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Structure and Function of the Mycobacterial Type VII Secretion Systems
Catalin M Bunduc1, W Bitter1,2, E N G Houben1
1Section of Molecular Microbiology, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
Annual Review of Microbiology
|July 15, 2020
Summary
Mycobacteria use type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) to transport proteins essential for survival and virulence. Recent studies reveal T7SS structure and function, offering new therapeutic targets for mycobacterial diseases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Bacteria utilize specialized secretion systems to transport molecules across cell envelopes.
- Mycobacterial type VII secretion systems (T7SSs) are critical for various functions, including virulence and immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the structure and mechanism of mycobacterial T7SSs.
- To highlight the potential of T7SSs as therapeutic targets for mycobacterial diseases.
Main Methods:
- Genetic studies
- Structural analyses
- Functional investigations
Main Results:
- Elucidation of the structural basis of T7SS protein secretion.
- Insights into the mechanistic details of T7SS functioning.
- Identification of T7SSs as essential for mycobacterial growth and/or virulence.
Conclusions:
- Recent research has significantly advanced our understanding of mycobacterial T7SS structure and mechanism.
- The essential roles of T7SSs in mycobacteria present promising opportunities for novel drug development.
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