Amatoxins belong to a family of bicyclic octapeptide derivatives composed of an amino acid ring bridged by a sulfur atom and characterized by differences in their side groups; these compounds are responsible for more than 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings in humans. The amatoxins inhibit the enzyme RNA polymerase II, which copies the genetic code of DNA into messenger RNA molecules. The toxin naturally accumulates in liver cells, and the ensuing disruption of metabolism accounts for the severe liver dysfunction cause by amatoxins.
Amatoxins are part of a family of bicyclic octapeptide derivatives that feature an amino acid ring connected by a sulfur atom and varied side chains; these compounds cause more than 90% of fatal mushroom poisonings in humans. The amatoxins inhibit the RNA polymerase II enzyme, which is crucial for DNA to messenger RNA conversion. The toxin naturally accumulates in liver cells, disrupting metabolism and leading to severe liver dysfunction.