Structure, biosynthesis and function of unusual lipids A from nodule-inducing and N2-fixing bacteria

Adam Choma; Iwona Komaniecka; Kamil Zebracki

doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.11.004

Structure, biosynthesis and function of unusual lipids A from nodule-inducing and N₂-fixing bacteria

Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids. 2017 Feb;1862(2):196-209. doi: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.11.004. Epub 2016 Nov 9.

Authors

Adam Choma¹, Iwona Komaniecka², Kamil Zebracki²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: adam.choma@poczta.umcs.lublin.pl.
² Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland.

PMID: 27836696
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.11.004

Abstract

This review focuses on the chemistry and structures of (Brady)rhizobium lipids A, indispensable parts of lipopolysaccharides. These lipids contain unusual (ω-1) hydroxylated very long chain fatty acids, which are synthesized by a very limited group of bacteria, besides rhizobia. The significance and requirement of the very long chain fatty acids for outer membrane stability as well as the genetics of the synthesis pathway are discussed. The biological role of these fatty acids for bacterial life in extremely different environments (soil and intracellular space within nodules) is also considered.

Keywords: Lipid A; Nodule-forming bacteria; Rhizobium; Very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA).

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Bacteria / metabolism*
Fatty Acids / metabolism
Lipids / physiology*
Lipopolysaccharides / metabolism*
Nitrogen / metabolism*
Nitrogen Fixation / physiology*
Rhizobium / metabolism

Substances

Fatty Acids
Lipids
Lipopolysaccharides
Nitrogen