Detail:

Abstract:
　　The directional movement of bacteria is governed by the motor switch complex and is an important virulence factor for pathogenic bacteria colonization and infection. Flagellar motor switch complex, also called C-ring, is a supramolecular structure typically self-assembled by multiple copies of FliG, FliM and FliN. The switch complex is essential for flagellar assembly, torque generation and bi-directional rotational switching. While the core elements of the motor are generally homologous, recent genomics, transcriptomic and biophysical studies suggest structural diversity of bacterial flagellar motors. In this regards, little is known about the flagellar motor in gastric pathogen H. pylori whose genome harbors an additional switch gene encoding FliY. In this presentation, I will present our recent findings on FliY-FliN binary complex. Additionally, the structure-function relationship of a newly identified MSC interacting protein associated to the regulation of motor function will be discussed.

Biosketch:
　　Prof. Au received her PhD from University of Hong Kong, carried out postdoctoral research at University of Oxford, and is now an associate professor in the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her research interests focus on flagellar system in H. pylori and protein post-translational modifications. Other collaborative research projects include innate immunity and muscle differentiation.