Scientists from the University of Queensland have discovered the mechanism by which Botox, a drug made from a deadly biological substance, penetrates brain cells. Research published in the journal EMBO.
The scientists used ultra-high-resolution microscopy. He showed that a receptor called Synaptotagmin1 binds to two other previously known Botox receptors, forming a small complex on the surface of brain cells.
Botulinum toxin captures this complex and penetrates synaptic vesicles, structures that store substances necessary for communication between neurons. Botox then cuts the connection between nerves and muscle cells, causing muscle paralysis.
The discovery means new target molecules can be identified to develop effective treatments for botulism, a rare but potentially deadly bacterial infection.
The injectable drug Botox was originally developed to treat people with strabismus, but doctors soon discovered that it relieved migraines, chronic pain, and muscle spasms. It has since been used regularly in neurology and is also known as a cosmetic product for smoothing wrinkles.