Multiple conformations facilitate PilT function in the type IV pilus

Abstract

Bacterial type IV pilus-like systems catalyse the formation of pilin fibres but it is unknown how they are powered. Here, the authors present crystal and cryo-EM structures of the hexameric motor ATPases PilB and PilT from Type IVa Pilus that reveal different conformational states, classify the conformations of all PilT-like ATPase structures and propose a model for PilT function.