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Dynamic stiffening of the flagellar hook

Author

Listed:
  • Ashley L. Nord

    (Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM)

  • Anaïs Biquet-Bisquert

    (Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM)

  • Manouk Abkarian

    (Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM)

  • Théo Pigaglio

    (Aix Marseille Université, CNRS)

  • Farida Seduk

    (Aix Marseille Université, CNRS)

  • Axel Magalon

    (Aix Marseille Université, CNRS)

  • Francesco Pedaci

    (Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM)

Abstract

For many bacteria, motility stems from one or more flagella, each rotated by the bacterial flagellar motor, a powerful rotary molecular machine. The hook, a soft polymer at the base of each flagellum, acts as a universal joint, coupling rotation between the rigid membrane-spanning rotor and rigid flagellum. In multi-flagellated species, where thrust arises from a hydrodynamically coordinated flagellar bundle, hook flexibility is crucial, as flagella rotate significantly off-axis. However, consequently, the thrust applies a significant bending moment. Therefore, the hook must simultaneously be compliant to enable bundle formation yet rigid to withstand large hydrodynamical forces. Here, via high-resolution measurements and analysis of hook fluctuations under dynamical conditions, we elucidate how it fulfills this double functionality: the hook shows a dynamic increase in bending stiffness under increasing torsional stress. Such strain-stiffening allows the system to be flexible when needed yet reduce deformation under high loads, enabling high speed motility.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashley L. Nord & Anaïs Biquet-Bisquert & Manouk Abkarian & Théo Pigaglio & Farida Seduk & Axel Magalon & Francesco Pedaci, 2022. "Dynamic stiffening of the flagellar hook," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:13:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-022-30295-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30295-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yoshiyuki Sowa & Alexander D. Rowe & Mark C. Leake & Toshiharu Yakushi & Michio Homma & Akihiko Ishijima & Richard M. Berry, 2005. "Direct observation of steps in rotation of the bacterial flagellar motor," Nature, Nature, vol. 437(7060), pages 916-919, October.
    2. Cornelis Storm & Jennifer J. Pastore & F. C. MacKintosh & T. C. Lubensky & Paul A. Janmey, 2005. "Nonlinear elasticity in biological gels," Nature, Nature, vol. 435(7039), pages 191-194, May.
    3. Takashi Fujii & Takayuki Kato & Koichi D. Hiraoka & Tomoko Miyata & Tohru Minamino & Fabienne F. V. Chevance & Kelly T. Hughes & Keiichi Namba, 2017. "Identical folds used for distinct mechanical functions of the bacterial flagellar rod and hook," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, April.
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