Influence of Deletions in the Apoemulsan Gene Cluster on Acinetobacter venetian us RAG-l Polysaccharide Biosynthesis

Apoemulsan is a biopolymer with potent emulsification activity, produced by Acinetobacter venetian us RAG-1 (RAG-1). The wee gene cluster is responsible for apoemulsan biosynthesis. The analysis of (i) a putative polysaccharide copolymerase mutant (${\Delta}wzc$), (ii) a putative polymerase mutant (${\Delta}wzy$), and (iii) an apoemulsan-deficient variant (${\Delta}2$) indicated that the wee gene cluster controls the synthesis of two polysaccharides: high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW). LMW polysaccharide of wee origin was present in LPS isolated from RAG-1 cells, suggesting a link to the Lipid A-core of LPS molecules. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that apoemulsan is copurified with LPS polysaccharide, with implications in the emulsification activity of RAG-1 polymer.