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Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) Toxins of Vibrios

Karla J F Satchell1

  • 1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611.

Microbiology Spectrum
|July 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxins deliver cytotoxic effectors into host cells. These bacterial toxins, varying in domain composition, are linked to Vibrio pathogenesis in humans and animals.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Multifunctional-autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxins are secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, notably Vibrio species.
  • These toxins utilize conserved repeat regions and an autoprocessing protease domain for effector delivery into eukaryotic cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the conserved structural elements of MARTX toxins.
  • To detail the diverse toxin arrangements within Vibrio species and strains.
  • To describe the catalytic functions and pathogenic roles of MARTX toxins.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on MARTX toxins.
  • Analysis of conserved structural features and effector domain variations.
  • Examination of toxin-pathogenesis relationships.

Main Results:

  • MARTX toxins possess conserved repeat regions and an autoprocessing protease domain for effector translocation.
  • Ten distinct effector domains exist, with individual toxins carrying two to five.
  • Toxin variants can be acquired or lost via homologous recombination, leading to strain-specific differences.

Conclusions:

  • MARTX toxins are versatile virulence factors with adaptable effector repertoires.
  • Understanding MARTX toxin structure and function is crucial for elucidating bacterial pathogenesis.
  • These toxins play a significant role in the pathogenicity of human and animal infections.

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