Seminar: Type VI secretion systems- much more than a one-trick pony

Seminar for the Department of Microbiology & Immunology

Lecturer: Dr. Dor Salomon

Topic:  Many Gram-negative bacteria use the Type VI Secretion system (T6SS) to manipulate their neighbors. The T6SS is a macromolecular apparatus that delivers toxins called effectors directly into neighboring cells. In our lab, we study T6SSs and characterize their activities and effectors. Previously, we described a widespread, polymorphic class of T6SS effectors that share a domain which we named MIX (Marker for type sIX effectors). To understand how bacteria utilize these MIX-effectors to enhance their fitness, we studied several emerging pathogens of the genus Vibrio. We found a remarkable plasticity in MIX-effector repertoires and activities, as they are horizontally shared between bacterial species. Moreover, we demonstrate that a single T6SS can deliver an array of MIX-effectors to mediate both interbacterial competition and anti-eukaryotic virulence.

For further information, please contact:  Dr. Motti Gerlitz, mgerlic@post.tau.ac.il