrax is secretion of proteins that form channels or openings on the surface of a host target cell. These channels allow toxins to enter the host cell, which contributes to the symptoms of B. anthracis infection. Studies of channel structure and function could soon lead to the development of small-molecule drugs that block the action of anthrax toxins.

Dr. Nestorovich will be introduced by Dr. Michael E. Wall, Staff Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

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