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Regulation of bacterial cell wall growth
Author(s) -
Egan Alexander J. F.,
Cleverley Robert M.,
Peters Katharina,
Lewis Richard J.,
Vollmer Waldemar
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the febs journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.981
H-Index - 204
eISSN - 1742-4658
pISSN - 1742-464X
DOI - 10.1111/febs.13959
Subject(s) - peptidoglycan , microbiology and biotechnology , cytosol , cytoplasm , cytoskeleton , cell growth , biology , cell wall , cell , bacterial cell structure , enzyme , biochemistry , chemistry , bacteria , genetics
During growth and propagation, a bacterial cell enlarges and subsequently divides its peptidoglycan ( PG ) sacculus, a continuous mesh‐like layer that encases the cell membrane to confer mechanical strength and morphological robustness. The mechanism of sacculus growth, how it is regulated and how it is coordinated with other cellular processes is poorly understood. In this article, we will discuss briefly the current knowledge of how cell wall synthesis is regulated, on multiple levels, from both sides of the cytoplasmic membrane. According to the current knowledge, cytosolic scaffolding proteins connect PG synthases with cytoskeletal elements, and protein phosphorylation regulates cell wall growth in Gram‐positive species. PG ‐active enzymes engage in multiple protein–protein interactions within PG synthesis multienzyme complexes, and some of the interactions modulate activities. PG synthesis is also regulated by central metabolism, and by PG maturation through the action of PG hydrolytic enzymes. Only now are we beginning to appreciate how these multiple levels of regulating PG synthesis enable the cell to propagate robustly with a defined cell shape under different and variable growth conditions.