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Pathogens and polymers: microbe-host interactions illuminate the cytoskeleton

Cat M Haglund1, Matthew D Welch

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.

The Journal of Cell Biology
|October 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Intracellular pathogens hijack host cell cytoskeletons for survival and spread. Studying these interactions reveals crucial host cell processes and identifies novel cytoskeletal targets used by bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Microbiology
  • Pathogen-Host Interactions

Background:

  • Intracellular pathogens manipulate host cell cytoskeletons for replication and dissemination.
  • Understanding these interactions enhances knowledge of host cell biology, including cytoskeletal protein functions and regulatory pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how intracellular pathogens exploit the host cytoskeleton.
  • To highlight the diverse cytoskeletal components targeted by pathogens.
  • To underscore the insights gained into host cell processes through studying these interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pathogen-cytoskeleton interactions.
  • Analysis of identified cytoskeletal targets (actin, microtubules, intermediate filaments, septins).
  • Examination of affected host cell processes (phagocytosis, membrane trafficking, etc.).

Main Results:

  • Pathogens utilize various cytoskeletal elements, with actin being common but microtubules, intermediate filaments, and septins also targeted.
  • Pathogen manipulation reveals fundamental aspects of cytoskeletal dynamics and function.
  • Key cellular processes like phagocytosis, motility, and signal transduction are illuminated.

Conclusions:

  • Pathogen-cytoskeleton interactions are a rich source for understanding host cell biology.
  • Diverse cytoskeletal components are critical for pathogen success.
  • This research area continues to uncover novel mechanisms of cellular processes.

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