How Bacterial Neurotoxins Drive Disease and Bioengineering Innovation

Highlights

  • •
    This review provides a mechanistic classification of bacterial neurotoxins.
  • •
    Neurotoxins are discussed as modulators of neural and neuroimmune networks.
  • •
    Emerging links between bacterial neurotoxins and the gut–brain axis are highlighted.
  • •
    The role of neurotoxins in neurodegenerative disorders is critically evaluated.
  • •
    Engineered neurotoxin platforms show promise for targeted neural therapeutics.
  • •
    Current translational opportunities and limitations in precision neurology are reviewed.


Abstract

The central and peripheral nervous systems constitute highly organized and dynamic networks that rely on precise regulation of synaptic transmission, membrane integrity, cytoskeletal stability, and intracellular signaling. Disruption of these tightly controlled processes can lead to a wide range of neurological disorders. Among the various modulators of neural function, bacterial neurotoxins represent a unique class of exotoxins that selectively target key neuronal components with remarkable molecular specificity. Traditionally studied in the context of infectious pathogenesis, bacterial neurotoxins are now increasingly recognized as powerful molecular probes of synaptic machinery and intracellular signaling pathways. In addition to their direct effects on neurons, accumulating evidence indicates that bacterial neurotoxins also participate in neuroimmune interactions, contribute to neuroinflammatory cascades, and may impact gut-brain axis signaling and long-term neurodegenerative vulnerability.
Advances in structural biology and protein engineering have shifted the field from descriptive toxicology to translational neurobiology. Engineered toxin derivatives and attenuated catalytic variants are being investigated as tools for neural circuit modulation, targeted drug delivery, and the treatment of movement disorders, chronic pain, and other neurological conditions. This review offers a comprehensive and critical synthesis of bacterial neurotoxins, integrating molecular mechanisms of action with their pathological consequences, emerging research and therapeutic applications. By combining insights from infectious disease biology and systems neuroscience, we seek to outline both the opportunities and the unresolved challenges that shape the future direction of bacterial neurotoxin research in precision neurology.

Read full article for free (open access):
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666517426001070



Popular posts from this blog

Salivary microbiome diversity is associated with oral health and disease

Image
The oral microbiome is a complex community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that inhabit the oral cavity. Microbes of the oral microbiome are implicated in health and disease. We collected 220 unstimulated saliva samples from patients with periodontal disease and varying degrees of dental caries, as well as from subjects with no signs of oral disease. Metagenomic analysis of saliva revealed significantly higher abundance of periodontal pathogens in people with gum disease, and significantly higher abundance of cariogenic species in people with dental caries. We also found that salivary microbiome diversity was significantly higher in people with periodontal disease, but not in those with only caries. Furthermore, oral microbiome diversity is affected by oral hygiene habits such as flossing frequency, but not brushing frequency. Clustering and differential analysis allowed us to identify specific commensal species, such as  Prevotella pallens and Veillonella atypica , which are signi...
Read more

Pacific has one of most successful years for grants in school history

Image
University of the Pacific secured 62 grants from federal, state and county agencies totaling more than $36 million—one of the best years for government grants in school history. The dramatic increase in fiscal year 2023—double the amount awarded to Pacific in 2022—was largely driven by three of the university’s largest grants, which include $6 million for the School of Health Sciences to  expand the social work program , $5.6 million for Benerd College to  support mental health services in K-12 schools  and $5 million to McGeorge School of Law to  improve mental health services in California . This was the best year for grants at Pacific in 15 years. “This is a reflection of the exceptional work our faculty are doing to address pressing issues,” said David Ojcius, assistant provost for research and scholarship. “These grants will have a significant impact on the community.”   Read full article at: https://www.pacific.edu/pacific-newsroom/pacific-has-on...
Read more