Activation and Inactivation of Ras-Like Gtpases by Bacterial Cytotoxins

Citation

von Eichel-Streiber C, Weidmann M, Giry M & Moos M (1998) Activation and Inactivation of Ras-Like Gtpases by Bacterial Cytotoxins. In: Williams P, Ketley J & Salmond G (eds.) Bacterial Pathogenesis. Methods in Microbiology, 27. London: Academic Press, pp. 509-525. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S058095170870309X

Abstract
This chapter describes bacteria-induced alterations in animal cells, in particular their influence on the cytoskeleton. When pathogenic bacteria interact with eukaryotic cells, they use unique mechanisms to exploit host processes. Bacterial action is often focused on altering the cytoskeleton. This influence is exerted by close contact between bacteria and the cell, invasion of bacteria into the cytosol, or by soluble factors. Invasive bacteria induce their uptake into eukaryotic cells by stimulating macropinocytosis or using a "zipper"-like mechanism. Once inside the cell, these bacteria may remain within or they may escape from the vacuole and live in the cytoplasm. This process is controlled by prokaryote proteins but is executed by eukaryotic proteins. Thus, some bacteria with an intracellular lifestyle reprogram the cytoskeleton to their advantage. A variety of soluble bacterial toxins can induce changes in eukaryotic cell morphology. They are either secreted into the external medium even in the absence of cells and therefore can act at a distance, or are focused onto the cell surface after contact between a bacterium and a cell via a type III secretion system. The cytoskeleton is composed of a multitude of eukaryotic proteins. Thus, the chapter further discusses cytoskeletal targets of bacterial toxins.