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How Do Bacterial Neurotoxins Affect Neurosecretion?

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Neurosecretion: Secretory Mechanisms

Part of the book series: Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology ((MANEURO,volume 8))

Abstract

The mechanism by which bacterial toxins alter or interfere with secretion mechanisms are addressed in this chapter. After a brief description of the general mechanism of bacterial exotoxins, examples of key toxins affecting neurosecretion are commented upon. These comprise the botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins (BoNT and TeNT), which are toxins that divert synaptic vesicle (SV) recycling to enter nerve endings, and impair exocytosis by cleaving the soluble N-ethyl-maleimide-sensitive-factor attachment receptors (SNAREs). Given the important role of Rho, Rac, CDC42 GTPase, and F-actin in the vesicle/granule intracellular traffic and secretion processes, we address several examples of key bacterial cytotoxins affecting their cellular functions. We also briefly comment on the action of a few bacterial toxins that potentiate release of neurotransmitters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institute des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France

    Bernard Poulain & Frédéric Doussau

Authors
  1. Bernard Poulain
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  2. Frédéric Doussau
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bernard Poulain .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Medical School, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA

    José R. Lemos

  2. Molecular Mechanisms in Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, UMR-S1198, Montpellier, France

    Govindan Dayanithi

Key References: See Main List for Reference Details

Key References: See Main List for Reference Details

  • Aktories (2011) A comprehensive review for non-specialized biologist.

  • Lee et al. (2013) The 3D structure of a BoNT bound to nontoxic associated proteins.

  • Tsai et al. (2017) A key paper explaining how a bacterial toxin can escape for intracellular degradation.

  • Pirazzini et al. (2017) A comprehensive review on the mechanisms of Botulinum neurotoxins.

  • Poulain et al. (2008) A comprehensive review on botulinum toxins, making a link between the molecular aspects, synaptic manifestations and pathophysiology.

  • Wioland et al. (2015) First report of the de-myelinating action of a bacterial toxin.

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Poulain, B., Doussau, F. (2020). How Do Bacterial Neurotoxins Affect Neurosecretion?. In: Lemos, J., Dayanithi, G. (eds) Neurosecretion: Secretory Mechanisms. Masterclass in Neuroendocrinology, vol 8. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-22989-4_12

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