Architecture and modular assembly of Sulfolobus S-layers revealed by electron cryo-tomography

Surface protein layers (S-layers) often form the only structural component of the archaeal cell wall and are therefore important for cell survival. S-layers have a plethora of cellular functions including maintenance of cell shape, osmotic and mechanical stability, the formation of a semi-permeable...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inbioRxiv
Main Authors Gambelli, Lavinia, Meyer, Benjamin, Mclaren, Mathew, Sanders, Kelly, Tessa Ef Quax, Gold, Vicki, Albers, Sonja Verena, Daum, Bertram
Format Paper
LanguageEnglish
Published Cold Spring Harbor Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press 25.06.2019
Subjects
Cell size
Cell survival
Cell walls
Sulfolobus
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Summary:Surface protein layers (S-layers) often form the only structural component of the archaeal cell wall and are therefore important for cell survival. S-layers have a plethora of cellular functions including maintenance of cell shape, osmotic and mechanical stability, the formation of a semi-permeable protective barrier around the cell, cell-cell interaction, as well as surface adhesion. Despite the central importance of the S-layer for archaeal life, their three-dimensional architecture is still poorly understood. Here we present the first detailed 3D electron cryo-microscopy maps of archaeal S-layers from three different Sulfolobus strains. We were able to pinpoint the positions and determine the structure of the two subunits SlaA and SlaB. We also present a model describing the assembly of the mature S-layer.
DOI:10.1101/677591