Tyrosine Phosphorylation of the UDP-Glucose Dehydrogenase of Escherichia coli Is at the Crossroads of Colanic Acid Synthesis and Polymyxin Resistance
2008

Tyrosine Phosphorylation of Ugd in E. coli and Its Role in Colanic Acid Synthesis and Polymyxin Resistance

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lacour Soline, Bechet Emmanuelle, Cozzone Alain J., Mijakovic Ivan, Grangeasse Christophe

Primary Institution: Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, University of Lyon, CNRS, Lyon, France

Hypothesis

Does Ugd phosphorylation by Wzc and Etk affect colanic acid production and polymyxin resistance in E. coli?

Conclusion

Ugd phosphorylation is crucial for regulating both colanic acid synthesis and polymyxin resistance in E. coli.

Supporting Evidence

  • Ugd is phosphorylated by both Wzc and Etk, indicating a regulatory mechanism.
  • Phosphorylation of Ugd on Tyr71 affects colanic acid production.
  • Ugd phosphorylation by Etk is linked to resistance against polymyxin.
  • Mutations in Ugd that prevent phosphorylation lead to reduced colanic acid synthesis.
  • Ugd's role in producing UDP-glucuronic acid is essential for polysaccharide biosynthesis.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein in E. coli can be modified in a way that helps the bacteria make a protective coating and resist certain antibiotics.

Methodology

The study involved confirming Ugd phosphorylation by Wzc and Etk in vivo and assessing the effects of this phosphorylation on colanic acid production and polymyxin resistance.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0003053

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