Here, we describe two new heat shock proteins involved in the assembly of LPS in Escherichia coli, LapA and LapB (lipopolysaccharide assembly protein A and B). lapB mutants were identified based on an increased envelope stress response. Envelope stress responsive pathways control key steps in LPS biogenesis and respond to defects in the LPS assembly. Accordingly, the LPS content in ΔlapB or Δ(lapA lapB) mutants was elevated, with...

Escherichia coli has two heat shock regulons under the transcriptional control of Esigma(32) and Esigma(E) RNA polymerases. These polymerases control the expression of genes, the products of which are needed for correct folding of proteins in the cytoplasm and the extracytoplasm respectively. In this study, we report that mutations in a tyrosine phosphatase-encoding gene led to decreased activity of these heat shock regulons. The...

Distinguishing feature of the outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is its asymmetry due to the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer leaflet of the OM and phospholipids in the inner leaflet. Recent studies have revealed the existence of regulatory controls that ensure a balanced biosynthesis of LPS and phospholipids, both of which are essential for bacterial viability. LPS provides the essential permeability...