A CHDL- (Cadherin-Like-) Lectin Participates in Assembly and Remodeling of the Biofilm Matrix.

In natural environments most bacteria live in multicellular structures called biofilms. These cell aggregates are enclosed in a self-produced polymeric extracellular matrix, which protects the cells, provides mechanical stability and mediates cellular cohesion and adhesion to surfaces. Although important advances were made in the identification of the genetic and extracellular factors required for biofilm formation, the mechanisms leading to biofilm matrix assembly, and the roles of extracellular proteins in these processes are still poorly understood.

Isolation of soluble scFv antibody fragments specific for small biomarker molecule, L-Carnitine, using phage display.

Isolation of single chain antibody fragment (scFv) clones from naïve Tomlinson I+J phage display libraries that specifically bind a small biomarker molecule, L-Carnitine, was performed using iterative affinity selection procedures. L-Carnitine has been described as a conditionally essential nutrient for humans. Abnormally high concentrations of L-Carnitine in urine are related to many health disorders including diabetes mellitus type 2 and lung cancer.

Glyco-engineering O-Antigen-Based Vaccines and Diagnostics in E. coli.

The biotechnological relevance of protein glycosylation has exponentially grown in recent years. With the advances in protein glycosylation research, new possibilities for glyco-engineering have arisen, and a wide array of glycans can be designed and potentially transferred to target proteins in the biotechnologically relevant host Escherichia coli. Here we provide insight on how to select the best strains and plasmids.

Pour some sugar on it: the expanding world of bacterial protein O-linked glycosylation.

Protein glycosylation was once considered as an eccentricity of a few bacteria. However in the recent years multiple O-glycosylation mechanisms have been identified in bacterial species from the most diverse genera, including various important human pathogens. This review focuses on summarizing the structural diversity, the various pathways and the physiological roles of this post-translational protein modification.