An Essential Membrane Protein Modulates the Proteolysis of LpxC to Control Lipopolysaccharide Synthesis in Escherichia coli

Abstract

The outer membrane is a major determinant of the intrinsic antibiotic resistance of Gram-negative bacteria. It is composed of both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and phospholipid, and the synthesis of these lipid species must be balanced for the membrane to maintain its barrier function in blocking drug entry. In this study, we identified an essential protein of unknown function as a key new factor in modulating LPS synthesis in the model bacterium Escherichia coli . Our results provide novel insight into how this organism and most likely other Gram-negative bacteria maintain membrane homeostasis and their intrinsic resistance to antibiotics.

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