Structural variation of glycolipids from Meiothermus taiwanensis ATCC BAA-400 under different growth temperatures

Abstract

A major glycolipid, α-Galf(1–3)-α-Galp(1–6)-β-GlcpNAcyl(1–2)-α-Glcp(1–1)-2-acylalkyldiol, is obtained from Meiothermus taiwanensis. This novel glycolipid is found only when the bacterium grows above 62 °C, which is significantly different from those from the same bacteria incubated at 55 °C. Terminal galactofuranoside and 1,2-alkyldiol lipids replaced galactopyranoside and glycerol lipids, respectively, under increased growth temperature. This variation is likely necessary for bacteria for keeping the stable outer membrane and surviving under extreme environments.