Towards a new type of antibiotic: elucidation of the activation signal and signal transduction mechanism of the type III secretion system of Shigella flexneri

2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K16661
• Research Institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
• Principal Investigator: CHEUNG Martin 沖縄科学技術大学院大学, 量子波光学顕微鏡ユニット, 研究員 (90832163)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: Shigella flexneri / T3SS / Infection

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

Successfully completed the necessary experimental work as detailed in my Kakenhi project outline. Using cryo-EM and mass spectrometry, I was able to identify a hitherto unknown protein complex that binds to the tip of Shigella flexneri's type III secretion system (T3SS). I believe this complex to be crucial for the ability of the T3SS to sense target cells and for the activation of effector protein secretion through this system during the infective cycle. This finding not only ameliorates our understanding of the basic function and mechanism of the T3SS, but could serve as a target for therapeutics targeting this system.

Current Status of Research Progress

2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.

Reason

I have completed the experimental work and actually conducted even more experiments than I had planned. I am currently preparing a manuscript for submission to a peer-review journal.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

Once my paper is submitted, I will work on addressing any concerns and comments from the reviewers. This could require conducting additional experiments.

Causes of Carryover

Next year, I will use the remaining funds for manuscript publication in a peer-reviewed journal and for attending conferences to present my work.