Dynamics of Type IV Pili Is Controlled by Switching Between Multiple States

Clausen, Martin; Koomey, Michael; Maier, Berenike

doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2008.10.017

Cited by 60 publications

(108 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…Under these conditions the persistence time of the experimental trajectories was reduced to 0.9 s (Supplementary Table 3 and retraction velocity v r of single pili as a function of the load force F for aerobic (red, green) and anaerobic conditions (inset, blue). Data points for Fo100 pN are from our previous work 48 . The green data points at 120 pN (newly measured) correspond to two velocity modes (see also Supplementary Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For measuring the speed generated by a single retracting pilus at a well-defined force, we used a previously described laser tweezers setup (Fig. 2a,b) 48 . Pilus retraction was analysed in the same media as twitching motility.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In short, a bead was trapped and approached to the bacterium that was fixed to a polystyrene coated glass slide while the entire sample was mounted on a piezo stage (see Fig. 2a) 48 . The trapped bead was imaged directly onto a four-quadrant photo diode, allowing to monitor the displacements with high spatial and temporal resolution.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Bacterial twitching motility is coordinated by a two-dimensional tug-of-war with directional memory

et al. 2014

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Type IV pili are ubiquitous bacterial motors that power surface motility. In peritrichously piliated species, it is unclear how multiple pili are coordinated to generate movement with directional persistence. Here we use a combined theoretical and experimental approach to test the hypothesis that multiple pili of Neisseria gonorrhoeae are coordinated through a tug-of-war. Based on force-dependent unbinding rates and pilus retraction speeds measured at the level of single pili, we build a tug-of-war model. Whereas the one-dimensional model robustly predicts persistent movement, the two-dimensional model requires a mechanism of directional memory provided by re-elongation of fully retracted pili and pilus bundling. Experimentally, we confirm memory in the form of bursts of pilus retractions. Bursts are seen even with bundling suppressed, indicating re-elongation from stable core complexes as the key mechanism of directional memory. Directional memory increases the surface range explored by motile bacteria and likely facilitates surface colonization.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Bacterial twitching motility is coordinated by a two-dimensional tug-of-war with directional memory

et al. 2014

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“…Rather, it suggested the persistence of a Tfp tether between the bacterium and the force apparatus (19). On the other hand, it is interesting to note that the speed of these elongations (5 μm∕s) is 5-10 times greater than the Tfp elongation caused by polymerization previously recorded (0.5-1 μm∕s) (27,28).…”

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confidence: 86%

Force-dependent polymorphism in type IV pili reveals hidden epitopes

Biais

Higashi

Brujić

et al. 2010

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

120

126

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Through evolution, nature has produced exquisite nanometric structures, with features unrealized in the most advanced manmade devices. Type IV pili (Tfp) represent such a structure: 6-nmwide retractable filamentous appendages found in many bacteria, including human pathogens. Whereas the structure of Neisseria gonorrhoeae Tfp has been defined by conventional structural techniques, it remains difficult to explain the wide spectrum of functions associated with Tfp. Here we uncover a previously undescribed force-induced quaternary structure of the N. gonorrhoeae Tfp. By using a combination of optical and magnetic tweezers, atomic force microscopy, and molecular combing to apply forces on purified Tfp, we demonstrate that Tfp subjected to approximately 100 pN of force will transition into a new conformation. The new structure is roughly 3 times longer and 40% narrower than the original structure. Upon release of the force, the Tfp fiber regains its original form, indicating a reversible transition. Equally important, we show that the force-induced conformation exposes hidden epitopes previously buried in the Tfp fiber. We postulate that this transition provides a means for N. gonorrhoeae to maintain attachment to its host while withstanding intermittent forces encountered in the environment. Our findings demonstrate the need to reassess our understanding of Tfp dynamics and functions. They could also explain the structural diversity of other helical polymers while presenting a unique mechanism for polymer elongation and exemplifying the extreme structural plasticity of biological polymers.force polymorphism | alternate immunogenic properties

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“…[19] The structural molecular basis for this trait has been elucidated recently. [20] T4P retraction generates considerable mechanical force [21,22] and therefore T4P retraction was proposed to drive uptake of transforming DNA into the periplasm. [23][24][25] Recent experiments provide strong evidence against this hypothesis.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bacterial Translocation Ratchets: Shared Physical Principles with Different Molecular Implementations

Hepp

Maier

2017

BioEssays

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Secretion systems enable bacteria to import and secrete large macromolecules including DNA and proteins. While most components of these systems have been identified, the molecular mechanisms of macromolecular transport remain poorly understood. Recent findings suggest that various bacterial secretion systems make use of the translocation ratchet mechanism for transporting polymers across the cell envelope. Translocation ratchets are powered by chemical potential differences generated by concentration gradients of ions or molecules that are specific to the respective secretion systems. Bacteria employ these potential differences for biasing Brownian motion of the macromolecules within the conduits of the secretion systems. Candidates for this mechanism include DNA import by the type II secretion/ type IV pilus system, DNA export by the type IV secretion system, and protein export by the type I secretion system. Here, we propose that these three secretion systems employ different molecular implementations of the translocation ratchet mechanism.

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Dynamics of Type IV Pili Is Controlled by Switching Between Multiple States

Cited by 60 publications

References 29 publications

Bacterial twitching motility is coordinated by a two-dimensional tug-of-war with directional memory

Bacterial twitching motility is coordinated by a two-dimensional tug-of-war with directional memory

Force-dependent polymorphism in type IV pili reveals hidden epitopes

Bacterial Translocation Ratchets: Shared Physical Principles with Different Molecular Implementations

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