Cytotonic protein and utlization thereof

Abstract

This invention relates to a new cytotoxic protein (M toxin, mucous layer devastating toxin) produced by Helicobacter pylori and the use. This invention provides a cytotoxic protein (M toxin) produced by Helicobacter pylori , a partial peptide, and an antitumor agent containing the cytotoxic protein. The protein is obtained by culturing a transformant which is transformed with a recombination vector containing DNA coding the cytotoxin protein. This invention provides further the use of the protein.

1 . A method for screening a compound that promotes or inhibits the activity of the cytotoxic protein of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein cell multiplication inhibition activity, cytotoxic activity or cell death is judged by comparison between negative or positive control groups with a warm-blooded animal cell.