In vitro reconstruction of the biosynthetic pathway of peptidoglycan cytoplasmic precursor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bacterial peptidoglycan is the cell wall component responsible for maintaining cell integrity against osmotic pressure. Biosynthesis of the cytoplasmic precursor UDP-N-acetylmuramyl pentapeptide is catalyzed by the Mur enzymes. Genomic analysis of the three regions encoding Mur proteins was achieved. We have cloned and over-expressed the murA, -B, -D, -E and -F genes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in pET expression system by adding a His-Tag to the C-termini of the proteins. Mur proteins were purified to homogeneity by a single chromatographic step on affinity nickel columns. Protein identities were verified through N-terminal sequencing. Enzyme activity was proved by the identification of the pathway's final product.