Cryo-EM atomic models of H. marismortui archaeal filament ArlB (IMAGE)

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University

Cryo-EM atomic models of H. marismortui archaeal filament ArlB

Caption

Using cryo-EM, the team characterized two different types of filaments (made up of proteins known as ArlA2 and ArlB), coded for by different genes. 

The image here shows the ArlB filament, with the monomer split into three domains pictured on the right. The D2 domain forms the outer sheath (the outer ring visible in the central image), with strong interactions to neighboring monomers creating a more rigid structure, perfect for powering movement through viscous waters with high salt concentration.
 

Credit

Meshcheryakov et al., Nature Comms, 2026. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-72670-8. Copyright CC-BY-ND-4.0.

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