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Tetanus and botulism neurotoxins: a new group of zinc proteases

https://doi.org/10.1016/0968-0004(93)90065-UGet rights and content

Abstract

The active forms of tetanus and botulinum neurotoxins, released from the precursor molecule by specific proteolysis and reduction, block the release of neurotransmitters via a Zn2+-dependent protease activity. VAMP/synaptobrevin, an integral membrane protein of the synaptic vesicles, is cleaved at a single site by tetanus and botulinum B, D and F neurotoxins. The unique sequence, mechanism of activation and site of activity of clostridial neurotoxins mark them out as an independent group of Zn2+-endopeptidases.

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