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Updated: Sep 21, 2026
06:08
Biophysical Characterization of Flagellar Motor Functions
Published on: January 18, 2017
Intracellular motility. Profilin puts pathogens on the actin drive
1Institute for Genetics, University of Cologne, Germany.
Current Biology : CB
|May 1, 1994
Abstract:
Intracellular motility of the bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes depends on actin polymerization that is coordinated by the bacterial surface protein ActA and host actin-binding protein profilin.
Insights
Listeria monocytogenes motility relies on actin polymerization, a process regulated by bacterial ActA and host profilin. Understanding this interaction is key to controlling bacterial spread within host cells.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intracellular bacterial pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes utilize host cell machinery for motility.
- Actin polymerization is a critical host factor enabling pathogen movement within cells.
- Bacterial surface proteins and host factors play coordinated roles in this process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the roles of bacterial ActA and host profilin in Listeria monocytogenes intracellular motility.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms coordinating actin polymerization for bacterial movement.
Main Methods:
- Investigating the interaction between ActA and profilin.
- Analyzing actin polymerization dynamics in the presence of these proteins.
- Utilizing bacterial genetics and cell-based assays.
Main Results:
- Listeria monocytogenes intracellular motility is dependent on actin polymerization.
- The bacterial protein ActA and host protein profilin are key coordinators of this actin polymerization.
- This coordination facilitates the pathogen's movement within host cells.
Conclusions:
- ActA and profilin are essential for Listeria monocytogenes to hijack host actin dynamics for intracellular motility.
- Targeting these interactions could offer strategies to combat Listeria infections.
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