Structure and function of Peptydoglycan Deacetylases as antimicrobial targets

Author

Corbat Duffo, Enrique

Abstract

Peptidoglycan is a crosslinked polysaccharide that composes the cell wall of almost all bacteria. Our innate immune system can degrade peptidoglycan thanks to the action of lysozyme, a hydrolytic enzyme that is able to bind this molecule. To fight this, bacteria have developed multiple strategies to avoid recognition by the host, modifying their own cell wall. Among many modifications, one in particular is being studied and has been found to be crucial in bacteria’s virulence, this is peptidoglycan deacetylation.
Peptidoglycan deacetylases are enzymes that belong to the family 4 carbohydrate esterases (CE4). Developing strategies to block the action of these enzymes is not simple, they present high variability and their specificity is not always clear. Inquiry in their mechanism must be done.

Director

Planas Sauter, Antoni  

Degree

IQS SE - Undergraduate Program in Biotechnology

Date

2021-06-14