Project description
Pathogenic protein secretion in bacteria
Bacteria have evolved complex mechanisms for exporting virulence factors across their envelope to target cells. Until recently, six different protein-based secretion systems (I-VI) were known in Gram-negative bacteria. The EU-funded SecNine project aims to characterise the newly discovered type IX secretion system of the Gram-negative phylum Bacteroidota. Researchers are working to identify the implicated proteins, determine their molecular structure and delineate their interaction during the transport process. The generated information will provide fundamental knowledge on a novel pathogenic mechanism of bacteria that are responsible for severe periodontal disease.
Objective
The recently-discovered Type IX Secretion System (T9SS) is a protein transport pathway that exports proteins across the outer membrane of Gram-negative of the phylum Bacteroidetes. It is an essential pathogenicity determinant in severe periodontal disease and in the major bacterial diseases of farmed fish. It is also required for the unique Bacteroidete gliding motility. The components required to catalyse T9SS export are still not fully defined, but include at least 18 authenticated proteins. Possible functions can currently only be assigned to some of these T9SS components. However, it is clear that the pathway involves a number of interacting protein complexes.
Our current understanding of the T9SS is superficial and lacking in molecular level structural and mechanistic detail. In a landmark recent study we have identified and structurally characterized the multi-protein outer membrane protein conducting channel of the T9SS. Our ambitious goal is to apply similar state-of-the-art experimental methods to systematically characterise the full T9SS pathway.
We will systematically characterise the component protein complexes that make up the T9SS by:
- Defining their composition through co-purification from native sources.
- Determining their molecular structures by cryo-EM.
- Assessing their dynamic interactions through live cell fluorescence imaging, biochemical experiments, and structural characterization.
In addition, we will use single molecule tracking methods to follow substrate molecules through the steps of the T9SS transport cycle in real time in live bacterial cells and apply this methodology to elucidate T9SS mechanism.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
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CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2018-ADG
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OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom
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