A single-domain response regulator activates exopolysaccharide biosynthesis by interaction with the initiating phosphoglycosyl transferase.

ABSTRACT: Exported polysaccharides play crucial functions in bacteria. Polysaccharide biosynthesis in the ubiquitous Wzx/Wzy- and ABC-transporter-dependent pathways starts with the transfer of a sugar-1-phosphate from a nucleotide-sugar donor to undecaprenyl phosphate, a reaction catalyzed by a phosphoglycosyl transferase (PGT). Both reaction substrates are limited and shared among multiple glycoconjugate pathways, raising the question of how bacteria regulate these pathways. In Myxococcus xanthus, EpsZ, which belongs to the family of large monotopic PGTs (monoPGTs), starts the Wzx/Wzy-dependent exopolysaccharide (EPS) biosynthesis. The Dif chemosensory system regulates EPS biosynthesis by an unknown mechanism via the phosphorylated single-domain response regulator EpsW (EpsW~P). Here, we sho

SUBMITTER: Schwabe J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802240 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature