Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Tractable Mammalian Cell Infections with Protozoan-primed Bacteria
Published on: April 2, 2013
Proteins DotY and DotZ modulate the dynamics and localization of the type IVB coupling complex of Legionella
Kevin Macé1, Amit Meir1,2, Natalya Lukoyanova1
1Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, Birkbeck and UCL, London, UK.
Abstract:
Legionella pneumophila is an opportunistic pathogen infecting alveolar macrophages and protozoa species. Legionella utilizes a Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) to translocate over 300 effector proteins into its host cell. In a recent study, we have isolated and solved the cryo-EM structure of the Type IV Coupling Complex (T4CC), a large cytoplasmic determinant associated with the inner membrane that recruits effector proteins for delivery to the T4SS for translocation. The T4CC is composed of a DotLMNYZ hetero-pentameric core from which the flexible IcmSW module flexibly protrudes. The DotY and DotZ proteins were newly reported members of this complex and their role remained elusive. In this study, we observed the effect of deleting DotY and DotZ on T4CC stability and localization. Furthermore, we found these two proteins are co-dependent, whereby the deletion of DotY resulted in DotZ absence from the coupling complex, and vice versa. Additional cryo-EM data analysis revealed the dynamic movement of the IcmSW module is modified by the DotY/Z proteins. We therefore determined the likely function of DotY and DotZ and revealed their importance on T4CC function.
More Related Videos
10:29Applying Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to Examine Effector Translocation Efficiency by Coxiella burnetii during siRNA Silencing
Published on: July 6, 2016
09:12Applying Live Cell Imaging and Cryo-Electron Tomography to Resolve Spatiotemporal Features of the Legionella pneumophila Dot/Icm Secretion System
Published on: March 10, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Cytoskeletal Proteins in Bacteria
Actin Polymerization and Cell Motility
Actin cytoskeleton dynamics can produce pushing, pulling, and resistance forces that help the cell to migrate....
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Coordination of Gene Expression Processes in Bacteria
Gram-negative Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems
Gene Regulation in Microbial Communities: Quorum Sensing