Berlin 2012 – scientific programme
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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik
BP 32: Physics of Cells III
BP 32.12: Talk
Friday, March 30, 2012, 12:30–12:45, H 1028
Ballistic motion of bacterial membrane proteins — •Holger Kress1,2, Rostislav Boltyanskiy2, Alexia A. Belperron3, Cecile O. Mejean2, Charles W. Wolgemuth4, Linda K. Bockenstedt3, and Eric R. Dufresne2 — 1University of Bayreuth — 2Yale University — 3Yale University School of Medicine — 4University of Connecticut Health Center
The mechanical behavior of proteins in bacterial membranes is not well understood. We investigated this behavior in B. burgdorferi bacteria with functionalized microparticles and optical tweezers. We attached particles to membrane proteins and tracked the subsequent particle motion. Although B. burgdorferi have a symmetric morphology, the particles were transported ballistically with a well defined speed and stall force to a preferred end of the bacteria. Mutant B. burgdorferi which lack flagella did not show directed protein transport, but only diffusive motion. We hypothesize that the transport is enabled by the bacterial motility machinery and that it indicates a defense mechanism against immune cells [HK and RB contributed equally].