Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
14:28
Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
The intracellular function of extracellular signaling peptides
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. bethl@microbio.ucla.edu
Peptides
|October 6, 2001
Summary
Gram-positive bacteria use novel signaling peptides that enter cells via oligopeptide permease (Opp) to interact with intracellular receptors, regulating key functions like spore development and plasmid transfer.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacterial Signaling
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Extracellular signaling peptides are crucial in bacterial communication.
- Gram-positive bacteria utilize peptide signals for various cellular processes.
- Previous research focused on extracellular peptide functions, not intracellular interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel class of bacterial signaling peptides.
- To elucidate the mechanism of intracellular transport and receptor interaction.
- To explore the functional roles of these peptides in bacterial development and genetics.
Main Methods:
- Identification of novel signaling peptides in Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis.
- Analysis of peptide secretion and uptake mechanisms.
- Investigation of intracellular receptor interactions and downstream effects.
Main Results:
- Discovery of small, unmodified, gene-encoded signaling peptides (Phr peptides and mating pheromones).
- Demonstration of active transport into bacterial cells via oligopeptide permease (Opp).
- Identification of intracellular receptors mediating peptide functions.
- Phr peptides regulate spore development and genetic competence in B. subtilis.
- Mating pheromones control plasmid transfer, including antibiotic resistance genes, in E. faecalis.
Conclusions:
- A novel class of intracellularly acting bacterial signaling peptides has been identified.
- Oligopeptide permease (Opp) plays a dual role in nutrient transport and signal peptide uptake.
- These signaling pathways are conserved and may be widespread in bacteria.
- Further research could reveal new targets for antimicrobial strategies.
More Related Videos
10:46Mechanical Stimulation-induced Calcium Wave Propagation in Cell Monolayers: The Example of Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Published on: July 16, 2013
10:23Fabrication and Characterization of Colorectal Cancer Organoids from SW1222 Cell Line in Ultrashort Self-Assembling Peptide Matrix
Published on: May 3, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:24Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
02:03What is Cell Signaling?
Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate to respond to the environment.
02:03What is Cell Signaling?
Despite the protective membrane that separates a cell from the environment, cells need the ability to detect and respond to environmental changes. Additionally, cells often need to communicate with one another. Unicellular and multicellular organisms use a variety of cell signaling mechanisms to communicate to respond to the environment.
01:24Intracellular Signaling Cascades
Once a ligand binds to a receptor, the signal is transmitted through the membrane and into the cytoplasm. The continuation of a signal in this manner is called signal transduction. Signal transduction only occurs with cell-surface receptors, which cannot interact with most components of the cell, such as DNA. Only internal receptors can interact directly with DNA in the nucleus to initiate protein synthesis. When a ligand binds to its receptor, conformational changes occur that affect the...
01:32Types of Signaling Molecules
In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...