Cryo-electron tomography of periplasmic flagella in < i > Borrelia burgdorferi < /i > reveals a distinct cytoplasmic ATPase complex

by Zhuan Qin, Jiagang Tu, Tao Lin, Steven J. Norris, Chunhao Li, Md A. Motaleb, Jun Liu Periplasmic flagella are essential for the distinct morphology and motility of spirochetes. A flagella-specific type III secretion system (fT3SS) composed of a membrane-bound export apparatus and a cytosolic ATPase complex is responsible for the assembly of the periplasmic flagella. Here, we deplo yed cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the fT3SS machine in the Lyme disease spirocheteBorrelia burgdorferi. We show, for the first time, that the cytosolic ATPase complex is attached to the flagellar C-ring through multiple spokes to form the “spoke and hub” structure inB.burgdorferi. This structure not only strengthens structural rigidity of the round-shaped C-ring but also appears to rotate with the C-ring. Our studies provide structural insights into the unique mechanisms underlying assembly and rotation of the periplasmic flagella and may provide the basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against several pathogenic spirochetes.
Source: PLoS Biology: Archived Table of Contents - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research