The peptidoglycan of Mycobacterium abscessus is predominantly cross-linked by L,D-transpeptidases

J Bacteriol. 2011 Feb;193(3):778-82. doi: 10.1128/JB.00606-10. Epub 2010 Nov 19.

Abstract

Few therapeutic alternatives remain for the treatment of infections due to multiresistant Mycobacterium abscessus. Here we show that the peptidoglycans of the "rough" and "smooth" morphotypes contain predominantly 3→3 cross-links generated by l,d-transpeptidases, indicating that these enzymes are attractive targets for the development of efficient drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Wall / chemistry
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Mycobacterium / chemistry
  • Mycobacterium / enzymology*
  • Mycobacterium / metabolism*
  • Peptidoglycan / chemistry
  • Peptidoglycan / metabolism*
  • Peptidyl Transferases / metabolism*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Peptidoglycan
  • Peptidyl Transferases