FIG 6.

YejM alters activity of the YciM/FtsH protease complex to prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accumulation in the inner membrane (IM). (A) Under normal conditions, YejM inhibits activity of the YciM/FtsH protease complex. LpxC is stabilized, which promotes LPS biosynthesis. LPS is transported to the outer membrane (OM) by the LPS transport pathway. (B) Accumulation of LPS in the outer leaflet of the IM inhibits activity of YejM. Activity of the YciM/FtsH protease complex is derepressed, leading to increased degradation of LpxC. Lower levels of LpxC reduce biosynthesis of LPS.