Massive formation of intracellular membrane vesicles in Escherichia coli by a monotopic membrane-bound lipid glycosyltransferase.

ABSTRACT: The morphology and curvature of biological bilayers are determined by the packing shapes and interactions of their participant molecules. Bacteria, except photosynthetic groups, usually lack intracellular membrane organelles. Strong overexpression in Escherichia coli of a foreign monotopic glycosyltransferase (named monoglycosyldiacylglycerol synthase), synthesizing a nonbilayer-prone glucolipid, induced massive formation of membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm. Vesicle assemblies were visualized in cytoplasmic zones by fluorescence microscopy. These have a very low buoyant density, substantially different from inner membranes, with a lipid content of > or = 60% (w/w). Cryo-transmission electron microscopy revealed cells to be filled with membrane vesicles of various sizes and shapes, which

SUBMITTER: Eriksson HM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2797161 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature