Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
Published on: June 30, 2013
First inhibitor of a bacterial two-partner secretion system
Alfred Hartojo1,2,3, Laurence Don Wai Luu4, Lachlan Adamson1,2,3
1Sydney Infectious Disease Institute, The University of Sydney, Darlington, New South Wales, Australia.
None:
Two-partner secretion system transporter proteins (TpsB) are widely conserved across Gram-negative pathogens. TpsB family proteins secrete exoprotein virulence factors that perform a myriad of functions such as adhesion and immune modulation. Despite their incredible importance in bacterial infectious disease, TpsB inhibitors have not yet been discovered. Here, we describe a potent inhibitor of FhaC, a TpsB protein produced by Bordetella spp. FhaC secretes the exoprotein FhaB that is essential for the establishment of whooping cough. We designed a peptide called P1 that we predicted would prevent substrate binding and lock FhaC in a secretion-inactive state. Simulations and biochemical assays supported our hypothesis and identified interactions important for P1 binding to FhaC. Strikingly, we observed that the peptide strongly inhibited FhaB secretion from clinical isolates and broadly reduced correlates of virulence. Together, this work provides a strong case for further development of a novel class of anti-TpsB anti-virulence compounds.
Related Concept Videos
Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion
Gram-negative Bacterial Protein Secretion Systems
Eukaryotic Transcription Inhibitors
Eukaryotic transcription inhibitors usually contain two distinct domains, a...
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral...
Hormones Secreted by the Stomach
Each of these hormones secreted by different enteroendocrine cells plays a unique role in digestion. Here are a few examples:
Pancreatic Juice and Secretion
When acidic chyme from the stomach enters the duodenum, it triggers the release of secretin, a hormone that prompts pancreatic juice secretion. After a fatty meal, cholecystokinin, another hormone, stimulates gallbladder contraction and enhances enzyme-rich...

