Cartoon of the Type III Secretion System and Translocon (IMAGE)

University of Massachusetts Amherst

Cartoon of the Type III Secretion System and Translocon

Caption

UMass Amherst biochemists are mapping the molecular structure of a needle-like tool used by bacteria to invade human and mammalian cells to cause such diseases as plague and dysentery. Of particular interest is the mechanical role of PopB and PopD in drilling holes through which bacteria pump proteins to destroy the body’s ability to fight infection.

Credit

UMass Amherst

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