Substrate recognition by the EF-Tu-modifying methyltransferase EftM.

The opportunistic bacterial pathogen is a leading cause of serious infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis, compromised immune systems, or severe burns. adhesion to host epithelial cells is enhanced by surface-exposed translation elongation factor EF-Tu carrying a Lys-5 trimethylation, incorporated by the methyltransferase EftM. Thus, the EF-Tu modification by EftM may represent a target to prevent infections in vulnerable individuals.