Search

Plasmid R1 inhibits growth of bacteria by synthesizing an inhibitor of cell proliferation, Kid, and a neutralizing antidote, Kis, which binds tightly to the toxin. Here we report that this toxin and antidote, which have evolved to function in bacteria, also function efficiently in a wide range of eukaryotes. Kid inhibits cell proliferation in yeast, Xenopus laevis and human cells, whilst Kis protects. Moreover, we show that Kid triggers apoptosis in human cells. These effects can be regulated in vivo by modulating the relative amounts of antidote and toxin using inducible eukaryotic promoters for independent transcriptional control of their genes. These findings allow highly regulatable, selective killing of eukaryotic cells, and could be applied to eliminate cancer cells or specific cell lineages in development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses developments about the periodical "FEMS Microbiology Reviews." Starting in January 2006, "FEMS Microbiology Reviews," along with the other journals of the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS), will be published by Blackwell Publishing Inc. The periodical will have a new layout and format. Furthermore, it will be published bi-monthly. The second FEMS Congress will be held in Madrid, Spain on July 4-8, 2006.