Functional analysis of the C-terminal domain of the WbaP protein that mediates initiation of O antigen synthesis in Salmonella enterica

K.B. Patel, S.E. Furlong, Miguel Valvano

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31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

WbaP catalyzes the transfer of galactose-1-phosphate onto undecaprenyl phosphate (Und-P). The enzyme belongs to a large family of bacterial membrane proteins required for initiation of the synthesis of O antigen lipopolysaccharide and polysaccharide capsules. Previous work in our laboratory demonstrated that the last transmembrane helix and C-terminal tail region of WbaP (WbaP(CT)) are sufficient for enzymatic activity. Here, we demonstrate the cytoplasmic location of the WbaP C-terminal tail and show that WbaPCT domain N-terminally fused to thioredoxin (TrxA-WbaP(CT)) exhibits improved protein folding and enhanced transferase activity. Alanine replacement of highly conserved charged or polar amino acids identified seven critical residues for enzyme activity in vivo and in vitro. Four of these residues are located in regions predicted to be a-helical. These regions and their secondary structure predictions are conserved in distinct WbaP family members, suggesting they may contribute to form a conserved catalytic center.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1389-1401
Number of pages13
JournalGlycobiology
Volume20
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry

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