EMD-18416
Cryo-EM structure of the monocin tail-tube, MttP.
EMD-18416
Helical reconstruction2.3 Å
Deposition: 10/09/2023Map released: 19/06/2024
Last modified: 08/01/2025
Sample Organism:
Listera,
Listeria monocytogenes 10403S
Sample: Listeria monocytogenes 10403S monocin tail tube comprised of LMRG_02367 tail tube protein (MttP)
Fitted models: 8qhs (Avg. Q-score: 0.711)
Deposition Authors: Nadejda S
,
Lichtenstein R,
Schlussel S ,
Azulay G,
Borovok I ,
Holdengraber V,
Elad N ,
Wolf SG ,
Zalk R ,
Zarivach R ,
Frank GA ,
Herskovits AA
Sample: Listeria monocytogenes 10403S monocin tail tube comprised of LMRG_02367 tail tube protein (MttP)
Fitted models: 8qhs (Avg. Q-score: 0.711)
Deposition Authors: Nadejda S
,
Lichtenstein R,
Schlussel S ,
Azulay G,
Borovok I ,
Holdengraber V,
Elad N ,
Wolf SG ,
Zalk R ,
Zarivach R ,
Frank GA ,
Herskovits AA
Specialized Listeria monocytogenes produce tailocins to provide a population-level competitive growth advantage.
Sigal N,
Lichtenstein-Wolfheim R,
Schlussel S ,
Azulay G,
Borovok I ,
Holdengraber V,
Elad N ,
Wolf SG ,
Zalk R ,
Zarivach R ,
Frank GA ,
Herskovits AA
(2024) Nat Microbiol , 9 , 2727 - 2737
,
Azulay G,
Borovok I ,
Holdengraber V,
Elad N ,
Wolf SG ,
Zalk R ,
Zarivach R ,
Frank GA ,
Herskovits AA
(2024) Nat Microbiol , 9 , 2727 - 2737
Abstract:
Tailocins are phage tail-like bacteriocins produced by various bacterial species to kill kin competitors. Given that tailocin release is dependent upon cell lysis, regulation of tailocin production at the single-cell and population level remains unclear. Here we used flow cytometry, competition assays and structural characterization of tailocin production in a human bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. We revealed that a specialized subpopulation, constituting less than 1% of the total bacterial population, differentiates to produce, assemble and store thousands of tailocin particles. Tailocins are packed in a highly ordered manner, clustered in a liquid crystalline phase that occupies a substantial volume of the cell. Tailocin production confers a competitive growth advantage for the rest of the population. This study provides molecular insights into tailocin production as a form of altruism, showing how cell specialization within bacterial populations can confer competitive advantages at the population level.
Tailocins are phage tail-like bacteriocins produced by various bacterial species to kill kin competitors. Given that tailocin release is dependent upon cell lysis, regulation of tailocin production at the single-cell and population level remains unclear. Here we used flow cytometry, competition assays and structural characterization of tailocin production in a human bacterial pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes. We revealed that a specialized subpopulation, constituting less than 1% of the total bacterial population, differentiates to produce, assemble and store thousands of tailocin particles. Tailocins are packed in a highly ordered manner, clustered in a liquid crystalline phase that occupies a substantial volume of the cell. Tailocin production confers a competitive growth advantage for the rest of the population. This study provides molecular insights into tailocin production as a form of altruism, showing how cell specialization within bacterial populations can confer competitive advantages at the population level.