Illumination of growth, division and secretion by metabolic labeling of the bacterial cell surface.

TitleIllumination of growth, division and secretion by metabolic labeling of the bacterial cell surface.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsM Siegrist S, Swarts BM, Fox DM, Lim SAn, Bertozzi CR
JournalFEMS Microbiol Rev
Volume39
Issue2
Pagination184-202
Date Published2015 Mar
ISSN1574-6976
Abstract

The cell surface is the essential interface between a bacterium and its surroundings. Composed primarily of molecules that are not directly genetically encoded, this highly dynamic structure accommodates the basic cellular processes of growth and division as well as the transport of molecules between the cytoplasm and the extracellular milieu. In this review, we describe aspects of bacterial growth, division and secretion that have recently been uncovered by metabolic labeling of the cell envelope. Metabolite derivatives can be used to label a variety of macromolecules, from proteins to non-genetically-encoded glycans and lipids. The embedded metabolite enables precise tracking in time and space, and the versatility of newer chemoselective detection methods offers the ability to execute multiple experiments concurrently. In addition to reviewing the discoveries enabled by metabolic labeling of the bacterial cell envelope, we also discuss the potential of these techniques for translational applications. Finally, we offer some guidelines for implementing this emerging technology.

DOI10.1093/femsre/fuu012
Alternate JournalFEMS Microbiol. Rev.
PubMed ID25725012