- Dr Jon Heras
- Cholera Toxin
- Anim./Multimedia-D/Exhibits
Illustration of the cholera toxin in the gut
Cholera is an infectious gastroenteritis caused by enterotoxin-producing strains of the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Vibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterium that produces cholera toxin. The cholera toxin is a protein complex made up of six protein subunits: a single copy of the A subunit (blue and red in the image), and five copies of the B subunit (shown in green). The five B subunits form a five-membered ring which binds to the surface of the intestinal epithelium. The A subunit has two important segments. The A1 portion of the chain (CTA1, blue) is a globular enzyme payload that ADP-ribosylates G proteins, while the A2 chain (CTA2, red) forms an extended alpha helix which seats snugly in the central pore of the B subunit ring. The action of the A subunit leads to secretion of chloride and water into the lumen of the intestine resulting in rapid dehydration. In its most severe forms, cholera is one of the most rapidly fatal illnesses known.
- Collections: Molecular
About the Artist: Dr Jon Heras x
I run Equinox Graphics, a small technical illustration and animation studio in Cambridge, after completing my PhD in engineering, and we have worked for important clients such as Bloodhound SSC, ESA, NASA, Nature, Design Council, Institute of Physics, Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Windfall Films, etc., and have been published in Nature, Science, BMJ, The Lancet, New Scientist, Chemistry World, The Ecologist as well as BBC news and science publications.
Our hands-on science and engineering backgrounds remove the knowledge gap that can frustrate communication on technical projects. We have developed a distinctive style, and our work was recently recognised by Science magazine, being awarded an honourable mention (i.e. runner-up) in their 2011 Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge, which is fiercely fought by artists and scientists alike from around the world.
We have a wide knowledge of both the biological and physical sciences, and can communicate with scientists to ensure accuracy and functionality in our science communication media.