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Induction of apoptosis by Shiga toxins

Vernon L Tesh1

  • 1Department of Microbial & Molecular Pathogenesis, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University System Health Science Center, 407 Reynolds Medical Building, College Station, TX 77843-1114, USA. tesh@medicine.tamhsc.edu

Future Microbiology
|March 10, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Shiga toxins from bacteria trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis) in various human cells. This review explores the mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications of Shiga toxin-induced apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Shiga toxins are protein toxins produced by Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli.
  • These toxins are known to inhibit protein synthesis by inactivating ribosomes.
  • Emerging evidence indicates Shiga toxins also induce apoptosis in numerous cell types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence that Shiga toxins induce apoptosis across diverse cell types.
  • To examine the shared apoptotic signaling pathways activated by these toxins.
  • To discuss the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress and clinical implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating Shiga toxin effects on cells.
  • Analysis of apoptotic signaling pathways.
  • Examination of endoplasmic reticulum stress response mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Shiga toxins induce apoptosis in epithelial, endothelial, leukocytic, lymphoid, and neuronal cells.
  • Common signaling pathways are activated across different cell types.
  • Endoplasmic reticulum stress is implicated in Shiga toxin-induced apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Shiga toxins are potent inducers of apoptosis through conserved cellular mechanisms.
  • Apoptosis is a significant factor in diseases caused by Shiga toxin-producing bacteria.
  • Shiga toxins may hold potential for cancer therapy by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells.

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