Putting E-coli on a pedestal: a unique system to study signal transductionand the actin cytoskeleton

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) subverts host signalling pathways and the cytoskeleton during infection, resulting in disease characterized b y diarrhoea. Recent studies have revolutionized our understanding of the in fection process by showing that this bacterium inserts its own receptor int o the plasma membrane overlying the host actin cytoskeleton. The reorganize d actin forms a pedestal-like structure with the bacterium at the tip. This review discusses the mechanism of infection and pedestal formation and how this system might be a powerful tool for studying actin dynamics at the pl asma membrane.