A novel stabilization mechanism for the type VI secretion system sheath.

ABSTRACT: The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a phage-derived contractile nanomachine primarily involved in interbacterial competition. Its pivotal component, TssA, is indispensable for the assembly of the T6SS sheath structure, the contraction of which propels a payload of effector proteins into neighboring cells. Despite their key function, TssA proteins exhibit unexpected diversity and exist in two major forms, a short form (TssA_S) and a long form (TssA_L). While TssA_L proteins interact with a partner, called TagA, to anchor the distal end of the extended sheath, the mechanism for the stabilization of TssA_S-containing T6SSs remains unknown. Here we discover a class of structural components that interact with short TssA proteins and contribute to T6SS

SUBMITTER: Bernal P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7896307 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature