Actin Comets Propelling Listeria Listeria monocytogenes moving in PtK2 cells These pathogenic bacteria grow directly in the host cell cytoplasm The phase-dense streaks behind the bacteria are the actin-rich comet tails Actin-based motility is also used in cellular motility; this cell is using it's cytoskeleton to crawl toward the lower right-hand corner. Speeded up 150X over real time Julie Theriot dan PortnoyActin Comets Propelling Listeria Listeria monocytogenes moving in PtK2 cells These pathogenic bacteria grow directly in the host cell cytoplasm. The phase-dense streaks behind the bacteria are the actin-rich comet tails. Actin-based motility is also used in cellular motility; this cell is using it's cytoskeleton to crawl toward the lower right-hand corner. Speeded up 150X over real time. --Julie Theriot & Dan Portnoy 3