Work

Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins: From Plant Defense to Tumor Attack

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are EC3.2.32.22 N-glycosidases that recognize a universally conserved stem-loop structure in 23S/25S/28S rRNA, depurinating a single adenine (A4324 in rat) and irreversibly blocking protein translation, leading finally to cell death of intoxicated mammalian cells. Ricin, the plant RIP prototype that comprises a catalytic A subunit linked to a galactose-binding lectin B subunit to allow cell surface binding and toxin entry in most mammalian cells, shows a potency in the picomolar range. The most promising way to exploit plant RIPs as weapons against cancer cells is either by designing molecules in which the toxic domains are linked to selective tumor targeting domains or directly delivered as suicide genes for cancer gene therapy. Here, we will provide a comprehensive picture of plant RIPs and discuss successful designs and features of chimeric molecules having therapeutic potential.

Source: Toxins

DOI: 10.3390/toxins2112699

Authors: Maddalena de Virgilio, Alessio Lombardi, Rocco Caliandro, Maria Serena Fabbrini

Institutions: National Research Council, Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Institute of Crystallography

Language: English

Topic: Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258