Structure of the bacterial teichoic acid polymerase TagF provides insights into membrane association and catalysis

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall composed of peptidoglycan and teichoic acid, a complex anionic polymer that is important for cellular integrity and virulence. The crystal structures of TagF polymerase from Staphylococcus epidermidis in its apo form and in complex with a model susbtrate are now presented, providing insight into teichoic acid biosynthesis.