The localization of the essential protein MurJ is dependent on its substrate lipid II

What is it about?

Bacteria are enclosed by a strong envelope that protects them against internal pressure and mechanical damage from outside. A large number of proteins are required for its synthesis. We have shown that one of these essential proteins, MurJ, localizes at sites involved in length growth as well as in division in the bacterium Escherichia coli. Its localization is dependent on the availability of its substrate.

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Why is it important?

The translocation (flipping) of peptidoglycan building units across the cytoplasmic membrane is essential for the survival and proliferation of all bacteria. In E. coli MurJ is responsible for this activity. We have shown that MurJ is associating with protein complexes that are involved in length growth but also with complexes that are synthesizing the new septum. The association is dependent on its substrate availability. This knowledge helps to decide which strategy might be fruitful to develop antibiotics that can inhibit the activity of MurJ and related flippases to kill bacteria.