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Record Information
Version2.0
Creation Date2009-07-06 18:11:28 UTC
Update Date2014-12-24 20:25:45 UTC
Accession NumberT3D2602
Identification
Common NameTetanus toxin
ClassProtein
DescriptionTetanus toxin is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. Tetanus toxin is an A-B toxin. It is composed of a 100 kDa heavy chain (fragment B) and a 50kDa light chain (fragment A), which remain connected by a disulfide bridge. Tetanus toxin is one of the three most poisonous substances known to humans, the other two being the toxins of botulism and diphtheria. (2)
Compound Type
  • Amide
  • Amine
  • Bacterial Toxin
  • Natural Compound
  • Organic Compound
  • Protein
Protein StructureT3d2602
Synonyms
Synonym
Tentoxylysin
Tetanus toxin chain H
Tetanus toxin chain L
Chemical FormulaNot Available
Average Molecular Mass150680.980 g/mol
CAS Registry Number676570-37-9
SequenceNot Available
Chemical Taxonomy
DescriptionNot Available
KingdomOrganic Compounds
Super ClassOrganic Acids
ClassCarboxylic Acids and Derivatives
Sub ClassAmino Acids, Peptides, and Analogues
Direct ParentPeptides
Alternative ParentsNot Available
SubstituentsNot Available
Molecular FrameworkNot Available
External DescriptorsNot Available
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular LocationsNot Available
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological RolesNot Available
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateLiquid
AppearanceClear solution.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting PointNot Available
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility>10 mg/mL
LogPNot Available
Predicted PropertiesNot Available
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyDeposition DateView
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureIngestion (3) ; inhalation (3) ; dermal (3)
Mechanism of ToxicityThe bacterium synthesizes the tetanus toxin as a single 150kDa polypeptide chain (called the progenitor toxin), that is cleaved extracellularly by a bacterial protease into a 100 kDa heavy chain (fragment B) and a 50kDa light chain (fragment A), which remain connected by a disulfide bridge. The toxin acts at several sites within the central nervous system, including peripheral nerve terminals, the spinal cord, and brain, and within the sympathetic nervous system. The toxin is taken up into within the nerve axon and transported across synaptic junctions, until it reaches the central nervous system, where it is rapidly fixed to gangliosides at the presynaptic junctions of inhibitory motor nerve endings. Here it blocks inhibitory impulses by interfering with the release of neurotransmitters, including glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Tetanus toxin appears to prevent the release of neurotransmitters by selectively cleaving a component of synaptic vesicles called synaptobrevin II. This leads to unopposed muscle contraction and spasm. (2)
MetabolismFree toxin may be removed by opsonization via the reticuloendothelial system (primarily the liver and kidneys) or it may be degraded through cellular internalization via the lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of digestive enzymes, including several proteases.
Toxicity ValuesNot Available
Lethal Dose1 ng/mg for mice. (1)
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesTetanus toxin is a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani. (2)
Minimum Risk LevelNot Available
Health EffectsTetanus toxin is a neurotoxin that causes tetanus. (2)
SymptomsSymptoms of tetanus include unopposed muscle contraction and spasm, Risus Sardonicus (a rigid smile), Trismus (commonly known as lock-jaw), and Opisthotonus (rigid, arched back). Seizures may occur, and the autonomic nervous system may also be affected. (2)
TreatmentNot Available
Normal Concentrations
Not Available
Abnormal Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDNot Available
PubChem Compound IDNot Available
ChEMBL IDNot Available
ChemSpider IDNot Available
KEGG IDNot Available
UniProt IDP04958
OMIM ID
ChEBI IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
CTD IDNot Available
Stitch IDTetanus toxin
PDB ID1A8D
ACToR IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDST3D2602.pdf
General References
  1. Gill DM: Bacterial toxins: a table of lethal amounts. Microbiol Rev. 1982 Mar;46(1):86-94. [6806598 ]
  2. Wikipedia. Clostridium tetani. Last Updated 10 August 2009. [Link]
  3. Wikipedia. Bacterial toxin. Last Updated 27 February 2009. [Link]
Gene Regulation
Up-Regulated GenesNot Available
Down-Regulated GenesNot Available

Targets

General Function:
Syntaxin-1 binding
Specific Function:
Involved in the targeting and/or fusion of transport vesicles to their target membrane. Modulates the gating characteristics of the delayed rectifier voltage-dependent potassium channel KCNB1.
Gene Name:
VAMP2
Uniprot ID:
P63027
Molecular Weight:
12662.585 Da
References
  1. Wikipedia. Clostridium tetani. Last Updated 10 August 2009. [Link]