Abstract |
The concept that bacterial infection could cause cancer has only recently become accepted because of the strong epidemiological and molecular evidence for a major carcinogenic role played by Helicobacter pylori. However, information on other potential bacterial carcinogens is very limited and thereby unconvincing. A different approach is to assess bacteria for potentially pro-carcinogenic properties. The Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) has many properties that mark it out as a potential carcinogen. PMT is a highly potent mitogen and has been demonstrated to block apoptosis. PMT modifies and activates members of three of the four families of heterotrimeric G-proteins, all of which have potential roles in carcinogenesis. Many signalling components downstream of these G-proteins are known proto-oncogenes and have been shown to be activated by PMT. These include, amongst others, the Rho GTPase, focal adhesion kinase, cyclooxygenase-2, β- catenin signalling and calcium signalling. PMT action potentially influences many of the acquired Hanahan/Weinberg capabilities necessary for oncogenic transformation. Although there is little evidence that PMT might have a role in human cancer, it serves as an important and novel paradigm for a bacterial link to cancer.
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Authors | Alistair Lax |
Journal | Current topics in microbiology and immunology
(Curr Top Microbiol Immunol)
Vol. 361
Pg. 131-44
( 2012)
ISSN: 0070-217X [Print] Germany |
PMID | 22695919
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Bacterial Proteins
- Bacterial Toxins
- Pasteurella multocida toxin
- Protein Subunits
- beta Catenin
- Cyclooxygenase 2
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1
- PTK2 protein, human
- Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins
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Topics |
- Animals
- Bacterial Proteins
(genetics, metabolism)
- Bacterial Toxins
(genetics, metabolism)
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Cyclooxygenase 2
(genetics, metabolism)
- Focal Adhesion Kinase 1
(genetics, metabolism)
- Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins
(genetics, metabolism)
- Humans
- Neoplasms
(etiology, metabolism, microbiology)
- Pasteurella Infections
(complications, metabolism, microbiology)
- Pasteurella multocida
(genetics, metabolism, pathogenicity)
- Protein Subunits
(genetics, metabolism)
- Signal Transduction
- Up-Regulation
- beta Catenin
(genetics, metabolism)
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