Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Use of Shigella flexneri to Study Autophagy-Cytoskeleton Interactions
Published on: September 9, 2014
Autophagy and the cytoskeleton: new links revealed by intracellular pathogens
Serge Mostowy1, Pascale Cossart
1Institut Pasteur, Unité des Interactions Bactéries-Cellules, Paris, France. smostowy@pasteur.fr
Abstract:
Actin-based motility is used by various pathogens such as Listeria and Shigella for dissemination within cells: and tissues, yet host factors counteracting this process have not been identified. We have recently discovered that infected host cells can prevent actin-based motility of Shigella by compartmentalizing bacteria inside 'septin cages,' revealing a novel mechanism of host defense that restricts dissemination. Because bacterial proteins controlling actin-based motility also regulate the autophagy process, we hypothesized and then established a link between septin caging and autophagy. Together, these results unveiled the first cellular mechanism that counteracts pathogen dissemination. Understanding the role of septins, a so far poorly characterized component of the cytoskeleton, will thus provide new insights into bacterial infection and autophagy.
Related Concept Videos
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Colonisation of Pathogens
Delivery Pathways to the Lysosome
Endocytosis
In endocytosis, the cell membrane takes up macromolecules and particles from the surrounding medium. Clathrin-mediated...
Autophagy
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria
Microtubule Formation
