F-pili dynamics by live-cell imaging.

ABSTRACT: Bacteria have evolved numerous mechanisms for cell-cell communication, many of which have important consequences for human health. Among these is conjugation, the direct transfer of DNA from one cell to another. For gram-negative bacteria, conjugation requires thin, flexible filaments (conjugative pili) that are elaborated by DNA donor cells. The structure, function, and especially the dynamics of conjugative pili are poorly understood. Here, we have applied live-cell imaging to characterize the dynamics of F-pili (conjugative pili encoded by the F plasmid of Escherichia coli). We establish that F-pili normally undergo cycles of extension and retraction in the absence of any obvious triggering event, such as contact with a recipient cell. When made, such contacts are able to survive the sh

SUBMITTER: Clarke M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2582581 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature