The bactofilin cytoskeleton protein BacM of Myxococcus xanthus forms an extended β-sheet structure likely mediated by hydrophobic interactions.

ABSTRACT: Bactofilins are novel cytoskeleton proteins that are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. Myxococcus xanthus, an important predatory soil bacterium, possesses four bactofilins of which one, BacM (Mxan_7475) plays an important role in cell shape maintenance. Electron and fluorescence light microscopy, as well as studies using over-expressed, purified BacM, indicate that this protein polymerizes in vivo and in vitro into ~3 nm wide filaments that further associate into higher ordered fibers of about 10 nm. Here we use a multipronged approach combining secondary structure determination, molecular modeling, biochemistry, and genetics to identify and characterize critical molecular elements that enable BacM to polymerize. Our results indicate that the bactofilin-determining domain DUF583 folds

SUBMITTER: Zuckerman DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4372379 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature