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An ABC transporter plays a developmental aggregation role in Myxococcus xanthus
M J Ward1, K C Mok, D P Astling
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720-3204, USA.
Journal of Bacteriology
|October 29, 1998
Summary
Myxococcus xanthus uses autochemotaxis for directed movement. The FrzZ protein interacts with AbcA, an ATP-binding cassette transporter, essential for this process and bacterial development.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Myxococcus xanthus exhibits complex life cycles involving directed motility.
- Autochemotaxis, mediated by self-generated signaling molecules, is crucial for M. xanthus motility.
- The Frz signal transduction system, including the FrzZ protein, regulates this process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between FrzZ and potential signaling partners.
- To elucidate the role of ATP-binding cassette (AbcA) in M. xanthus motility and development.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying autochemotaxis in M. xanthus.
Main Methods:
- Yeast two-hybrid system to identify protein interactions.
- Gene cloning, sequencing, and mutational analysis (insertion mutations).
- Cell mixing experiments for functional complementation.
Main Results:
- FrzZ's first domain (FrzZ1) specifically interacts with the ATP-binding cassette protein AbcA.
- AbcA is an ABC transporter likely involved in export functions.
- Mutations in abcA lead to the 'frizzy' aggregation phenotype, indicating its role in development.
- Extracellular complementation rescues the AbcA mutant, supporting an export function.
Conclusions:
- FrzZ and AbcA are likely part of the same signal transduction pathway.
- AbcA may export a molecule critical for M. xanthus autochemotaxis.
- This interaction is vital for regulating motility and developmental aggregation in M. xanthus.