The F-pilus biomechanical adaptability accelerates conjugative dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation.

ABSTRACT: Conjugation is used by bacteria to propagate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the environment. Central to this process are widespread conjugative F-pili that establish the connection between donor and recipient cells, thereby facilitating the spread of IncF plasmids among enteropathogenic bacteria. Here, we show that the F-pilus is highly flexible but robust at the same time, properties that increase its resistance to thermochemical and mechanical stresses. By a combination of biophysical and molecular dynamics methods, we establish that the presence of phosphatidylglycerol molecules in the F-pilus contributes to the structural stability of the polymer. Moreover, this structural stability is important for successful delivery of DNA during conjugation and facilitates rapid formation of bio

SUBMITTER: Patkowski JB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10076315 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature