Structure and mode of action of lectin-like bacteriocins

3. Objectives LlpA represents the prototype of a novel family of proteins with antibacterial activity. This project proposal aims at acquiring insight in the as yet unknown and probably unprecedented mode of action of these Pseudomonas bacteriocins. Elucidation of this mechanism may disclose a novel target for combating pathogenic bacteria. The knowledge thus acquired will be instrumental for the elucidation of the function of MMBL-like modules in the variety of 'hypothetical proteins' that are encoded by the genomes of phylogenetically quite distant bacteria, as a first step in the identification of the physiological role of these proteins in the respective bacteria.