Tad pili play a dynamic role in caulobacter crescentus surface colonization

Abstract: Bacterial surface attachment is mediated by filamentous appendagescalled pili. Here, we describe the role of Tad pili during surface colonization ofCau-lobacter crescentus. Using an optical trap and microfluidic controlled flow conditionsto mimic natural environments, we demonstrated that Tad pili undergo repeated dy-namic cycles of extension and retraction. Within seconds after establishing surfacecontact, pilus retraction reorients cells into an upright position, promoting walking-like movements against the medium flow. Pilus-mediated positioning of the flagel-late pole close to the surface facilitates motor-mediated mechanical sensing andpromotes anchoring of the holdfast, an adhesive substance that affords long-termattachment. We present evidence that the second messenger c-di-GMP regulates pi-lus dynamics during surface encounter in distinct ways, promoting increased activityat intermediate levels and retraction of pili at peak concentrations. We propose amodel in which flagellum and Tad pili functionally interact and together impose aratchet-like mechanism that progressively drivesC. crescentuscells toward perma-nent surface attachment

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: mBio. - 10, 3 (2019) , e1237-19, ISSN: 2150-7511

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2020
• Creator: Sangermani, Matteo ; Hug, Isabelle ; Sauter, Nora ; Pfohl, Thomas ; Jenal, Urs
• Contributor: Experimentelle Polymerphysik

Further information

• DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01237-19
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-1706731
• Rights: Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:44 AM CEST