Open AccessCardiolipin aids in lipopolysaccharide transport to the gram-negative outer membrane
Author(s) -
Martin V. Douglass,
François Cléon,
M. Stephen Trent
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.011
H-Index - 771
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2018329118
Subject(s) - glycerophospholipids , bacterial outer membrane , cardiolipin , lipopolysaccharide , gram negative bacteria , cardiolipins , biology , glycerophospholipid , bacteria , membrane , microbiology and biotechnology , chemistry , biochemistry , escherichia coli , phospholipid , immunology , genetics , gene
Significance The outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria is a major deterrent for antibiotic entry, making it difficult to treat these infections. It is composed of both LPS and glycerophospholipids, where the synchronized synthesis between these two components is essential for the outer membrane’s unique permeability barrier. In this report, we identify a previously unidentified association between LPS and glycerophospholipids, where the presence of the complete repertoire of glycerophospholipids is required for efficient transport of LPS. Our results provide insight into howE. coli modifies its lipid composition to maintain the outer membrane’s formidable barrier function.