A widely conserved bacterial cytoskeletal component influences unique helical shape and motility of the spirochete Leptospira biflexa.
Mol Microbiol
; 108(1): 77-89, 2018 04.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29363884
ABSTRACT
Leptospires and other members of the evolutionarily ancient phylum of Spirochaetes are bacteria often characterized by long, highly motile spiral- or wave-shaped cells. Morphology and motility are critical factors in spirochete physiology, contributing to the ability of these bacteria to successfully colonize diverse environments. However, the mechanisms conferring the helical structure of Leptospira spp. have yet to be fully elucidated. We have identified five Leptospira biflexa bactofilin proteins, a recently characterized protein family with cytoskeletal properties. These five bactofilins are conserved in all species of the Leptospiraceae, indicating that these proteins arose early in the evolution of this family. One member of this protein family, LbbD, confers the optimal pitch distance in the helical structure of L. biflexa. Mutants lacking lbbD display a unique compressed helical morphology, a reduced motility and a decreased ability to tolerate cell wall stressors. The change in the helical spacing, combined with the motility and cell wall integrity defects, showcases the intimate relationship and coevolution between shape and motility in these spirochetes.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Proteínas de Bactérias
/
Leptospira
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Mol Microbiol
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
MICROBIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos