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Biology of type II secretion
1Department of Biochemistry, American Red Cross, Jerome H. Holland Laboratory, 15601 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855, USA. sandkvis@usa.redcross.org
Molecular Microbiology
|April 20, 2001
Summary
The type II secretion system in Proteobacteria uses a complex apparatus to export folded proteins like toxins and enzymes. This pathway shares similarities with type IV pilus systems, involving a pilus-like structure for secretion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The type II secretion system is a major pathway for protein export in Proteobacteria.
- It secretes virulence factors like toxins and enzymes, impacting plant and animal pathogenesis.
- Unlike other systems, it transports folded proteins across the outer membrane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on the type II secretion apparatus organization.
- To elucidate the roles of different components in the secretion process.
- To present models of pilus-mediated secretion and protein recognition mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on type II secretion.
- Analysis of the structural and functional components of the secretion apparatus.
- Comparison with type IV pilus biogenesis systems.
Main Results:
- The type II secretion apparatus comprises at least 12 gene products forming a multiprotein complex.
- This system spans the periplasmic compartment and facilitates outer membrane translocation.
- It shares features with type IV pilus systems, including pilus-like structure assembly.
Conclusions:
- The type II secretion pathway is crucial for bacterial pathogenesis and protein export.
- Understanding its components and mechanisms provides insights into protein transport.
- Further research on secretion models and protein recognition is warranted.