Fungal ribotoxin

Fungal ribotoxins are a group of extracellular ribonucleases (RNases) secreted by fungi. Their most notable characteristic is their extraordinary specificity. They inactivate ribosomes by cutting a single phosphodiester bond of the rRNA that is found in a universally conserved sequence. This cleavage leads to cell death by apoptosis. However, since they are extracellular proteins, they must first enter the cells that constitute their target to exert their cytotoxic action. This entry constitutes the rate-determining step of their action.

Fungal ribotoxin

Fungal ribotoxins are a group of extracellular ribonucleases (RNases) secreted by fungi. Their most notable characteristic is their extraordinary specificity. They inactivate ribosomes by cutting a single phosphodiester bond of the rRNA that is found in a universally conserved sequence. This cleavage leads to cell death by apoptosis. However, since they are extracellular proteins, they must first enter the cells that constitute their target to exert their cytotoxic action. This entry constitutes the rate-determining step of their action.