Premium
Bacterial polysaccharide capsule synthesis, export and evolution of structural diversity
Author(s) -
Boulnoisl G. J.,
Jann K.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
molecular microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.857
H-Index - 247
eISSN - 1365-2958
pISSN - 0950-382X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2958.1989.tb00168.x
Subject(s) - biology , polysaccharide , bacterial capsule , biogenesis , capsule , bacteria , gene , escherichia coli , cytoplasm , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , bacterial outer membrane , genetics , botany , virulence
Summary Elaboration of a capsule composed of one of a range of acidic polysaccharides is a common feature of many bacteria, particularly those capable of causing serious infections in humans. Biochemical and genet‐cal analyses of capsule biogenesis in Escherichia coli are beginning to reveal new aspects of polysaccharide biosynthesis. Genes have been identified which are thought to encode products responsible for the trans‐location of these high molecular‐weight polysaccharides across the cytoplasmic and outer membranes, and the organization of exported polysaccharide into a capsule. Their further analysis should provide new insights into membrane biology, particularly since the genes in question are absent from the often used laboratory strains of E. coli. Genetic analysis of capsule diversity is beginning to suggest possible mechanisms for the generation of the structural diversity of polysaccharides.