Cytotoxin necrotizing factor

Definition

Cytotoxin necrotizing factor (CNF) is a toxin produced by certain bacteria, primarily Escherichia coli, that induces cell death and tissue destruction. It disrupts cellular functions by altering the host's cytoskeleton and signaling pathways.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CNF is commonly produced by pathogenic strains of Escherichia coli associated with gastrointestinal infections.
2. It works by deamidating a specific glutamine residue in small GTPases like Rho, Rac, and Cdc42 proteins.
3. This toxin can lead to severe inflammatory responses and tissue damage in the intestines.
4. CNF contributes to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever due to its cytotoxic effects on intestinal cells.
5. Detection of CNF involves molecular techniques like PCR to identify the presence of the cnf gene in bacterial isolates.

Review Questions

• Which bacteria are known to produce cytotoxin necrotizing factor?
• How does CNF affect cellular functions at the molecular level?
• What are common symptoms associated with infections involving CNF-producing bacteria?

Related terms

Escherichia coli:

A gram-negative bacterium commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms.

GTPases: Enzymes that hydrolyze GTP, involved in intracellular signaling.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):

A molecular biology technique used to amplify DNA sequences for detection or analysis.