The Hidden Weapon of a Sneaky Bacteria

Bacteria and our bodies are in a constant battle.

One particularly sneaky bacteria, Simkania negevensis (Sne), has found a way to disrupt our body's defense system. This bacteria causes respiratory diseases and hides inside our cells. It possesses tools to break down our body's defenses, but scientists are still uncovering how it accomplishes this.

The SneRING Protein: A Tiny Machine with Big Impact

Sne has a special protein called SneRING. This protein acts like a tiny machine that can alter other proteins in our body. It primarily creates two types of chains known as K63- and K11-linked ubiquitin chains. These chains can modify how our body's proteins function. SneRING also collaborates with two other proteins, UbcH5b and UBE2T, to carry out its tasks.

Infection and Interaction

When Sne infects our cells, it produces SneRING. This occurs in various types of human cells and even in amoebae. Some of the SneRING protein is found near our mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which are like the powerhouse and factory of our cells. SneRING also interacts with other proteins that help shape our mitochondria and ER and respond to stress.

A Groundbreaking Discovery

This discovery is significant. It's the first time scientists have observed a bacteria with a protein like SneRING. It might help us understand how Sne alters our cells to create a cozy home for itself. However, there's still much more to learn about how this all works.