Bacterial Adhesion Pili

Sub-cellular Biochemistry
Chelsea R Epler BarbercheckMagnus Andersson

Abstract

Escherichia coli bacterial cells produce multiple types of adhesion pili that mediate cell-cell and cell-host attachments. These pili (also called 'fimbriae') are large biopolymers that are comprised of subunits assembled via a sophisticated micro-machinery into helix-like structures that are anchored in the bacterial outer membrane. They are commonly essential for initiation of disease and thus provide a potential target for antibacterial prevention and treatment. To develop new therapeutics for disease prevention and treatment we need to understand the molecular mechanisms and the direct role of adhesion pili during pathogenesis. These helix-like pilus structures possess fascinating and unique biomechanical properties that have been thoroughly investigated using high-resolution imaging techniques, force spectroscopy and fluid flow chambers. In this chapter, we first discuss the structure of pili and the micro-machinery responsible for the assembly process. Thereafter, we present methods for measurement of the biomechanics of adhesion pili, including optical tweezers. Data demonstrate unique biomechanical properties of pili that allow bacteria to sustain binding during in vivo fluid shear forces. We thereafter summarize the cu...Continue Reading

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