title: Crystalline bacterial cell surface layers.
abstract: Crystalline arrays of proteinaceous subunits forming surface layers (S-layers) are one of the most commonly observed prokaryotic cell envelope structures. They are ubiquitous amongst Gram-positive and Gram-negative archeaobacteria and eubacteria and, if present, account for the major protein species produced by the cells. S-layers can provide organisms with a selection advantage by providing various functions including protective coats, molecular sieves, ion traps and structures involved in cell surface interactions. S-layers were identified as contributing to virulence when present as a structural component of pathogens. In Gram-negative archaeobacteria they are involved in determining cell shape and cell division. The crystalline arrays reveal a broad-application potential in biotechnology, vaccine development and molecular nanotechnology.
authors.affiliation: Zentrum für Ultrastrukturforschung und Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institut für Molekulare Nanotechnologie Universität für Bodenkultur, Wien, Austria.
authors.forename: U B
authors.initials: UB
authors.lastname: Sleytr
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Messner
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pum
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sára
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003460:Crystallization; D008854:Microscopy, Electron
chemical_list: D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins