Genetic and functional evidence that Type IV pili are required for social gliding motility in Myxococcus xanthus.

摘要: The social gliding behaviour of Myxococcus xanthus has previously been associated with the presence polar pili. A Tn5 transposon insertion was isolated which introduces a defect in and is genetically linked to known sgl locus; this found also cause piliation defect. 2.7 kb section DNA from either side sequenced, revealing three genes encode amino acid sequences substantial similarity components Type IV pilus biogenesis pathway Pseudomonas aeruginosa. myxococcal pilA gene encodes putative pilin precursor short signal sequence processing site similar those other pilins. Myxococcal pilS pilR PilS PilR P. aeruginosa, as well members NtrB/C family two-component regulators. Mutations within that have no effect were demonstrated be responsible for motility defects. These results indicate pili M. belong pili, demonstrate these are actually required motility.