Converging Physiological Roles of the Anthrax Toxin Receptors

The study investigated the roles of anthrax toxin receptors, CMG2 and TEM8, beyond anthrax toxin binding, linking them to hyaline fibromatosis syndrome (HFS) and GAPO syndrome, respectively. Despite structural similarities, mutations in these receptors led to different symptoms, indicating distinct roles in extracellular matrix homeostasis, angiogenesis, cell migration, and skin elasticity. The study included 350 HFS and 70 GAPO patients, providing insights into genetic mutations. CMG2 was crucial for collagen VI degradation, while TEM8 mutations were associated with growth retardation and alopecia. The research highlighted the need for unified nomenclature for HFS and explored therapeutic targets for cancer involving these receptors.