Structure of the LPS O-chain from Fusobacterium nucleatum strain MJR 7757 B

Abstract Fusobacterium nucleatum is an anaerobic bacterium found in the human mouth where it causes periodontitis. It was also found in colorectal cancer tissues and is linked with pregnancy complications, including pre-term and still births. Cell surface structures of the bacterium could be implicated in pathogenesis. Here we report the following structure of the lipopolysaccharide O-chain of F. nucleatum strain MJR 7757 B:where Lac is ( R )-1-carboxyethyl (lactic acid residue); all monosaccharides are in the pyranose form. ManNAc4Lac, analogue of N-acetylmuramic acid, is found for the first time in natural sources.