Functional studies of the recombinant subunits of a cytolethal distending holotoxin.

ABSTRACT: Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is a multicomponent bacterial holotoxin that targets most eukarytotic cells causing distension and cell cycle arrest. A number of diverse pathogenic bacterial species associated with diarrhoea, chancroid, chronic hepatitis and periodontal disease produce a CDT. Synthesis of the holotoxin is directed by the expression of three genes, cdtA, cdtB and cdtC. Although the product of the CdtB gene was previously identified as a type I deoxyribonuclease, the functions of the cdtA and cdtC products have not been characterized. Using the periodontal pathogen, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, we demonstrate that the recombinant product of the CdtA gene binds to the surface of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This protein did not induce distension or cytotoxici

SUBMITTER: Mao X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1435349 | biostudies-literature | 2002 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature