Characterization of Tadz in A.actinomycetemcomitans

a.伴放线菌（Actinomycetemcomitans，Aa）是一种革兰氏阴性细菌，是局部侵袭性牙周炎和其它感染如脑脓肿和感染性心内膜炎的病原体。Aa中的Tad分泌系统构成细菌中的新分泌系统，并且已经在包括重要病原体的多种细菌中发现。在Aa中，Tad分泌系统由14个基因座（tad）编码。形成牢固的生物膜和在表面定居的能力取决于tad基因座。此外，Tad分泌系统是Aa的重要毒力决定因子。TadZ是Tad分泌系统的独特组分。因此，它在这种新的分泌系统中的功能仍然未知。TadZ在该分泌系统中的作用和功能将被探索。本实验旨在阐明TadZ的功能和确定TadZ的细胞定位。将使用标准荧光显微术和生物化学技术来确定TadZ是否定位于细胞极。最后，相互作用的伙伴，自我互动的能力，和ATP酶活性将被确定和测试。这些研究不仅将揭示TadZ的功能，而且将开始揭示Tad分泌系统的结构和架构。

A. actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), a gram-negative bacterium, is the causative agent of localized aggressive periodontitis and other infections such as brain abscesses and infective endocarditis. The Tad secretion system in Aa constitutes a novel secretion system in bacteria and has been discovered in a variety of bacteria including significant pathogens. In Aa the Tad secretion system is encoded by 14-gene loci (tad). The ability to form strong biofilms and colonize surfaces is dependent on the tad loci. Furthermore, the Tad secretion system is an important virulence determinate in Aa. TadZ is a unique component of the Tad secretion system. Therefore, its function in this novel secretion system remains unknown. The role and function of TadZ in this secretion system will be explored. The experiments are directed at elucidated the function of TadZ and determining the cellular localization of TadZ. Standard fluorescence microscopy and biochemical techniques will used to determine if TadZ localizes to the cell pole. Lastly, interacting partners, ability to self-interact, and ATPase activity will be identified and tested. The studies will not only reveal the function of TadZ, but it will begin to reveal the structure and architecture of the Tad Secretion system.