@inproceedings{a2339319311d46d1b1d7c9e6bc4a102a,
title = "Uncoiling mechanism of klebsiella pneumoniae type 3 pili measured by using optical tweezers",
abstract = "Pili are bacterial appendages that play many important roles in bacterial behaviors, physiology and interaction with hosts. Via pili, bacteria are able to adhere to, migrate onto, and colonize on host cells, mechanically. Different from the most studied type 1 and P type pili, which are rigid and thick with an average of 6-7 nm in diameter, type 3 pili are relatively tiny (3-5 nm in diameter) and flexible, and their biophysical properties remains unclear. By using optical tweezers, we found that the elongation processes of type 3 pili are divided into three phases: (1) elastic elongation, (2) uncoiling elongation, and (3) intrinsic elongation, separately. Besides, the uncoiling force of the recombinant pili displayed on the surface of E. coli [pmrkABCDv1F] is measured 20 pN in average stronger than that of E. coli [pmrkABCD v1]. This suggests that pilin MrkF is involved in determining the mechanical properties of the type 3 pili.",
keywords = "Mechanical properties, Optical tweezers, Type 3 pili, Uncoiling force",
author = "Chen, {Feng Jung} and Chan, {Chia Han} and Liu, {Kuo Liang} and Huang, {Ying Jung} and Hwei-Ling Peng and Chang, {Hwan You} and Yew, {Tri Rung} and Ken-Yuh Hsu and Long Hsu",
year = "2007",
doi = "10.1117/12.733097",
language = "English",
isbn = "9780819467928",
series = "Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering",
booktitle = "Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation IV",
note = "Optical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation IV ; Conference date: 26-08-2007 Through 29-08-2007",
}