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Coordinate regulation of Gram-positive cell surface components
Brett R Hanson1, Melody N Neely
1Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Current Opinion in Microbiology
|January 13, 2012
Summary
Gram-positive pathogens use cell surface glycopolymers for vital functions. Coordinated regulation of these components explains complex phenotypes and may reveal new antimicrobial targets.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Gram-positive pathogens possess a complex cell surface.
- This surface includes peptidoglycan, wall-teichoic acids, lipoteichoic acids, and capsular polysaccharides.
- These components regulate critical cellular processes and pathogen-host interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on cell surface glycopolymers in Gram-positive pathogens.
- To propose a model of coordinated regulation for these components.
- To identify potential new targets for antimicrobial therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research.
- Analysis of pleiotropic phenotypes resulting from disruption of cell surface factors.
- Synthesis of data to propose regulatory mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Disruption of single cell surface components leads to complex, pleiotropic effects.
- These effects suggest coordinated regulation of biosynthesis and modification of glycopolymers.
- The relative abundance and function of cell surface factors are tightly controlled.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated regulation is key to understanding Gram-positive pathogen cell surface complexity.
- Understanding these regulatory networks can guide the development of novel antimicrobial strategies.
- Targeting these networks offers a promising avenue for combating antimicrobial resistance.
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