Like a transformer? Protein unfolds and refolds for new function
This protein, called RfaH, activates genes that allow bacterial
cells to launch a successful attack on their host, causing
disease. The researchers determined that RfaH starts out in its
alpha form, composed of two spiral shapes. Later, in its beta
form, it resembles spokes on a wheel and is called a barrel.
When RfaH refolds, it acquires a new function - yet another
finding that researchers would not have predicted.  “We showed
that RfaH refolds, which is a big enough deal already. You would
think this is impossible. That’s what you’re told in school,”
said Irina Artsimovitch, professor of microbiology at Ohio State
University and a lead author of the study. “But in this case,
it’s even better than that because we show that when RfaH
refolds, it acquires a new function. It can do something that it
couldn’t do before.”  Though the process happens in seconds,
Artsimovitch likened the refolding to “having a knitted sweater
that you rip out and