Type IV pili of species.

Type IV pili (T4Ps) are surface filaments widely distributed among bacteria and archaea. T4Ps are involved in many cellular functions and contribute to virulence in some species of bacteria. Due to the diversity of T4Ps, different properties have been observed for homologous proteins that make up T4Ps in various organisms.

High throughput and targeted screens for prepilin peptidase inhibitors do not identify common inhibitors of eukaryotic gamma-secretase.

Introduction: Prepilin peptidases (PPP) are essential enzymes for the biogenesis of important virulence factors, such as type IV pili (T4P), type II secretion systems, and other T4P-related systems of bacteria and archaea. PPP inhibitors could be valuable pharmaceuticals, but only a few have been reported. Interestingly, PPP share similarities with presenilin enzymes from the gamma-secretase protease complex, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Cryo-EM Structure of the Type IV Pilus Extension ATPase from Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli.

Type 4 pili (T4P) are retractable surface appendages found on numerous bacteria and archaea that play essential roles in various microbial functions, including host colonization by pathogens. An ATPase is required for T4P extension, but the mechanism by which chemical energy is transduced to mechanical energy for pilus extension has not been elucidated. Here, we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of the BfpD ATPase from enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) in the presence of either ADP or a mixture of ADP and AMP-PNP.

Landmark Discoveries and Recent Advances in Type IV Pilus Research.

Type IV pili (T4P) are retractable multifunctional nanofibers present on the surface of numerous bacterial and archaeal species. Their importance to microbiology is difficult to overstate. The scientific journey leading to our current understanding of T4P structure and function has included many innovative research milestones.

Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain UMD142.

can be a harmless commensal organism or cause a range of diseases in humans, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, meningitis, sepsis, and skin and soft tissue infections. Here, we describe the genome of an isolate that was associated with necrotizing fasciitis and the decompensation of previously undiagnosed cirrhosis.