The Bacterial Fimbrial Tip Acts as a Mechanical Force Sensor
Author Information
Author(s): Aprikian Pavel, Interlandi Gianluca, Kidd Brian A., Le Trong Isolde, Tchesnokova Veronika, Yakovenko Olga, Whitfield Matt J., Bullitt Esther, Stenkamp Ronald E., Thomas Wendy E., Sokurenko Evgeni V.
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
How does the quaternary structure of the adhesive organella of Escherichia coli facilitate binding under mechanically dynamic conditions?
Conclusion
The fimbrial tip of type 1 Escherichia coli is optimized for flexible exploration and force sensing, enhancing bacterial adhesion under shear stress.
Supporting Evidence
- Bacterial adhesion to uroepithelial cells increased more than 20-fold when shear was switched from 0.01 Pa to 0.1 Pa.
- The catch bond mechanism allows FimH to bind more strongly under tensile force.
- Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the FimH structure opens under force, enhancing adhesion.
- Fimbrial tips were able to reproduce shear-dependent binding to mannose-coated surfaces.
Takeaway
Bacteria have tiny hooks that help them stick to surfaces better when there's a lot of movement, like when urine flows in the bladder.
Methodology
The study used flow chamber experiments, single molecule force spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the fimbrial tip's properties.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on the structural properties and did not evaluate the fimbrial tip's behavior in the presence of mannose during simulations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website