Abstract

Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IPLA 972 produces a polypeptide bacteriocin of 7.5kDa which has a bactericidal effect on sensitive lactococci, inhibiting septum formation in dividing cells. The active form is a monomer that is metastable under normal conditions but is stabilised by glycerol. The NMR structure of Lcn972 shows a β-sandwich comprising two three-stranded antiparallel β-sheets. Detaching the final strand could allow the sandwich to open, and the irreversible unfolding leads to a loss of antibacterial activity. Covalent linkage of the final strand should increase the stability of Lcn972 and facilitate the study of its interaction with lipid II.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call