Cyclomodulins: bacterial effectors that modulate the eukaryotic cell cycle.

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cell Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Microbial pathogens employ diverse strategies to manipulate host cell functions.
• Bacterial toxins and effectors can interfere with critical host cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the term "cyclomodulins" for bacterial toxins affecting the eukaryotic cell cycle.
• To categorize cyclomodulins based on their effects on cell cycle progression (inhibition vs. promotion).

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research on bacterial toxins impacting the cell cycle.
• Classification of known bacterial toxins based on their mechanism of action on cell cycle regulation.

Main Results:

• Identified and proposed the term "cyclomodulins" for bacterial toxins interfering with the eukaryotic cell cycle.
• Described inhibitory cyclomodulins (e.g., cytolethal distending toxins, cycle inhibiting factor) that block mitosis, aiding immune evasion and impairing epithelial integrity.
• Highlighted proliferative cyclomodulins (e.g., cytotoxic necrotizing factor) that interfere with cell differentiation and development pathways.

Conclusions:

• Cyclomodulins represent a significant class of bacterial virulence factors with diverse effects on host cell cycle.
• Understanding cyclomodulins offers new perspectives for basic research into bacterial pathogenesis and potential therapeutic applications, including in cancer.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the roles of cyclomodulins in bacterial virulence and carcinogenesis.