Teichulosonic acid, an anionic polymer of a new class from the cell wall of Actinoplanes utahensis VKM Ac-674T

Abstract

The cell wall of Actinoplanes utahensis VKM Ac-674(T) contains two anionic polymers: teichoic acid 1,3-poly(glycerol phosphate) that is widespread in cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria; and a unique teichulosonic acid belonging to a new class of bioglycans described only in microorganisms of the Actinomycetales order. The latter polymer contains residues of di-N-acyl derivative of sialic acid-like monosaccharide - 5,7-diamino-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-L-glycero-β-L-manno-non-2-ulosonic or pseudaminic acid (Pse) which bears the N-(3,4-dihydroxybutanoyl) group (Dhb) at C7. This polymer has irregular structure and consists of fragments of two types, which differ in substitution of the Dhb residues at O4 either with β-D-glucopyranose or with β-Pse residues. Most of the β-Pse residues (~80%) are glycosylated at position 4 with α-D-galactopyranose residues in both types of fragments. The glucose, galactose, and Dhb residues are partly O-acetylated. The structures of the polymers were established by chemical and NMR spectroscopy methods.