Biochemistry and cell signaling taught by bacterial effectors

Bacterial virulence often relies on secreted effectors that modulate eukaryotic signal transduction. Recent studies provide a collection of examples in which bacterial effectors carry out unprecedented posttranslational modifications of key signaling molecules or organize a new signaling network. OspF and YopJ families of effectors use novel modification activities to block kinase phosphoactivation. Targeting of the ubiquitin system by IpaH and Cif/CHBP families provides insights into host ubiquitin signaling. Manipulation of small GTPases by VopS/IbpA and SidM suggests previously underappreciated regulation of signaling. Several other effectors, including SifA and EspG, organize newly discovered signaling networks in membrane trafficking. Studies of these effectors can generate new knowledge in enzyme catalysis and provide new angles for furthering our understanding of biochemical regulation of important signaling pathways.