Abrin-a (T3D3070)

IdentificationTaxonomyBiological PropertiesPhysical PropertiesToxicity ProfileSpectraConcentrationsLinksReferencesGene RegulationTargets (1)XML
Targets (1)
Record Information
Version2.0
Creation Date2009-07-23 18:26:02 UTC
Update Date2014-12-24 20:25:56 UTC
Accession NumberT3D3070
Identification
Common NameAbrin-a
ClassProtein
DescriptionAbrin is a plant toxin found in the Rosary pea (Abrus precatorius). The Rosary pea is common to many tropical areas throughout the world and is sometimes used as an herbal remedy. The seeds of the Rosary pea have been used to make beaded jewelry, which can lead to abrin poisoning if the seeds are chewed and swallowed. The outer shell of the seed protects the contents from the stomachs of most mammals. Abrin has some potential medical uses, such as in treatment to kill cancer cells. (2)
Compound Type
  • Amide
  • Amine
  • Natural Compound
  • Organic Compound
  • Plant Toxin
  • Protein
Protein StructureT3d3070
Synonyms
Synonym
Abrin-a A chain
Abrin-a B chain
rRNA N-glycosidase
Chemical FormulaNot Available
Average Molecular Mass59243.125 g/mol
CAS Registry Number53597-23-2
SequenceNot Available
Chemical Taxonomy
DescriptionNot Available
KingdomOrganic Compounds
Super ClassOrganic Acids
ClassCarboxylic Acids and Derivatives
Sub ClassAmino Acids, Peptides, and Analogues
Direct ParentPeptides
Alternative ParentsNot Available
SubstituentsNot Available
Molecular FrameworkNot Available
External DescriptorsNot Available
Biological Properties
StatusDetected and Not Quantified
OriginExogenous
Cellular LocationsNot Available
Biofluid LocationsNot Available
Tissue LocationsNot Available
PathwaysNot Available
ApplicationsNot Available
Biological RolesNot Available
Chemical RolesNot Available
Physical Properties
StateLiquid
AppearanceClear solution.
Experimental Properties
PropertyValue
Melting PointNot Available
Boiling PointNot Available
Solubility>10 mg/mL
LogPNot Available
Predicted PropertiesNot Available
Spectra
Spectra
Spectrum TypeDescriptionSplash KeyDeposition DateView
Toxicity Profile
Route of ExposureIngestion (3) ; dermal (3)
Mechanism of ToxicityAbrin works by penetrating the cells of the body and inhibiting cell protein synthesis. By attaching to a carbohydrate chain on the cell surface, the abrin molecule anchors itself to the cell, is subsequently engulfed and enters the inner parts of the cell where it reacts with a ribosomal subunit and interferes with the normal protein synthesis process of the cell. Without these proteins, cells cannot survive. The severity of the effects of abrin poisoning vary on the means of exposure to the substance. (2)
MetabolismFree toxin may be removed by opsonization via the reticuloendothelial system (primarily the liver and kidneys) or it may be degraded through cellular internalization via the lysosomes. Lysosomes are membrane-enclosed organelles that contain an array of digestive enzymes, including several proteases.
Toxicity ValuesLD50: 20 ug/kg (Intraperitoneal, Mouse) (1) LD50: 20 ug/kg (Intravenous, Mouse) (1)
Lethal DoseNot Available
Carcinogenicity (IARC Classification)No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/SourcesAbrin is a plant toxin found in the Rosary pea (Abrus precatorius). The Rosary pea is common to many tropical areas throughout the world and is sometimes used as an herbal remedy. The seeds of the Rosary pea have been used to make beaded jewelry, which can lead to abrin poisoning if the seeds are chewed and swallowed. Abrin has some potential medical uses, such as in treatment to kill cancer cells. (2)
Minimum Risk LevelNot Available
Health EffectsAbrin inhibits cell protein synthesis, leading to cell death which causes harmful bodily effects and may result in death. (2)
SymptomsAbrin irritates the skin and eyes. Inhalation may cause respiratory distress, fever, cough, nausea, tightness in the chest, heavy sweating and pulmonary edema. Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, low blood pressure, hallucinations, and seizures. In either case, death may result from respiratory failure or liver, speen, and/or kidney damage. (2)
TreatmentAs there is no antidote for abrin, treatment consists of supportive medical care to minimize the effects of the poisoning. This may include respiratory assistance, intravenous fluids, medications to treat conditions such as seizure and low blood pressure, or administering activated charcoal. (2)
Normal Concentrations
Not Available
Abnormal Concentrations
Not Available
DrugBank IDNot Available
HMDB IDNot Available
PubChem Compound IDNot Available
ChEMBL IDNot Available
ChemSpider IDNot Available
KEGG IDNot Available
UniProt IDP11140
OMIM ID
ChEBI IDNot Available
BioCyc IDNot Available
CTD IDNot Available
Stitch IDNot Available
PDB ID1ABR
ACToR IDNot Available
Wikipedia LinkNot Available
References
Synthesis ReferenceNot Available
MSDSNot Available
General References
  1. National Library of Medicine, SIS (2006). ChemIDplus Record for Abrin (1393-62-0).
  2. Wikipedia. Abrin. Last Updated 24 April 2009. [Link]
  3. Wikipedia. Phytotoxin. Last Updated 7 August 2009. [Link]
Gene Regulation
Up-Regulated GenesNot Available
Down-Regulated GenesNot Available

Targets

1. RNA
References
  1. Wikipedia. Abrin. Last Updated 24 April 2009. [Link]