Uni-Tübingen

Projekt B16: Mechanisms governing polar localization and assembly of the host cell targeting type VI secretion system

Sandra Schwarz, PhD

Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tuebingen
Elfriede-Aulhorn-Str. 6
72070 Tuebingen
phone: +49-7071-2981527
email: sandra.schwarzspam prevention@med.uni-tuebingen.de

Staff

Ph.D. Student:

Jan Lennings Tel: 2981515 jan.lennings@med.uni-tuebingen.de

Summary
An important function of the cell envelope is to correctly position and display cell surface virulence factors for their interaction with the host cell. The goal of this study is to gain an insight into the mechanisms underlying the placement of the cell envelope spanning type VI secretion system 5 (T6SS-5) to the bacterial cell pole. Using targeted and random mutagenesis and (live) fluorescence microscopy, among others, we will investigate the co-dependence of the T6SS-5 proteins to reach the pole as well as the role of candidate cellular factors -such as the cytoskeleton- and of novel factors in the proper positioning of the T6SS-5.