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News and Views
Nature 444, 1019-1020 (21 December 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05410; Published online 13 December 2006
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Structural biology: Dangerous liaisons on neurons
Giampietro Schiavo1
Abstract
Crystal structures show that botulinum toxins bind simultaneously to two sites on neurons. This dual interaction allows them to use a Trojan-horse strategy to enter nerve terminals, with deadly effect.
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are some of the most deadly substances known to mankind. By blocking nerve function, they cause botulism, a severe condition that may ultimately lead to muscular and respiratory paralysis.
- Giampietro Schiavo is at the Molecular Neuropathobiology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute, 44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PX, UK.
Email: giampietro.schiavo@cancer.org.uk
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