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Biology of type II secretion
Author(s) -
Sandkvist Maria
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2001.02403.x
Subject(s) - secretion , biology , periplasmic space , biogenesis , pilus , secretory pathway , microbiology and biotechnology , bacterial outer membrane , secretory protein , transport protein , effector , extracellular , biochemistry , gene , golgi apparatus , virulence , escherichia coli , endoplasmic reticulum
The type II secretion pathway or the main terminal branch of the general secretion pathway, as it has also been referred to, is widely distributed among Proteobacteria, in which it is responsible for the extracellular secretion of toxins and hydrolytic enzymes, many of which contribute to pathogenesis in both plants and animals. Secretion through this pathway differs from most other membrane transport systems, in that its substrates consist of folded proteins. The type II secretion apparatus is composed of at least 12 different gene products that are thought to form a multiprotein complex, which spans the periplasmic compartment and is specifically required for translocation of the secreted proteins across the outer membrane. This pathway shares many features with the type IV pilus biogenesis system, including the ability to assemble a pilus‐like structure. This review discusses recent findings on the organization of the secretion apparatus and the role of its various components in secretion. Different models for pilus‐mediated secretion through the gated pore in the outer membrane are also presented, as are the possible properties that determine whether a protein is recognized and secreted by the type II pathway.