The Cell-Wall Lipopolysaccharide of Escherichia coli K-12. Structure and Acceptor Site for O-Antigen and Other Substituents

Abstract

The lipopolysaecharides of two wild-type Escherichia coli K-12 strains, two core-deficient mutants and one SR recombinant with Salmonella typhimurium specificity were analyzed. The respective oligosaccharides were dephosphorylated and methylated. Chemical analysis of the oligosaccharides and mass spectrometric -analysis of their methylated derivatives indicated the presence of core structure with different degree of completion. In different strains of E. coli K-12 the complete core is substituted at the non-reducing end with N-acetylglucosamine or with another substituent. There are indications that the latter may be N-acetylmannosaminuronic acid. In the SR re-combinant the complete (N-acetylglucosamine-free) K-12 core is substituted with one S-specific oligosaccharide of S. typhimurium. The attachment site for all these substituents is the 6-position of the non-reducing core-terminal glucose. The heterogeneity of the K-12 core preparations and mode and nature of their substitution are discussed.