Carbamoylation of Azorhizobial Nod Factors Is Mediated by NodU

Lipochitooligosaccharides (LCOs) synthesized by Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 are substituted at the nonreducing-terminal residue with a 6-O-carbamoyl group. LCO biosynthesis in A. caulinodans is dependent on the nodABCSUIJZnoeC operon. Until now, the role of the nodulation protein NodU in the synthesis of azorhizobial LCOs remained unclear. Based on sequence similarities and structural analysis of LCOs produced by a nodU mutant, a complemented nodU mutant, and Escherichia coli DH5α expressing the nodABCSU genes, NodU was shown to be involved in the carbamoylation step.