Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Biophysical Characterization of Flagellar Motor Functions
Published on: January 18, 2017
Actin-based bacterial motility: towards a definition of the minimal requirements
1Unité des Interactions Bacteries-Cellules, Institut Pasteur, 28 rue du Docteur Roux, Paris 75015, France.
Abstract:
At the border line between microbiology and cell biology, the spectacular capacity o f some intracellular bacterial pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri and several Rickettsias, to use actin polymerization as a driving force for intracellular movement, cell-to-cell spreading and dissemination within the infected tissue is being increasingly studied. Now that it is possible to manipulate the bacterial surface proteins involved in this process - ActA o f L. monocytogenes and IcsA of S. flexneri - these bacterial systems are providing experimental models in which to investigate the role o f actin filament dynamics in cell motility.
Related Concept Videos
Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate.
Microtubules in Cell Motility
Flagella and Motility in Bacteria

