Clostridium difficile has two parallel and essential Sec secretion systems.

ABSTRACT: Protein translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane is an essential process in all bacteria. The Sec system, comprising at its core an ATPase, SecA, and a membrane channel, SecYEG, is responsible for the majority of this protein transport. Recently, a second parallel Sec system has been described in a number of gram-positive species. This accessory Sec system is characterized by the presence of a second copy of the energizing ATPase, SecA2; where it has been studied, SecA2 is responsible for the translocation of a subset of Sec substrates. In common with many pathogenic gram-positive species, Clostridium difficile possesses two copies of SecA. Here, we describe the first characterization of the C. difficile accessory Sec system and the identification of its major substrates. Using induci

SUBMITTER: Fagan RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3149341 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature