Peptidoglycan O acetylation and autolysin profile of Enterococcus faecalis in the viable but nonculturable state.

ABSTRACT: The O acetylation of peptidoglycan occurs specifically at the C-6 hydroxyl group of muramoyl residues. Using a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography-based organic acid analysis and carbohydrate analysis by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography, we determined that strains of Entercoccus durans, E. faecalis, E. faecium, and E. hirae produce O-acetylated peptidoglycan. The levels of O acetylation ranged from 19% to 72% relative to the muramic acid content, and they were found to vary with the growth phase of the culture. Increases of 10 to 40% in O acetylation were observed with cultures entering the stationary phase. Cells of E. faecalis in the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state had the highest levels of peptidoglycan O acetylation. The presence of this modification to pep

SUBMITTER: Pfeffer JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1347352 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature