Using Force to Punch Holes: Mechanics of Contractile Nanomachines
Using physical force to translocate macromolecules across a membrane has the advantage of being a universal solution independent of the properties of the target membrane. However, physically punching a stiff membrane is not a trivial task and three things are necessary for success: a sharp tip, a source of energy, and the ability to strongly bind to the target. In this review we describe the basic mechanism of membrane puncturing by contractile nanomachines with a focus on the T4 phage, R-type pyocin, and the bacterial Type VI secretion system (T6SS) based on recent studies of the structures and dynamics of their assembly.
Publisher URL: http://www.cell.com/trends/cell-biology/fulltext/S0962-8924(17)30082-X
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.05.003
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