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Structural investigations on the cell surface of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
1Institut für Genetik und Mikrobiologie der Universität München, Munich, Germany. K.Schubert@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
The cell wall of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was investigated. The corrected structure of the murein, which was published earlier, is reported here. The murein belongs to the B1delta type. It has L-alanine in position three of the peptide subunit and is crosslinked via a glycine-L-lysine-L-lysine interpeptide bridge. As expected by the complex serological situation in E. rhusiopathiae the carbohydrate moiety of the cell wall proofed to be very intricate. As accessory polymers polysaccharide(s) and teichoic acid(s) were identified. The teichoic acid(s) possess two novel polyols of which one could not be identified, the other one behaved like 6-O-methylgalactitol in gas liquid chromatography. Glucose and N-acetylgalactosamine were determined as substituents. The polysaccharide(s) is composed of mainly N-acetylfucosamine and smaller amounts of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and a further unidentified sugar appearing later than hexaacetylsorbitol in GLC.
Insights
The Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae cell wall
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacterium known for causing erysipeloid disease in animals and humans.
- Understanding its cell wall structure is crucial for developing targeted therapies and diagnostics.
- Previous studies have provided some insights, but a comprehensive analysis of its complex composition is still needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the detailed structure of the Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae cell wall.
- To correct and refine previously reported murein structure.
- To identify and characterize accessory polymers, including polysaccharides and teichoic acids.
Main Methods:
- Detailed biochemical analysis of the cell wall components.
- Structural elucidation of murein and associated polymers using techniques like gas-liquid chromatography (GLC).
- Identification of specific amino acids, sugars, and polyols.
Main Results:
- The murein was confirmed to be of the B1delta type, featuring L-alanine at position three and a glycine-L-lysine-L-lysine interpeptide bridge.
- Accessory polymers, including polysaccharides and teichoic acids, were identified.
- Teichoic acids contained two novel polyols, one unidentified and the other resembling 6-O-methylgalactitol, with glucose and N-acetylgalactosamine substituents.
- The polysaccharide component was primarily N-acetylfucosamine, with smaller amounts of galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, and an unidentified sugar.
Conclusions:
- The Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae cell wall possesses a complex and unique structure, particularly its carbohydrate moiety.
- The identified murein structure and accessory polymers provide a foundation for further research into the bacterium's biology and pathogenicity.
- This detailed structural information may aid in the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infections.