Membrane topology mapping of the O-antigen flippase (Wzx), polymerase (Wzy), and ligase (WaaL) from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 reveals novel domain architectures

mBio. 2010 Aug 24;1(3):e00189-10. doi: 10.1128/mBio.00189-10.

Abstract

Biosynthesis of B-band lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in Pseudomonas aeruginosa follows the Wzy-dependent pathway, requiring the integral inner membrane proteins Wzx (O-antigen [O-Ag] flippase), Wzy (O-Ag polymerase), and WaaL (O-Ag ligase). For an important first step in deciphering the mechanisms of LPS assembly, we set out to map the membrane topology of these proteins. Random and targeted 3'wzx, wzy, and waaL truncations were fused to a phoA-lacZalpha dual reporter capable of displaying both alkaline phosphatase and beta-galactosidase activity. The results from truncation fusion expression and the corresponding differential enzyme activity ratios allowed for the assignment of specific regions of the proteins to cytoplasmic, transmembrane (TM), or periplasmic loci. Protein orientation in the inner membrane was confirmed via C-terminal fusion to green fluorescent protein. Our data revealed unique TM domain properties in these proteins, particularly for Wzx, indicating the potential for a charged pore. Novel periplasmic and cytoplasmic loop domains were also uncovered, with the latter in Wzy and WaaL revealing tracts consistent with potential Walker A/B motifs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism
  • Carbon-Oxygen Ligases / chemistry*
  • Carbon-Oxygen Ligases / genetics
  • Carbon-Oxygen Ligases / metabolism
  • Hexosyltransferases / chemistry*
  • Hexosyltransferases / genetics
  • Hexosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / chemistry*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / chemistry
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / enzymology*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / genetics

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Hexosyltransferases
  • O-antigen polymerase
  • Carbon-Oxygen Ligases
  • WaaL protein, Pseudomonas aeruginosa