title: New insights into the structure of (1→3,1→6)-β-D-glucan side chains in the Candida glabrata cell wall.
abstract: β-Glucan is a (1→3)-β-linked glucose polymer with (1→6)-β-linked side chains and a major component of fungal cell walls. β-Glucans provide structural integrity to the fungal cell wall. The nature of the (1-6)-β-linked side chain structure of fungal (1→3,1→6)-β-D-glucans has been very difficult to elucidate. Herein, we report the first detailed structural characterization of the (1→6)-β-linked side chains of Candida glabrata using high-field NMR. The (1→6)-β-linked side chains have an average length of 4 to 5 repeat units spaced every 21 repeat units along the (1→3)-linked polymer backbone. Computer modeling suggests that the side chains have a bent curve structure that allows for a flexible interconnection with parallel (1→3)-β-D-glucan polymers, and/or as a point of attachment for proteins. Based on these observations we propose new approaches to how (1→6)-β-linked side chains interconnect with neighboring glucan polymers in a manner that maximizes fungal cell wall strength, while also allowing for flexibility, or plasticity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, United States of America.
authors.forename: Douglas W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Lowman
authors.forename: Lara J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: West
authors.forename: Daniel W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Bearden
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Wempe
authors.forename: Trevor D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Power
authors.forename: Harry E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Ensley
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Haynes
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Michael D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Kruppa
mesh_terms: D041221:Candida glabrata / Q000737:chemistry*; D002473:Cell Wall / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D047071:beta-Glucans / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D047071:beta-Glucans
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