Some bacterial species display gliding motility associated with slime secretion through nozzle-like structures at the cell poles. Here, Zuckerman, So & Hoiczyk show that the nozzles are composed of PilQ/GspD proteins usually associated with protein secretion, thus suggesting that secretins may be required for the secretion of non-proteinaceous polymers in these bacteria.
- David M. Zuckerman
- Jeffery Man To So
- Egbert Hoiczyk