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

PLoS Biol. 2018 Nov 9;16(11):e3000050. doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000050. eCollection 2018 Nov.

Abstract

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 deployed cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) to visualize the fT3SS machine in the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia 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 in B. 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / chemistry
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / physiology
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases / ultrastructure*
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / metabolism
  • Borrelia burgdorferi / physiology*
  • Cytoplasm
  • Electron Microscope Tomography / methods
  • Flagella / metabolism
  • Flagella / physiology*
  • Flagella / ultrastructure
  • Periplasm / metabolism
  • Type III Secretion Systems / metabolism
  • Type III Secretion Systems / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Type III Secretion Systems
  • Adenosine Triphosphatases