CompeT7

Type 7 secretion systems are widely found in Gram-positive bacteria and play a role in bacterial competition. The antibacterial activities of T7SS have recently been discovered. They participate in bacterial community remodeling and facilitate privileged access to nutrients, niche, and DNA for bacterial pathogens. Bacterial competition is crucial for commensal or probiotic bacteria to outcompete pathogenic bacteria during infections. The mechanisms and structure of the T7SS are not fully understood. This project aims to characterize the T7SSb from the model bacterium B. subtilis. Our interdisciplinary and multiscale approach promises to provide a complete understanding of this T7SSb, from its molecular architecture to its function. The knowledge obtained about the B. subtilis Yuk T7SSb system will aid in understanding how Gram-positive bacteria utilize these systems as bacterial-killing devices to regulate bacterial communities like the gut microbiota. Additionally, it will serve as a source of inspiration for developing novel approaches to combat harmful human pathogens.