Journal
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
Volume 319, Issue 2, Pages 97-105Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-6968.2011.02260.x
Keywords
LTA; LtaS; cell wall; Gram-positive periplasm; protein localization
Categories
Funding
- Wellcome Trust [WT084483]
- Medical Research Council [G0701212]
- European Research Council [260371]
- MRC [G0701212] Funding Source: UKRI
- Medical Research Council [G0701212] Funding Source: researchfish
- European Research Council (ERC) [260371] Funding Source: European Research Council (ERC)
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Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a zwitterionic polymer found in the cell wall of many Gram-positive bacteria. A widespread and one of the best-studied forms of LTA consists of a polyglycerolphosphate (PGP) chain that is tethered to the membrane via a glycolipid anchor. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of the enzymes involved in glycolipid and PGP backbone synthesis in a variety of different Gram-positive bacteria. The recent identification of key LTA synthesis proteins allowed the construction and analysis of mutant strains with defined defects in glycolipid or backbone synthesis. Using these strains, new information on the functions of LTA for bacterial growth, physiology and during developmental processes was gained and will be discussed. Furthermore, we will reintroduce the idea that LTA remains in close proximity to the bacterial membrane for its function during bacterial growth rather than as a surface-exposed structure.
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