title: The Power of Asymmetry: Architecture and Assembly of the Gram-Negative Outer Membrane Lipid Bilayer.
abstract: Determining the chemical composition of biological materials is paramount to the study of natural phenomena. Here, we describe the composition of model gram-negative outer membranes, focusing on the predominant assembly, an asymmetrical bilayer of lipid molecules. We also give an overview of lipid biosynthetic pathways and molecular mechanisms that organize this material into the outer membrane bilayer. An emphasis is placed on the potential of these pathways as targets for antibiotic development. We discuss deviations in composition, through bacterial cell surface remodeling, and alternative modalities to the asymmetric lipid bilayer. Outer membrane lipid alterations of current microbiological interest, such as lipid structures found in commensal bacteria, are emphasized. Additionally, outer membrane components could potentially be engineered to develop vaccine platforms. Observations related to composition and assembly of gram-negative outer membranes will continue to generate novel discoveries, broaden biotechnologies, and reveal profound mysteries to compel future research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78712.
authors.forename: Jeremy C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Henderson
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; email: strent@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Shawn M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Zimmerman
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78712.
authors.forename: Alexander A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Crofts
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas 78712.
authors.forename: Joseph M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Boll
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; email: strent@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Kuhns
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; email: strent@uga.edu.
authors.forename: Carmen M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Herrera
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602; email: strent@uga.edu.
authors.forename: M Stephen
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Trent
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008051:Lipid Bilayers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008051:Lipid Bilayers
keywords: LPS; commensals; lipid A; lipopolysaccharide; outer membrane vesicles; phospholipids; vaccines