Botulinum Toxin

By Hannah Keane, Dec. 2016 What is it? What does it do? Botulinum toxin (BTX) is a neurotoxic protein with 8 distinct serotypes [4]. All BTX exotoxins function as a polypeptide that blocks the release of a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, involved in motor skills. BTX...

Mitomycin C

By Bushra Fatima, Dec. 2016 What is it? Mitomycin C is a member of the mitomycin family of compounds, characterized by the presence of an aziridine ring. Mitomycin C was initially discovered as an antibiotic, but due to its antineoplastic properties has since been...

Streptococcus salivarius

By Sanika Joshi, Dec 2016 What is it? Streptococcus salivarius is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobic microorganism that is found in the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract of human beings. S. salivarius is spherical in shape, non-motile, non-sporing, and...

Pyocyanin

PYOCYANIN             By: Joann Phan, with commentary from the September 26th Whiteson lab meeting What is it? Pyocyanin is a redox active molecule, a phenazine, that is often produced by soil microbes. Phenazines have long been considered as antibiotics used as...

M.O.M. List

Here are some options for Molecule/Microbe of the moment. Completed molecules (or microbes) are linked. Butanedione crAssphage Enterococcus faecium Leuconostoc Mesenteroides Lactobacillus Rhamnosus MPP, Mysterious Purple Pigment Pseudomonas syringae Putriscine...