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Peptidoglycan crosslinking relaxation promotes Helicobacter pylori's helical shape and stomach colonization

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Jacob BiboyORCiD, Professor Waldemar Vollmer

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Abstract

The mechanisms by which bacterial cells generate helical cell shape and its functional role are poorly understood. Helical shape of the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori may facilitate penetration of the thick gastric mucus where it replicates. We identified four genes required for helical shape: three LytM peptidoglycan endopeptidase homologs (csd1-3) and a ccmA homolog. Surrounding the cytoplasmic membrane of most bacteria, the peptidoglycan (murein) sacculus is a meshwork of glycan strands joined by peptide crosslinks. Intact cells and isolated sacculi from mutants lacking any single csd gene or ccmA formed curved rods and showed increased peptidoglycan crosslinking. Quantitative morphological analyses of multiple-gene deletion mutants revealed each protein uniquely contributes to a shape-generating pathway. This pathway is required for robust colonization of the stomach in spite of normal directional motility. Our findings suggest that the coordinated action of multiple proteins relaxes peptidoglycan crosslinking, enabling helical cell curvature and twist.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Sycuro LK, Pincus Z, Gutierrez KD, Biboy J, Stern CA, Vollmer W, Salama NR

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Cell

Year: 2010

Volume: 141

Issue: 5

Pages: 822-833

Print publication date: 27/05/2010

ISSN (print): 0092-8674

ISSN (electronic): 1097-4172

Publisher: Cell Press

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2010.03.046

DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2010.03.046

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