Myxobacteria gliding motility requires cytoskeleton rotation powered by proton motive force

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Feb 8;108(6):2498-503. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1018556108. Epub 2011 Jan 19.

Abstract

Myxococcus xanthus is a Gram-negative bacterium that glides over surfaces without the aid of flagella. Two motility systems are used for locomotion: social-motility, powered by the retraction of type IV pili, and adventurous (A)-motility, powered by unknown mechanism(s). We have shown that AgmU, an A-motility protein, is part of a multiprotein complex that spans the inner membrane and periplasm of M. xanthus. In this paper, we present evidence that periplasmic AgmU decorates a looped continuous helix that rotates clockwise as cells glide forward, reversing its rotation when cells reverse polarity. Inhibitor studies showed that the AgmU helix rotation is driven by proton motive force (PMF) and depends on actin-like MreB cytoskeletal filaments. The AgmU motility complex was found to interact with MotAB homologs. Our data are consistent with a mechanochemical model in which PMF-driven motors, similar to bacterial flagella stator complexes, run along an endless looped helical track, driving rotation of the track; deformation of the cell surface by the AgmU-associated proteins creates pressure waves in the slime, pushing cells forward.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cytoskeleton / genetics
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / genetics
  • Fimbriae, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Myxococcus xanthus / cytology
  • Myxococcus xanthus / genetics
  • Myxococcus xanthus / metabolism*
  • Periplasmic Proteins / genetics
  • Periplasmic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proton-Motive Force / physiology*

Substances

  • Periplasmic Proteins