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Inhibition of Peptide Chain Elongation

Abstract

ABRIN, a protein present in the seeds of Abrus precatorius L. (Leguminosae), is highly toxic in animals and man, especially when administered parenterally1–3. We show here that abrin is a potent inhibitor of peptide chain elongation although the precise point at which the compound acts has not been determined. Recently we found that ricin, a toxic protein present in the seeds of an entirely different plant (Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae)), inhibits protein synthesis in a similar fashion4.

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OLSNES, S., PIHL, A. Inhibition of Peptide Chain Elongation. Nature 238, 459–461 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/238459a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/238459a0

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