Structure, function & regulation of the Type IVa pilus machine
Dr. Anke Treuner-Lange
Research Area
Bacterial motility is important for processes such as adaptation, colonization of various habitats, biofilm formation, interaction with host cells, virulence and overall fitness by directing cells toward nutrients and away from toxins and predators. Accordingly, bacteria can move in many different environments and their motility devices are adapted to these varying conditions.
To move on surfaces bacteria use ubiquitous cell surface structures called Type IVa pili (T4aP), which are long, thin and dynamic filaments. T4aP-dependent motility depends on cycles of T4aP extension, surface adhesion, and retraction. Because the T4aP adheres strongly to the surfaces, cells are pulled forward during retractions. The nanomachine that energize the extension & retraction of T4aP, the so called T4aP machine, is widespread and highly conserved. We are studying the structure, function and regulation of the T4aP machine in Myxococcus xanthus, using a combination of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, as well as transcriptome and proteome analyses.
Since, T4aP are highly versatile and not only important for motility but for surface sensing, adhesion to and colonization of host cells and abiotic surfaces, biofilm formation, virulence, predation, and DNA uptake our research has implications beyond M. xanthus and T4aP-dependent motility.
