Uncovering a Novel Quality Control Mechanism Is Lipoprotein Processing in Escherichia coli

Author

• Makayla Braunlin, CUNY Graduate CenterFollow

Date of Degree

9-2026

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Biology

Advisor

Anuradha Janakiraman

Committee Members

Stefan Pukatzki

David Jeruzalmi

Natividad Ruiz

Zemer Gitai

Keywords

gram-negative, Lpp, DcrB, E. coli, lipoproteins

Abstract

In Escherichia coli, the paradigmatic lipoprotein Lpp has been well studied since its discovery more than 55 years ago. Lpp provides the only covalent tether from the outer membrane to the underlying peptidoglycan. During biogenesis, Lpp must undergo a modification process at the inner membrane. It has long been known that tethering of the peptidoglycan from the inner membrane is toxic for the cell, yet a mechanism in place to prevent such an event has not been reported. Our lab reports the first identification of such a molecular safeguard of Lpp biogenesis in the form of the previously uncharacterized inner membrane lipoprotein DcrB.

Recommended Citation

Braunlin, Makayla, "Uncovering a Novel Quality Control Mechanism Is Lipoprotein Processing in Escherichia coli" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6901