MmpL11 protein transports mycolic acid-containing lipids to the mycobacterial cell wall and contributes to biofilm formation in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Abstract

Background: The role of the MmpL11 transporter in mycobacteria is not understood. Results: Mycobacterium smegmatis mmpL11 mutants accumulate mycolic acid precursors and fail to transport monomeromycolyl diacylglycerol and mycolate ester wax to the bacterial surface. Conclusion: MmpL11 contributes to mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis. Significance: MmpL11 plays a conserved role in mycobacterial cell wall biogenesis that is important for M. tuberculosis virulence. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.