The enteropathogenic E. coli effector EspF targets and disrupts the nucleolus by a process regulated by mitochondrial dysfunction.

The nucleolus is a multifunctional structure within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and is the primary site of ribosome biogenesis. Almost all viruses target and disrupt the nucleolus--a feature exclusive to this pathogen group. Here, using a combination of bio-imaging, genetic and biochemical analyses, we demonstrate that the enteropathogenic E.