Characterization of FlgP, an Essential Protein for Flagellar Assembly in Rhodobacter sphaeroides

Abstract

Flagellar based motility confers a selective advantage on bacteria by allowing migration to favorable environments or in pathogenic species to reach the optimal niche for colonization. The flagellar structure has been well established in Salmonella . However, other accessory components have been identified in other species. Many of these have been implied in adapting the flagellar function to enable faster rotation, or higher torque. FlgP has been proposed to be the main component of the basal disk located underlying the outer membrane in Campylobacter jejuni and Vibrio fischeri . Its role is still unclear, and its absence impacts motility differently in different species. The study of these new components will bring a better understanding of the evolution of this complex organelle.