Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

A Visual Assay to Monitor T6SS-mediated Bacterial Competition
Published on: March 20, 2013
SecReT6 update: a comprehensive resource of bacterial Type VI Secretion Systems.
Jianfeng Zhang1,2, Jiahao Guan1, Meng Wang1
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Laboratory on Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
The SecReT6 v3 database offers comprehensive Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) information and analysis tools. It aids research on T6SS functions like microbial competition and pathogenesis, identifying novel regulators and killing capacities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) is crucial for microbial interactions, influencing pathogenesis and competition.
- Research on T6SS is rapidly expanding, necessitating efficient data resources.
- Understanding T6SS effectors, regulators, and their functions is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive database (SecReT6 v3) for T6SS research.
- To develop online tools for TSS detection, analysis, and risk estimation.
- To facilitate the study of T6SS roles in microbial competition and regulation.
Main Methods:
- Developed SecReT6 v3 database integrating T6SS and related protein information.
- Incorporated data from 26,573 bacterial genomes, identifying 17,212 T6SSs.
- Created online tools for T6SS detection, analysis, and T6SS-dependent killing risk estimation.
Main Results:
- SecReT6 v3 database now contains extensive information on T6SS and related proteins.
- Identified a novel T6SS regulator and T6SS-dependent killing capacity in Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Detected and analyzed 17,212 T6SSs and numerous T6SS-related proteins across bacterial genomes.
Conclusions:
- SecReT6 v3 serves as a valuable, freely accessible resource for T6SS research.
- The database and tools support the investigation of T6SS functions, including pathogenesis and competition.
- Facilitated discovery of novel T6SS elements and functions in specific bacterial isolates.
Related Concept Videos
Gram-negative Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems
Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion
Bacterial Signaling
Mechanism of Conjugation
Global Regulatory Systems
Outer Layers of the Cell Envelope

