Work

Inhibition of cardiolipin biosynthesis partially suppresses the sensitivity of an Escherichia coli mutant lacking OmpC to envelope stress

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Porins in the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria play two main functions: passage of various extracellular molecules and maintenance of membrane integrity. OmpC, a non-specific porin, is involved in both functions; however, the exact mechanism of maintenance of membrane integrity remains unknown. In this study, we found that inhibiting cardiolipin biosynthesis partially restored the growth defect of the ompC mutant under envelope stress. Among the three enzymes involved in cardiolipin biosynthesis, ClsABC, this effect is primarily associated with ClsA. Notably, the deletion of ClsA also suppressed the similar phenotypes of an Escherichia coli mutant lacking YhdP, a transmembrane protein involved in phospholipid transport from the inner membrane to the OM. Collectively, these results imply that OmpC may contribute to membrane integrity, partially through mechanisms linked to transport or biosynthesis of phospholipids such as cardiolipin.

Source: The Journal of Microbiology

DOI: 10.71150/jm.2507004

Authors: Dae-Beom Ryu, Umji Choi, Gyubin Han, Chang-Ro Lee

Institution: Myongji University

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Genetics and Biotechnology

Subfield: Genetics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,690

Funders: National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea