Recent Advances in Peptidoglycan Synthesis and Regulation in Bacteria

Bacteria must synthesize their cell wall and membrane during their cell cycle, with peptidoglycan being the primary component of the cell wall in most bacteria. Peptidoglycan is a three-dimensional polymer that enables bacteria to resist cytoplasmic osmotic pressure, maintain their cell shape and protect themselves from environmental threats. Numerous antibiotics that are currently used target enzymes involved in the synthesis of the cell wall, particularly peptidoglycan synthases. In this review, we highlight recent progress in our understanding of peptidoglycan synthesis, remodeling, repair, and regulation in two model bacteria: the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. By summarizing the latest findings in this field, we hope to provide a comprehensive overview of peptidoglycan biology, which is critical for our understanding of bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance.

Automated summary

Bacteria need to synthesize their cell wall and membrane, with peptidoglycan as the main component of the cell wall. Peptidoglycan is a three-dimensional polymer that helps bacteria resist osmotic pressure, maintain their shape, and protect themselves from the environment. Antibiotics target enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis, including peptidoglycan synthases. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding peptidoglycan synthesis, remodeling, repair, and regulation in two model bacteria: Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. The comprehensive overview of peptidoglycan biology provided in this review is critical for understanding bacterial adaptation and antibiotic resistance.