A Legionella effector modulates host cytoskeletal structure by inhibiting actin polymerization.

ABSTRACT: Successful infection by the opportunistic pathogen Legionella pneumophila requires the collective activity of hundreds of virulence proteins delivered into the host cell by the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system. These virulence proteins, also called effectors modulate distinct host cellular processes to create a membrane-bound niche called the Legionella containing vacuole (LCV) supportive of bacterial growth. We found that Ceg14 (Lpg0437), a Dot/Icm substrate is toxic to yeast and such toxicity can be alleviated by overexpression of profilin, a protein involved in cytoskeletal structure in eukaryotes. We further showed that mutations in profilin affect actin binding but not other functions such as interactions with poly-l-proline or phosphatidylinositol, abolish its suppressor activity. Co

SUBMITTER: Guo Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3965633 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature