The protein O-glycosylation pathway in Neisseria meningitidis (ARC Discovery Project administered by Griffith University) (2011-2012)

Until recently glycosylation of bacterial proteins was not thought to occur, however our recent work, and that of others, suggests this process is Until recently glycosylation of bacterial proteins was not thought to occur, however our recent work, and that of others, suggests this process is widespread. We have identified and analysed a number of genes in N. meningitidis involved in glycosylation. We have developed a model for how the biochemistry and physiology of the process may work. Our system is the best available to study this novel and important process. We will test our proposed model of how the process works and reveal the molecular detail of this process. This study could lead to major advances in our understanding of this process and may have use in biotechnology.