Bacteria have fascinating ways of surviving, and one key process involves how they collect essential nutrients. The study delves into the workings of a unique bacterial mechanism called the Ton system, which functions like a molecular machine to pull nutrients into cells. By exploiting the energy difference created by protons (tiny charged particles) inside and outside the cell, the system helps the bacteria collect important resources such as vitamins and metals. These insights could pave the way for new antimicrobial treatments.
This groundbreaking research was led by Dr. Nadia Izadi-Pruneyre in collaboration with scientists from the Pasteur Institute and other partner organizations. Their research focused on a specific part of the Ton system called ExbD, examining how it moves and changes to help the system function. The study, published in Nature Communications, also highlights the key role of the bacterial cell wall, known as peptidoglycan, which provides support and protection to the bacteria, in making this process possible. network structure.
The team found that ExbD works in pairs and constantly switches between two shapes: open and closed. These changes are necessary for another protein, TonB, which provides the energy needed for nutrients to move through the bacteria’s outer layer. Using an advanced imaging technique called nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a method of visualizing molecular structure at the atomic level, the researchers showed that ExbD’s “open” shape activates TonB, which then reorganizes to initiate the nutrient transport process.
The bacterial cell wall also plays an important role in this mechanism. Dr. Izadi-Pruneyre shared: “We found that the way ExbD changes shape is directly related to its ability to help bacteria absorb nutrients. Our work also shows that the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall helps anchor and support this process. The study A new model is introduced that explains how the cell wall layer interacts with ExbD to ensure smooth functioning of the system.
These findings could have major implications for fighting bacterial infections. Because the Ton system is critical for bacterial survival, understanding its inner workings may lead to innovative ways to stop harmful bacteria. Targeting weaknesses in the system—such as disrupting energy transfer or blocking ExbD’s movement—could prevent bacteria from gathering the nutrients they need to grow and spread.
Dr. Izadi-Pruneyre emphasized: “Our study fills an important gap in the understanding of how such bacterial systems work and identifies potential new ways to target bacterial defenses.” The study also shows that other bacteria that help them move or maintain their structure Systems may use a similar process.
With antibiotic resistance becoming a major global problem, this research marks an important step towards creating better treatments. Cracking the details of how bacteria survive reveals their ingenuity and vulnerability, making the Ton system a promising focus for developing the next generation of antibiotics.
Journal reference
Maximilian Zinke, Maylis Lejeune, Ariel Mechaly, Benjamin Bardiaux, Ivo Gomperts Boneca, Philippe Delepelaire and Nadia Izadi-Pruneyre. “Ton kinematic conformational transitions and the role of peptidoglycan in bacterial nutrient uptake.” Nature Communications. (2024). Digital number:
