Structure of a virulent pathogen revealed

Certain mean strains of bacteria inject virulent teams of molecules into cells that prepare the way for bacteria to invade the cells and reproduce, spreading disease. Different types of these molecules, called virulence factors, wreak havoc in cells’ basic functioning in different ways. Now, using x-ray crystallography, researchers at The Rockefeller University have revealed the structure of one such molecule that has the especially damaging effect of arresting its host cells’ division. The finding offers clues as to how this bacterial weapon works and, potentially, how to defend against it or even use it to attack cancer.

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