Comparative sequence, structure and functional analysis of Skp protein, a molecular chaperone among members of Pasteurellaceae and its homologues in Gram-negative bacteria

Abstract Molecular chaperones are emerging targets for biotechnological utilities or design of novel therapeutics against several virulent bacteria. The periplasmic Skp is one such protein which is involved in biogenesis of OMPs in several Gram-negative bacteria including members of Pasteurellaceae, which are causative agents for infectious diseases in animals and humans. In the present study, we cloned and sequenced skp genes of P. multocida strains from different host species and comparatively analyzed among members of Pasteurellaceae as well as its homologues in several Gram-negative bacteria. Multiple sequence analysis of Skp sequences revealed absolute homology among members of Pasteurellaceae and high divergence among Gram-negative bacteria. Three dimensional structure of Skp of P. multocida was constructed using structural modelling. Overall, our study indicated that despite divergence of Skp sequences among several Gram-negative bacteria, all of them possess similar structural fold as well as identical binding mechanisms to assist the proper folding of the OMPs. Further, the study also indicated the potential possibilities to develop novel therapeutics based on Skp protein for infectious diseases caused by P. multocida strains in livestock as well as humans.