Courtney K. Ellison

β-strand complementation within tip initiation complexes licenses assembly of diverse type IV filaments

This paper identifies a β-strand complementation mechanism used by PilC/PilY1 proteins to license type IV filament assembly across diverse systems.

A broad-spectrum phage-encoded mechanism to disarm bacterial type IV filaments

This paper identifies Aqs1, a phage-encoded protein that inhibits type IV pilus function in multiple Gram-negative bacteria by targeting the PilB ATPase.

In situ Architecture of the Tad Pilus Machine in Caulobacter crescentus

This study uses cryo-ET and subtomogram averaging to determine the in situ architecture of the Tad pilus machine in Caulobacter crescentus, revealing its assembly intermediates and structural framework.

Prophages express a type IV pilus component to provide anti-phage defence

The paper identifies prophage-encoded proteins similar to FimU, which replace bacterial cell surface components to defend against phage infection.

Twitching motility suppressors reveal a role for FimX in type IV pilus extension dynamics

The paper identifies suppressor mutations in Pseudomonas aeruginosa that restore twitching motility in fimX mutants, revealing FimX's role in regulating PilB ATP hydrolysis and pilus extension dynamics.

Stimulation of the Caulobacter crescentus surface sensing pathway by deletion of a specialized minor pilin-like gene

This study identifies CpaL as a mechanosensory protein involved in pilus-mediated surface sensing in Caulobacter crescentus, showing that its deletion increases surface adhesion through enhanced holdfast production.

FimX regulates type IV pilus localization via the Pil-Chp chemosensory system in Acinetobacter baylyi

This paper identifies FimX as a regulator of T4P positioning in Acinetobacter baylyi through interaction with the Pil-Chp chemosensory system.

DNA binding is rate-limiting for natural transformation

This study identifies DNA binding by type IV pili as a rate-limiting step in natural transformation, showing that enhancing DNA binding in Acinetobacter pathogens increases transformation rates by 100-fold.