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A Cell-Based Fluorescent Assay to Detect the Activity of Shiga Toxin and Other Toxins that Inhibit Protein Synthesis

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Microbial Toxins

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 739))

Abstract

Escherichia coli O157:H7, a major cause of food-borne illness, produces Shiga toxins (Stxs) that block protein synthesis by inactivating the ribosome. In this chapter, we describe a simple cell-based fluorescent assay to detect Stxs and inhibitors of toxin activity. The assay can also be used to detect other plant and bacterial toxins that arrest protein synthesis.

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References

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank high school student Srikar Reddy and Ā­undergraduate Jessica Johnston for assistance with generating the dose-response curves for ricin, diphtheria toxin, and exotoxin A.

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Correspondence to Ken Teter .

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Massey, S., QuiƱones, B., Teter, K. (2011). A Cell-Based Fluorescent Assay to Detect the Activity of Shiga Toxin and Other Toxins that Inhibit Protein Synthesis. In: Holst, O. (eds) Microbial Toxins. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 739. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-102-4_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-61779-102-4_5

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61779-101-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-61779-102-4

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