Vero cytoxins (pronounced /ˈvɛrəʊ saɪtəʊksɪns/) are a type of bacterial toxin produced by certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli). The name "Vero" refers to the African green monkey kidney cells (Vero cells) that were used in the initial isolation and identification of the toxin. Cytoxins refer to the toxic effects of the toxin on cells (cyto- meaning "cell" and -toxin meaning "poison"). The proper spelling of this term is important for accurate communication in medical and scientific contexts.
Vero Cytoxins, also known as Vero cytotoxins or VTs, are a group of toxins produced by certain strains of bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli (E. coli). These toxins are named after the Vero cell line that they were initially discovered on.
Vero Cytoxins are composed of two main types, VT1 and VT2. VT1, also referred to as Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1), is produced by a variety of bacterial strains, including some E. coli strains associated with disease outbreaks. VT2, or Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2), is considered more potent and is produced primarily by certain highly pathogenic E. coli strains, such as E. coli O157:H7.
These toxins exert their cytotoxic effects by targeting and inhibiting protein synthesis in host cells. Specifically, Vero Cytoxins enter cells by binding to a specific receptor called globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) on the cell surface. Once inside the cell, the toxins act on ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis, leading to their inactivation. This disruption in protein synthesis ultimately results in cell death.
In humans, exposure to Vero Cytoxins can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea (which may be bloody), abdominal pain, and, in some cases, complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure. These toxins are particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly, as they can cause life-threatening complications.
The detection and analysis of Vero Cytoxins are important in the diagnosis and monitoring of infections caused by toxin-producing bacteria.
The term "Vero Cytoxins" is a combination of two separate words: "Vero" and "cytoxins".
1. Vero: The word "Vero" refers to a cell line derived from the kidney of an African green monkey (Cercopithecus aethiops). Vero cells are commonly used in laboratories to culture viruses and study their effects on host cells. The name "Vero" is derived from the original researchers who developed this cell line - Dr. Yasumura and Dr. Kawakita from the Chiba University School of Medicine in Japan.
2. Cytoxins: "Cytoxins" is a general term used to describe any toxic substance that specifically affects or damages cells. It is derived from the Greek word "kytos" meaning "cell" and "toxikon" meaning "poison".