NontypeableHaemophilus influenzaereleases DNA and DNABII proteins via a T4SS-like complex and ComE of the type IV pilus machinery

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1705508114
• Publication Date: 2017-07-11T00:50:23Z
• Authors: Joseph A. Jurcisek; Kenneth L. Brockman; Laura A. Novotny; Steven D. Goodman; Lauren O. Bakaletz
• Keywords: Extracellular polymeric substance

Significance Extracellular DNA and DNABII proteins are essential structural components of the extracellular polymeric substance, or matrix, nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae biofilm; however, mechanisms by which these elements released from bacterial cell for incorporation into biofilm matrix not yet characterized. Here, we propose a mechanism active release during formation that involves an inner-membrane complex (TraCG) ComE pore through type IV pilus is typically expressed. Knowledge how when milieu integration will further our understanding maturation and, in turn, guide development directed therapies diseases with etiology.