Twin-arginine transport complex plays an essential role in <i>Caulobacter</i> cell shape and viability.

ABSTRACT: Two main pathways are responsible for protein secretion across the cytoplasmic membrane in prokaryotes. While the general secretory (Sec) pathway transports proteins across the membrane in an unfolded state, the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway exports proteins primarily in their folded conformation. Although the Tat system appears dispensable in multiple model bacteria, some species require it for viability, and the reason for the distinction is nebulous. Here we show that all three subunits of the Tat complex-TatA, TatB, and TatC-are essential in the alpha-proteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus. Additionally, depletion of the Tat complex results in abnormal cell morphology. We found that localization to the cell periphery, as well as midcell localization upon osmotic upsh

SUBMITTER: Chong TN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12911857 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature