Bacterial nano syringes
Research report (imported) 2013 - Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology
Summary
Bacteria use different strategies to manipulate and infect their host. Researchers at the MPI of Molecular Physiology were able to reveal a novel mechanism by which the Tc toxins of the bacterium Photorhabdus luminescens attack insect cells. An exceptional molecular cocoon containing a deadly component and a unique nano syringe play important parts in this mechanism. The new findings are critical to understand the transport of these toxic cargoes through membranes and serve as a strong foundation for the development of medical applications.