Biosynthesis of Cell Wall Teichoic Acid Polymers

In the model, Gram-positive organism Bacillus subtilis, the vegetative cell wall is primarily made up of a thick peptidoglycan layer, proteins, and covalently associated anionic polymers. The major anionic polymer is a phosphate-rich molecule termed wall teichoic acid (WTA) that can account for more than 50% of the cell wall dry weight. This chapter focuses on recent advances in the study of the biosynthesis of the most common and studied TA polymers, the major WTAs from B. subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. This in-depth review details synthesis of the required nucleotide-activated precursors as well as emerging understanding of priming and polymerization of teichoic acid polymers. This chapter discusses how availability of active recombinant proteins and soluble substrate analogues has facilitated some exciting advances in knowledge of TA biosynthesis. It also discusses the outstanding questions and hurdles that currently preclude a complete understanding of WTA biosynthesis. © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.