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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Generation of Null Mutants to Elucidate the Role of Bacterial Glycosyltransferases in Bacterial Motility
Published on: March 11, 2022
N-linked glycosylation in bacteria: an unexpected application
Rebecca H Langdon1, Jon Cuccui, Brendan W Wren
1Department of Infectious & Tropical Diseases, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E7HT, UK.
Abstract:
Traditionally, glycoproteins have been considered the exclusive property of eukaryotes and archaea, but it is now evident that glycoproteins are found in all domains of life. In recent years N-linked glycosylation among some epsilon-proteobacteria has emerged as a new and exciting research area and represents a useful model to understand this complex process in simple, genetically tractable bacteria. Above all, the transfer of N-linked glycosylation systems to the work-horse bacterium, Escherichia coli, has enabled, for the first time, the production of recombinant glycoproteins. This has potentially provided the option for tailor-made glycoproteins and has opened up the field of glycoengineering, particularly with respect to the development of glycoconjugate vaccines.
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