An integrated study of a bacterial secretion nanomachine. (360G-Wellcome-098302_Z_12_Z)

Bacterial pathogens trigger diseases by secreting toxins into the host body. To do so, bacteria utilize secretion systems, large protein complexes embedded in their cell envelope. One of these secretion systems is the Type IV Secretion (T4S) System. Another role of T4S systems is to transfer DNAs from one bacterium to another or from bacteria to plants and animals. In the latter role, T4S systems are responsible for the spread of antibiotics resistance genes, an important threat in combating inf ectious diseases. In this proposal, we will elucidate the mechanism of action of T4S systems by first visualizing the entire system by techniques such as X-ray Crystallography and Electron Microscopy. We will use this knowledge to design efficacious drugs capable of inhibiting T4S systems in bacterial pathogens.