wzz

Wzz is a gene name used in a variety of Gram-negative bacteria to encode a polysaccharide co-polymerase (PCP) family protein that regulates the chain length of the O-antigen component of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway, Wzz determines the modal distribution of O-antigen chain lengths by interacting with the Wzy polymerase, thereby influencing how many repeating units are added to growing O-antigen chains.

The primary role of Wzz is to control whether the bacteria produce short, long, or very long O-antigen chains. Different wzz alleles can specify different chain-length phenotypes, and some bacteria carry multiple wzz genes to enable production of O-antigen with distinct length distributions, which can vary by serotype. This regulation affects the surface properties of the bacterium, including interactions with the host immune system and susceptibility to certain bacteriophages.

Structure and localization: Wzz proteins are typically integral membrane proteins with multiple transmembrane segments and periplasmic regions. They assemble into oligomeric complexes in the inner membrane, and their activity is coordinated with other components of the O-antigen biosynthesis cluster, including Wzx and Wzy.

Genetic and biological significance: Variation in Wzz can influence virulence, immune recognition, and serum resistance by altering O-antigen presentation. The study of Wzz contributes to understanding bacterial antigenic diversity and can inform vaccine design and diagnostic approaches targeting LPS.

Other uses: The term “WZZ” may also appear as a radio station call sign in the United States or in unrelated contexts; in such cases it is not related to the bacterial Wzz protein.