Structural basis for MurJ inhibition by phage lysis protein SglPP7 suggesting convergence

Some bacteriophages encode lysis proteins that inhibit essential bacterial processes, the elucidation of which is valuable for developing antibacterial strategies against drug-resistant pathogens. We determined the cryo-EM structure of the complex between the essential E. coli lipid II flippase MurJ and a phage lysis protein, SglPP7. MurJ was locked in an outward-facing conformation by SglPP7, similar to the MurJ/LysM complex; however, distinct interactions suggest convergent evolution among phage lysis proteins.