The predation strategy of Myxococcus xanthus

Predation shapes interbacterial interactions in different habitats, but we know little about its molecular mechanisms. We investigate predation mechanisms in the myxobacterium Myxococcus xanthus, which feeds on a broad range of microorganisms in soil.

Comparing different bacteriolytic properties of M. xanthus, we found that an unkown, cell-contact dependent mechanism is used to kill Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. This involves the concerted action of two protein secretion systems, which accumulate at the predator-prey interface. These secretion systems mediate cell death and lysis, respectively, and are both required for M. xanthus to extract nutrients from prey.