Biosynthesis and production of polysialic acids in bacteria

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2010 May;86(6):1621-35. doi: 10.1007/s00253-010-2531-5. Epub 2010 Mar 27.

Abstract

Polysialic acids (PA) are protective capsular sialohomopolymers present in some bacteria which can invade the mammalian host and cause lethal bacteremia and meningitis. Biosynthesis and translocation of PA to the cell surface are equivalent in different species and bacterial strains which are produced. The diversity in PA structure is derived from the PA linkages and is a consequence of the specific sialyltransferase activities. The monomer acetylation and the polymer length could be important factors in the potential virulence. In vivo PA production is affected by different physical and chemical factors. The temperature of cellular growth strictly regulates PA genesis through a molecular complex and multifactorial mechanism that operate to transcription level.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacteria / pathogenicity
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / biosynthesis*
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Sialic Acids / biosynthesis*
  • Sialic Acids / chemistry
  • Sialic Acids / metabolism
  • Temperature
  • Virulence

Substances

  • Polysaccharides, Bacterial
  • Sialic Acids
  • polysialic acid