Investigation of glycosyltransferases of Moraxella catarrhalis and Moraxella bovis

Abstract

Glycosyltransferases are a diverse group of enzymes found in natire and perform critical functions in all domains of life by transferring sugars to various targets, forming glycoside bonds. In Gram-negative bacteria such as Moraxella catarrhalis, glycosyltransferases are essential in the biosynthesis of the lipooligosaccharide (LOS) structure, a major component of the outer membrane. M. catarrhalis is a frequent coloniser of the human upper respiratory tract and is associated with ear infections and diseases of the lower respiratory tract, particularly in patients with underlying lung impairment. M. catarrhalis strains omly display three major LOS serotypes: A, B and C. The genetic basis of M. catarrhalis LOS biosynthesis has been elucidated and functions suggested for each of the identified LOS glycosyltransferases.