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Updated: Aug 8, 2025

Defining Substrate Specificities for Lipase and Phospholipase Candidates
Published on: November 23, 2016
The biosynthesis and role of phosphorylcholine in pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria
Yuan Zhang1, Freda E-C Jen1, Kate L Fox2
1Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia.
Abstract:
Phosphorylcholine (ChoP) can be found in all life forms. Although this molecule was first thought to be uncommon in bacteria, it is now appreciated that many bacteria express ChoP on their surface. ChoP is usually attached to a glycan structure, but in some cases, it is added as a post-translational modification to proteins. Recent findings have demonstrated the role of ChoP modification and phase variation (ON/OFF switching) in bacterial pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms of ChoP synthesis are still unclear in some bacteria. Here, we review the literature and examine the recent developments in ChoP-modified proteins and glycolipids and of ChoP biosynthetic pathways. We discuss how the well-studied Lic1 pathway exclusively mediates ChoP attachment to glycans but not to proteins. Finally, we provide a review of the role of ChoP in bacterial pathobiology and the role of ChoP in modulating the immune response.
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