title: Structural details of the glycosyltransferase step of peptidoglycan assembly.
abstract: The importance of peptidoglycan in forming the basis of the bacterial cell wall has led to many studies investigating its synthesis. The step of cross-linkage via transpeptidation, and its inhibition by penicillins, has been extremely well characterized yet knowledge of the preceding glycosyltransfer reaction remained elusive until recently. The structures of two glycosyltransferase enzymes, catalyzing membrane-based polymerization of the lipid II monomer unit, have presented a means of elucidating the molecular details of this highly desirable antibiotic target. Evidence acquired before the publication of the structures is related here to these new findings, with particular emphasis on the recognition of substrates and inhibitors.
authors: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Center for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
authors: Andrew L
authors: AL
authors: Lovering
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Gretes
authors: Natalie C J
authors: NC
authors: Strynadka
mesh_terms: D001665:Binding Sites; D020134:Catalytic Domain; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D004795:Enzyme Stability; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009113:Muramidase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D010457:Peptidoglycan / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D046928:Peptidoglycan Glycosyltransferase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D011487:Protein Conformation
chemical_list: D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D010457:Peptidoglycan; D046928:Peptidoglycan Glycosyltransferase; D009113:Muramidase