Contributions of F-specific subunits to the F plasmid-encoded type IV secretion system and F pilus.

ABSTRACT: F plasmids circulate widely among the Enterobacteriaceae through encoded type IV secretion systems (T4SS_F s). Assembly of T4SS_F s and associated F pili requires 10 VirB/VirD4-like Tra subunits and eight or more F-specific subunits. Recently, we presented evidence using in situ cryoelectron tomography (cryoET) that T4SS_F s undergo structural transitions when activated for pilus production, and that assembled pili are deposited onto alternative basal platforms at the cell surface. Here, we deleted eight conserved F-specific genes from the MOBF12C plasmid pED208 and quantitated effects on plasmid transfer, pilus production by fluorescence microscopy, and elaboration of T4SS_F structures by in situ cryoET. Mutant phenotypes supported the assignment of

SUBMITTER: Kishida K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9359479 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature