Biogenesis, structure and function of Type IV pili (Tfp) - Koomey Group
Post doc. Hanne C. Winther-Larsen
Tfp are used as colonization factors by bacterial pathogens responsible for an extensive amount of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition, Tfp are associated with horizontal gene transfer and therefore contribute to the evolution of pathogenic and antibiotic resistant microbes. We use standard molecular biology strategies, together with classical genetic as well as bioinformatics and proteomic approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of Tfp biogenesis and the structure / function relationships accounting for Tfp associated phenotypes. The intention is that by understanding the molecular basis for these processes, it will be possible to design rational approaches to preventing and controlling disease.
- Tfp biogenesis and dynamics of expression (Wolfgang et al. 2000. Components and dynamics of fiber formation define a ubiquitous biogenesis pathway for bacterial pili. EMBO J.)
- Tfp structure and components (Winther-Larsen et al. 2001. Neisseria gonorrhoeae PilV, a type IV pilus-associated protein essential to human epithelial cell adherence. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.)
- Function of Tfp in human cell adherence (Gill et al. 2003. Down-regulation of CD46 by piliated Neisseria gonorrhoeae. J. Exp. Med.)
- Function of Tfp in natural genetic transformation (Aas et al. 2002. Competence for natural transformation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: components of DNA binding and uptake linked to Type IV pilus expression. Mol. Microbiol.)
N. gonorrhoeae expressing Type IV pili comprised of the the pilin subunit of P. aeruginosa (immunofluorescence microscopy - cells / green , pili / red)
