For the study, David Thanassi, PhD, chair of the molecular genetics and microbiology department at Stony Brook (N.Y.) University, and his colleagues used crypto-electron microscopy — an advanced imaging technique — to analyze pili on the surface of E. coli.
Researchers discovered a previously unidentified stage in the pilus’ formation process.
“This discovery provides us with new insights into the mechanism by which bacteria build these essential virulence structures leading to infection,” Dr. Thanassi told Futurity. “Our findings open the door to new therapies targeting bacterial pili, and related virulence factors, as an alternative to traditional antibiotics.”
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