Legionella Eukaryotic-Like Type IV Substrates Interfere with Organelle Trafficking
Author Information
Author(s): de Felipe Karim Suwwan, Glover Robert T., Charpentier Xavier, Anderson O. Roger, Reyes Moraima, Pericone Christopher D., Shuman Howard A.
Primary Institution: Columbia University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Legionella pneumophila may translocate effectors that specifically interfere with conserved vacuolar protein sorting pathways.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that multiple Leg proteins can disrupt normal vesicle trafficking and contribute to the intracellular lifestyle of Legionella pneumophila.
Supporting Evidence
- 33 Legionella eukaryotic-like genes were identified as substrates of the Icm-Dot secretion system.
- LegC3-GFP and LegC7/YlfA-GFP caused mis-secretion of a protein normally restricted to the yeast vacuole.
- LegC3-GFP caused the accumulation of endosome-like structures in the protozoan host Dictyostelium discoideum.
Takeaway
This study found that certain proteins from a bacteria called Legionella can mess up how cells normally move things around inside them.
Methodology
The researchers used fluorescence-based assays and yeast models to study the effects of Legionella proteins on vesicle trafficking.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the complexity of interactions in natural host cells due to the use of model systems.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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