Composition of the Holdfast Polysaccharide from Caulobacter crescentus

Abstract

To colonize solid substrates, bacteria often deploy dedicated adhesins that facilitate attachment to surfaces. Caulobacter crescentus initiates surface colonization by secreting a carbohydrate-based adhesin called the holdfast. Because little is known about the chemical makeup of the holdfast, the pathway for its biosynthesis and the physical basis for its unique adhesive properties are poorly understood. This study outlines a method to extract the C. crescentus holdfast and describes the monosaccharide components contained within the adhesive matrix. The composition analysis adds to our understanding of the chemical basis for holdfast attachment and provides missing information needed to characterize enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway.