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

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'''March 17, 2009'''
 
'''March 17, 2009'''
  
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[http://sfcomplex.org Santa Fe Complex] (location to be confirmed)
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[http://sfcomplex.org Santa Fe Complex]
  
 
;Abstract
 
;Abstract
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:Toxicity of many bacteria, including the ones that cause anthrax, is mediated by secreting proteins that form channels on the surfaces of the cells under attack. Then bacteria inject toxins through the channels, resulting in a disease. In this lecture, I will talk about how particle fluxes through the channels are measured, and how understanding the channel structure provides a basis for directed antitoxins discovery, namely finding small molecules that are able to block the flux of the toxins through the channels, making the pathogens impotent.
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:The bacterium ''Bacillus anthracis'' causes the disease anthrax, the Fifth 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.
  
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Dr. Nestorovich will be introduced by Dr. Michael E. Wall, Staff Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory.
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Dr. Nestorovich will be introduced by Dr. William S. Hlavacek, Staff Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory.
  
 
Back to [[Public Lectures | The q-bio Public Lectures main page]].
 
Back to [[Public Lectures | The q-bio Public Lectures main page]].
  
 
[[Category: The q-bio Public Lectures]]
 
[[Category: The q-bio Public Lectures]]

Latest revision as of 21:30, 12 March 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 Fifth 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. William S. Hlavacek, Staff Scientist, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Back to The q-bio Public Lectures main page.

Retrieved from "http://cnls.lanl.gov/q-bio/seminar-series/index.php?title=Defending_against_anthrax:_Cell_membrane_channels_and_drug_design&oldid=380"
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