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Updated: May 12, 2026

Identification of Growth Inhibition Phenotypes Induced by Expression of Bacterial Type III Effectors in Yeast
Published on: March 30, 2010
Structural basis of eukaryotic cell targeting by type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors
Tommaso Tosi1, Alexander Pflug, Karen F Discola
1Bacterial Pathogenesis Group, Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS), Université Grenoble I, 41 rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble, France.
Type III secretion systems (T3SS) inject bacterial effector proteins into host cells. These effectors mimic host proteins to disrupt cell signaling, aiding bacterial virulence and invasion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Type III secretion systems (T3SS) are essential virulence factors in many pathogenic bacteria.
- T3SS translocate effector proteins directly into eukaryotic host cells.
- These effectors manipulate host cell functions to promote bacterial colonization and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure and function of T3SS effectors.
- To identify targeted eukaryotic proteins and their manipulation by effectors.
- To understand the consequences of effector translocation for the host cell.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of structural biology studies on T3SS effectors.
- Analysis of effector protein mimicry of eukaryotic proteins.
- Examination of host-pathogen interactions mediated by T3SS.
Main Results:
- T3SS effectors exhibit diverse structures enabling mimicry of host proteins.
- Effectors target key signaling cascades, including Rho GTPases and kinase pathways.
- Mimicry leads to profound alterations in host cell cytoskeleton, survival, and immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Structural insights reveal sophisticated bacterial strategies for host manipulation.
- Understanding T3SS effector function is crucial for developing novel anti-virulence therapies.
- Targeting host-pathogen interactions offers a promising avenue for combating bacterial infections.
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Sec61 protein conducting channel
In eukaryotes, the translocon complex comprises a core heterotrimeric translocator channel called the Sec61 complex. This channel includes three transmembrane proteins, Sec61α, Sec61β, and Sec61γ, and is the largest subunit of the translocon complex.

