Ricca et al discover a new family of tubular pili in Microcystis aeruginosa, a harmful algal bloom-forming cyanobacterium. These pili are crucial for buoyancy by forming cell micro-colonies, which increases drag and prevents sinking. The pili also enrich microcystin and co-localize with iron-enriched extracellular matrix components, suggesting a vital role in bloom proliferation.
- John G. Ricca
- Holly A. Petersen
- Fengbin Wang
