Combinatorial control of type IVa pili formation by the four polarized regulators MglA, SgmX, FrzS, and SopA.

ABSTRACT: Type IVa pili (T4aP) are widespread and enable bacteria to translocate across surfaces. T4aP engage in cycles of extension, surface adhesion, and retraction, thereby pulling cells forward. Accordingly, the number and localization of T4aP are critical to efficient translocation. Here, we address how T4aP formation is regulated in Myxococcus xanthus, which translocates with a well-defined leading and lagging cell pole using T4aP at the leading pole. This localization is orchestrated by the small GTPase MglA and its downstream effector SgmX that both localize at the leading pole and recruit the PilB extension ATPase to the T4aP machinery at this pole. Here, we identify the previously uncharacterized protein SopA and show that it interacts directly with SgmX, localizes at the leading po

SUBMITTER: Oklitschek M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11580455 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature