Understanding Curli Fiber Formation in Bacteria
Author Information
Author(s): Jonathan D. Taylor, Yizhou Zhou, Paula S. Salgado, Ardan Patwardhan, Matt McGuffie, Tillmann Pape, Grzegorz Grabe, Elisabeth Ashman, Sean C. Constable, Peter J. Simpson, Wei-chao Lee, Ernesto Cota, Matthew R. Chapman, Steve J. Matthews
Primary Institution: Imperial College London
Hypothesis
CsgC is involved in redox activity within the curli biogenesis system.
Conclusion
The study provides high-resolution structural insights into curli fiber biogenesis and suggests that CsgC regulates the redox status of CsgG, influencing curli assembly.
Supporting Evidence
- CsgC is related to the redox-active N-terminal domain of DsbD.
- CsgG is predicted to form a transmembrane helix that is vital for curli assembly.
- Mutations in CsgG affect curli fiber formation and biofilm characteristics.
Takeaway
Bacteria make special fibers called curli that help them stick together and cause infections. This study shows how two proteins, CsgC and CsgG, work together to help make these fibers.
Methodology
The study involved solving the crystal structure of CsgC and analyzing the structure of CsgG to understand their roles in curli fiber biogenesis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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