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Isomalto-oligosaccharide-containing lipoteichoic acid of Streptococcus sanguis. Basic structure
B Kochanowski1, W Fischer, N Iida-Tanaka
1Institut für Biochemie, Medizinischen Fakultät, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany.
European Journal of Biochemistry
|June 15, 1993
Summary
Lipoteichoic acid from Streptococcus sanguis strains was analyzed, revealing a unique structure with alpha-isomalto-oligosaccharides. This distinct glycosyl substitution pattern may serve as a reliable taxonomic marker for S. sanguis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) are crucial cell wall components in Gram-positive bacteria.
- Understanding LTA structure is vital for bacterial taxonomy and host-pathogen interactions.
- Streptococcus sanguis is an important oral bacterium with incompletely characterized LTA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and elucidate the detailed structure of lipoteichoic acid from Streptococcus sanguis strains DSM 20567 and DSM 20068.
- To investigate the potential of LTA structure as a taxonomic marker for S. sanguis.
Main Methods:
- Phenol/water extraction and hydrophobic-interaction chromatography for LTA isolation.
- Hydrofluoric acid treatment to release glycosylglycerols.
- 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy for structural characterization.
Main Results:
- Identical LTA structures were found in both S. sanguis strains.
- The LTA consists of a poly(glycerophosphate) backbone linked to a diglucosylglycerol lipid anchor.
- Novel alpha-isomalto-oligosaccharide substituents were identified on the LTA chain.
- Detailed structural information on the backbone, lipid anchor, and glycosylation was obtained.
Conclusions:
- The lipoteichoic acid of S. sanguis possesses a unique structure characterized by alpha-isomalto-oligosaccharide substituents.
- This unique structural motif can serve as a valuable taxonomic marker for the redefined species S. sanguis (formerly S. sanguis type I).