New Mechanism Behind Spiral Shape of Bacteria Uncovered
Researchers reveal how porins and lipoproteins dictate the spiral shape of Rhodospirillum rubrum, offering insights into bacterial fitness and potential disease control.
- An international research team discovered that the spiral shape of Rhodospirillum rubrum is controlled by porins and the lipoprotein PapS.
- The porins, previously known for nutrient exchange, form a helical structure that influences cell growth direction.
- When PapS is absent or its binding to porins is disrupted, the bacteria lose their spiral shape and become straight.
- The study suggests this mechanism could apply to other curved bacteria, impacting their ecological roles and interactions.
- Understanding bacterial shape could aid in developing methods to combat pathogens that rely on specific shapes for virulence.
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