Ring formation by <i>Vibrio</i> fusion protein composed of FliF and FliG, MS-ring and C-ring component of bacterial flagellar motor in membrane

The marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus has a single flagellum as locomotory organ at the cell pole, which is rotated by Na+-motive force to swim in liquid. base of flagella motor composed stator and rotor, serves power engine generate torque through rotor–stator interaction coupled Na+ influx channel. MS-ring, embedded membrane part initial structure required for assembly. It comprises 34 molecules two-transmembrane protein FliF. FliG, FliM, FliN form C-ring just below MS-ring. FliG an important rotor that interacts with PomA directly contributes generation. We previously found promotes MS-ring formation E. coli. In present study, we constructed fliF–fliG fusion gene, encodes approximately 100 kDa protein, successful production this effectively formed coli cells. observed fuzzy structures around ring using either electron microscopy or high-speed atomic (HS-AFM), suggesting FliM are necessary stable structure. HS-AFM movies revealed flexible movements region.