Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
06:34
Validation of Therapeutic Agent Conjugation to Polyvinyl Alcohol-Coated Medical Devices
Published on: November 29, 2024
Targeted secretion inhibitors-innovative protein therapeutics
1Syntaxin Ltd, Units 4-10 The Quadrant, Barton Lane, Abingdon, OXON, OX14 3YS, UK. keith.foster@syntaxin.com
Toxins
|November 10, 2011
Summary
Botulinum neurotoxins offer therapeutic benefits but are highly toxic. Researchers developed Targeted Secretion Inhibitors (TSI) from these toxins, creating safer biopharmaceuticals for chronic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Botulinum neurotoxins are potent inhibitors of neurotransmitter release, offering therapeutic effects lasting months.
- Their high toxicity and limited cell activity restrict clinical applications.
- Understanding neurotoxin structure-function relationships is key to developing safer alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer novel biopharmaceuticals from botulinum neurotoxins.
- To create Targeted Secretion Inhibitors (TSI) with therapeutic potential.
- To address limitations of neurotoxins for treating chronic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging knowledge of botulinum neurotoxin structure-function.
- Developing recombinant proteins that retain specific pharmacological properties.
- Engineering TSI proteins that selectively inhibit secretion.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed a new class of biopharmaceuticals: Targeted Secretion Inhibitors (TSI).
- TSI proteins selectively inhibit secretion without neurotoxicity.
- TSI proteins provide prolonged inhibition of secretion after a single application.
Conclusions:
- TSI proteins represent a novel therapeutic class derived from botulinum neurotoxins.
- TSI are suitable for treating chronic diseases where secretion is a key factor.
- A TSI for chronic pain is currently undergoing clinical development.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:24Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
01:30Production of Pharmaceuticals
Industrial insulin production uses genetically engineered E. coli expressing a proinsulin gene controlled by a tryptophan promoter and containing a methionine linker for later cleavage. The cells also carry ampicillin resistance for selective growth. Seed cultures are stored at −80 °C and production begins by thawing a small amount to inoculate starter cultures, which are progressively scaled to a 50,000-L bioreactor. In the bioreactor, E. coli grow in nutrient-rich media under sterile, tightly...