A single point mutation in a TssB/VipA homolog disrupts sheath formation in the type VI secretion system of Proteus mirabilis.

ABSTRACT: The type VI secretion (T6S) system is a molecular device for the delivery of proteins from one cell into another. T6S function depends on the contractile sheath comprised of TssB/VipA and TssC/VipB proteins. We previously reported on a mutant variant of TssB that disrupts T6S-dependent export of the self-identity protein, IdsD, in the bacterium Proteus mirabilis. Here we determined the mechanism underlying that initial observation. We show that T6S-dependent export of multiple self-recognition proteins is abrogated in this mutant strain. We have mapped the mutation, which is a single amino acid change, to a region predicted to be involved in the formation of the TssB-TssC sheath. We have demonstrated that this mutation does indeed inhibit sheath formation, thereby explaining the global dis

SUBMITTER: Saak CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5614524 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature