Deadly syringes: type VI secretion system activities in pathogenicity and interbacterial competition

摘要: Among specialized bacterial secretion systems, the most widespread is type VI system (T6SS). This transports effector molecules into target cells in a single, cell-contact dependent step. T6SSs are structurally related to cell-puncturing device of tailed bacteriophages and predicted function as contractile injection machineries that perforate eukaryotic prokaryotic membranes for delivery. Activities can play important roles virulence by modifying host cytoskeleton through actin crosslinking. They also efficient weaponry interbacterial warfare provide fitness advantage hydrolyzing cell walls opponent bacteria. The role competition might enable pathogens outcompete commensal bacteria facilitate colonization.