The <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> T6SS-VgrG1b spike is topped by a PAAR protein eliciting DNA damage to bacterial competitors.

ABSTRACT: The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a supramolecular complex involved in the delivery of potent toxins during bacterial competition. Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses three T6SS gene clusters and several hcp and vgrG gene islands, the latter encoding the spike at the T6SS tip. The vgrG1b cluster encompasses seven genes whose organization and sequences are highly conserved in P. aeruginosa genomes, except for two genes that we called tse7 and tsi7 We show that Tse7 is a Tox-GHH2 domain nuclease which is distinct from other T6SS nucleases identified thus far. Expression of this toxin induces the SOS response, causes growth arrest and ultimately results in DNA degradation. The cytotoxic domain of Tse7 lies at its C terminus, while the N termi

SUBMITTER: Pissaridou P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6298103 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature