Functions of Lol system proteins and surface-exposed mechanisms of lipoproteins in gram-negative bacteria

Abstract:

Bacterial lipoproteins are important components of cell membrane. They play important roles in bacterial physiology and virulence in gram-negative bacteria. The Lol (localization of lipoprotein) pathway discovered from E. coli is responsible for the transport of lipoprotein in gram-negative bacteria. Recent research found that surface-exposed lipoproteins are widespread in gram-negative bacteria. To better understand the current studies of lipoprotein secretion mechanisms in gram-negative bacteria, we reviewed functions and conservation of five Lol proteins, the difference of lipoprotein secretion signals in variant bacteria and possible transport mechanisms of surface-exposed lipoproteins.