Discover how bacteria inject proteins into cells using microscopic syringes. Researchers have unveiled the process of loading nanoscale needles with proteins, shedding light on a previously unknown molecular mechanism. These syringelike structures, known as a type-III secretion system, resemble hollow needles that can cover a microbe’s entire surface, giving it a sinister appearance. While the protein structure of these needles is well understood, the process of recruiting and injecting proteins remains a mystery. Previous studies suggested that a ring of proteins at the base of the secretion system might act as a sorting platform, but this work was not conducted in living cells, leaving the process largely unexplored. This groundbreaking research offers new insights into the inner workings of disease-causing microbes.
2024-01-18 10:22:39
Source from www.sciencenews.org