Three pathogens and three secretion systems - stories on host cell manipulation and interbacterial competition

Speaker: Dr Ethel Bayer Santos, Department of Microbiology, University of São Paulo. 

 

Bacterial secretion systems are trans-envelope multi-protein structures dedicated to the transport of macromolecules. Many pathogens use Type III, Type IV and Type VI secretion systems to deliver protein substrates, called effectors, into target host cells and bacterial competitors. The evolutionary origin of these secretion systems differs significantly: T3SS are related to the flagellar apparatus; T4SS were originally described as conjugative bridges for DNA transfer, and T6SS are related to contractile phage tails. Effectors secreted by these systems display a wide array of functions ranging from host cell manipulation to intoxication of rival bacteria. Dr. Ethel Bayer Santos will give an overview of her contributions to this field and present the latest research from her group.