“The architecture and function of an antimicrobial resistance propagator”

Host: Prof Sarah Coulthurst 

Venue: The Murray Room CTIR 2.84 

Abstract 

 Conjugation stands as one of the most pivotal processes employed by bacteria to disseminate antibiotic resistance genes throughout bacterial populations. Facilitating interbacterial DNA transfer is a complex nanomachine known as the type 4 secretion system (T4SS), consisting of an inner-membrane complex, an outer-membrane core complex, and a conjugative pilus. In my seminar, I will delve into recent compelling structural and molecular biology findings and explore their functional implications for substrate translocation and the biogenesis of extracellular pili. I will underscore the significance of structural adaptations in the conjugative F-pilus for the efficient dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes within bacterial populations and the formation of biofilms that offer protection against the effects of antibiotics.