 | This article is missing information about explanation of convergent evolution and a list of classes. (December 2020) |
 | It has been suggested that this article should be split into articles titled type IV pilin and Saf pilin. (discuss) (December 2020) |
Pilin refers to a class of fibrous proteins that are found in pilus structures in bacteria. These structures can be used for the exchange of genetic material, or as a cell adhesion mechanism. Although not all bacteria have pili or fimbriae, bacterial pathogens often use their fimbriae to attach to host cells. In Gram-negative bacteria, where pili are more common, individual pilin molecules are linked by noncovalent protein-protein interactions, while Gram-positive bacteria often have polymerized LPXTG pilin.[1]
- ^ Telford JL, Barocchi MA, Margarit I, Rappuoli R, Grandi G (2006). "Pili in gram-positive pathogens". Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 4 (7): 509–19. doi:10.1038/nrmicro1443. PMID 16778837. S2CID 6369483.