A role for the small GTPase rho in epithelial cell invasion by Shigella

Functional role for the class IX myosin myr5 in epithelial cell infection by Shigella flexneri

Efficient control of Shigella-induced, rho-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangements seems to be required to shape the delicate cellular structures associated with bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. We therefore studied a class IX myosin and rho antagonist, the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) myr5, for a potential role in the bacterial entry process. We show that myr5 is recruited into bacterial entry spots. The recruitment pattern resembled that of rhoC or ezrin, but not rhoA, rac or CDC42, while in vitro GAP activity of myr5 was similar for rhoA, B or C. Analysis of myr5 mutants suggested that GTPase- or ATP-binding activites are not required for Shigella-induced recruitment of this atypical myosin to the bacterial entry site. Functional studies revealed a potential dual role of the myosin functions and the GAP module of myr5 for bacterial internalization.