Botulinum Toxin Associated Protein Complex (IMAGE)

DOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory

Botulinum Toxin Associated Protein Complex

Caption

3-D atomic-level views of botulinum neurotoxin type E (green) and the associated protein (red). Left-hand view shows the surface characteristics while right-hand 'ribbon' view shows details of the protein architecture. Detailed biochemical analysis of the structure reveals how the associated protein 'cloaks' the toxin to evade degradation in the acidic gastrointestinal tract, and how the complex disassociates upon entry into the neutral pH bloodstream to activate the toxin.

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Brookhaven National Laboratory

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