Using botulinum neurotoxins to treat overactive muscles and glands

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are highly toxic substances that cause botulism but can also be used as medical treatments for overactive muscles and glands. The binding domain of BoNTs target specific cells in the nervous system by interacting with proteins and receptors. Gangliosides, important molecules on cell surfaces, play a role in cell signaling.

In a recent study, Ipsen Bioinnovation Limited and the University of Bath used Macromolecular Crystallography (MX) at Diamond to analyse the crystal structures of BoNT binding domains in complex with gangliosides. This provided insights into the specific interactions and structural changes of the toxin. The findings have implications for the development of future BoNT therapeutics.

Discover what they found.