Interplay between bacterial outer membranes and S-layers
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Bacteria can adopt a variety of strategies to shield themselves from environmental insult. Among these, the outer membrane (OM) and S-layers are both surface-exposed layers with overlapping functions. Despite their existence and composition being described decades ago, recent advances have led to a revised view of their biological functions, structural organisation and spatiotemporal dynamics. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of these envelope layers. We focus on new insights into the biological significance, molecular composition, surface architecture and spatiotemporal patterns underlying their biogenesis. By comparing these systems, we show that the OM and the S-layer share notable features, including aspects of surface symmetry and the spatiotemporal coordination of their assembly. We discuss outstanding questions related to each of these envelope layers and the potential interplay between them. Understanding this interplay promises to reveal fundamental principles of bacterial cell envelope assembly and organisation, opening new avenues for antimicrobial targeting.
Source: Current Opinion in Microbiology
Authors: Gideon Mamou, Colin Kleanthous, Georgina Benn
Institutions: Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Oxford
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,800
Awards: Molecular basis of outer membrane stabilisation by the energised Tol-Pal system in Gram-negative bacteria, (re)Defining the nature of the Gram-negative outer membrane, G266716917, Exploiting protein import to interrogate energy transduction through the bacterial cell envelope, G3350255747, Pushing the envelope: atomic force microscopy imaging of the bacterial outer membrane during growth and division
OpenAlex ID: W7161556537