2J58

The structure of Wza

Summary for 2J58

• Entry DOI: 10.2210/pdb2j58/pdb
• Descriptor: OUTER MEMBRANE LIPOPROTEIN WZA, N-OCTANE, HEXANE, ... (5 entities in total)
• Functional Keywords: membrane protein
• Biological source: ESCHERICHIA COLI
• Total number of polymer chains: 8
• Total formula weight: 323946.74

Authors

Dong, C.,Naismith, J.H. (deposition date: 2006-09-12, release date: 2006-11-06, Last modification date: 2025-04-09)

Primary citation

Dong, C.,Beis, K.,Nesper, J.,Brunkan-Lamontagne, A.L.,Clarke, B.R.,Whitfield, C.,Naismith, J.H.
Wza the Translocon for E. Coli Capsular Polysaccharides Defines a New Class of Membrane Protein.
Nature, 444:226-, 2006

PubMed Abstract: Many types of bacteria produce extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs). Some are secreted polymers and show only limited association with the cell surface, whereas others are firmly attached to the cell surface and form a discrete structural layer, the capsule, which envelopes the cell and allows the bacteria to evade or counteract the host immune system. EPSs have critical roles in bacterial colonization of surfaces, such as epithelia and medical implants; in addition some EPSs have important industrial and biomedical applications in their own right. Here we describe the 2.26 A resolution structure of the 340 kDa octamer of Wza, an integral outer membrane lipoprotein, which is essential for group 1 capsule export in Escherichia coli. The transmembrane region is a novel alpha-helical barrel. The bulk of the Wza structure is located in the periplasm and comprises three novel domains forming a large central cavity. Wza is open to the extracellular environment but closed to the periplasm. We propose a route and mechanism for translocation of the capsular polysaccharide. This work may provide insight into the export of other large polar molecules such as DNA and proteins.

PubMed: 17086202
DOI: 10.1038/NATURE05267

Experimental method

X-RAY DIFFRACTION (2.25 Å)