Effects of low PBP2b levels on cell morphology and peptidoglycan composition in Streptococcus pneumoniae R6.

ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae produces two class B penicillin-binding proteins, PBP2x and PBP2b, both of which are essential. It is generally assumed that PBP2x is specifically involved in septum formation, while PBP2b is dedicated to peripheral cell wall synthesis. However, little experimental evidence exists to substantiate this belief. In the present study, we obtained evidence that strongly supports the view that PBP2b is essential for peripheral peptidoglycan synthesis. Depletion of PBP2b expression gave rise to long chains of cells in which individual cells were compressed in the direction of the long axis and looked lentil shaped. This morphological change is consistent with a role for pneumococcal PBP2b in the synthesis of the lateral cell wall. Depletion of PBP2x, on the other hand, re

SUBMITTER: Berg KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3807472 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature