Under normal conditions, the components of a toxin–antitoxin (TA) system form a stable complex, blocking toxin activity. However, when the cell is stressed, the antitoxin is degraded, freeing the toxin to cause damage. Here, Yamaguchi and Inouye describe the TA systems found inEscherichia coliand their role in regulating cell growth and death.
- Yoshihiro Yamaguchi
- Masayori Inouye
