Open AccessIV. Molecular biology of S‐layers 1
Author(s) -
Bahl Hubert,
Scholz Holger,
Bayan Nicolas,
Chami Mohamed,
Leblon Gérard,
GulikKrzywicki Thaddée,
Shechter Emanuel,
Fouet Agnés,
Mesnage Stéphane,
TosiCouture Evelyne,
Gou Pierre,
Mock Michèle,
Conway de Macario Everly,
Macario Alberto J.L.,
FernándezHerrero Luis A.,
Olabarrı́a Garbiñe,
Berenguer José,
Blaser Martin J.,
Kuen Beatrix,
Lubitz Werner,
Sára Margit,
Pouwels Peter H.,
Kolen Carin P.A.M.,
Boot Hein J.,
Palva Airi,
Truppe Michaela,
Howorka Stephan,
Schroll Gerhard,
Lechleitner Sonja,
Resch Stephanie
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
fems microbiology reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.91
H-Index - 212
eISSN - 1574-6976
pISSN - 0168-6445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1574-6976.1997.tb00304.x
Subject(s) - s layer , biology , gene , corynebacterium glutamicum , homology (biology) , thermus thermophilus , genetics , escherichia coli
In this chapter we report on the molecular biology of crystalline surface layers of different bacterial groups. The limited information indicates that there are many variations on a common theme. Sequence variety, antigenic diversity, gene expression, rearrangements, influence of environmental factors and applied aspects are addressed. There is considerable variety in the S‐layer composition, which was elucidated by sequence analysis of the corresponding genes. In Corynebacterium glutamicum one major cell wall protein is responsible for the formation of a highly ordered, hexagonal array. In contrast, two abundant surface proteins form the S‐layer of Bacillus anthracis . Each protein possesses three S‐layer homology motifs and one protein could be a virulence factor. The antigenic diversity and ABC transporters are important features, which have been studied in methanogenic archaea. The expression of the S‐layer components is controlled by three genes in the case of Thermus thermophilus . One has repressor activity on the S‐layer gene promoter, the second codes for the S‐layer protein. The rearrangement by reciprocal recombination was investigated in Campylobacter fetus . 7–8 S‐layer proteins with a high degree of homology at the 5′ and 3′ ends were found. Environmental changes influence the surface properties of Bacillus stearothermophilus . Depending on oxygen supply, this species produces different S‐layer proteins. Finally, the molecular bases for some applications are discussed. Recombinant S‐layer fusion proteins have been designed for biotechnology.