Visualization of pili and its applications in the study of cyanobacteria

Abstract:

Cyanobacteria have garnered great attention as important players in the marine hydrosphere and the source of bioactive compounds. Type IV pili (TFP) play a crucial role in cyanobacteria by participating in various physiological functions such as substrate surface movement, phototaxis, and natural transformation. With the continuous advancements in the visualization of pili, we have gained a deeper understanding of the TFP-mediated cell behaviors of cyanobacteria. We review the recent progress and applications of visualization of pili in the research on the twitching, phototaxis, and natural transformation of cyanobacteria. This review is expected to improve our understanding of the TFP-mediated cell behaviors and the ecological function and significance of cyanobacteria in the hydrosphere. Additionally, it provides new insights for developing TFP-based regulation on cell behaviors of cyanobacteria.