This protein, called BcsE (bacterial cellulose synthase E) or YhjS, is required for cellulose biosynthesis in Salmonella enteritidis. Its role is this process across multiple bacterial species is implied by the partial phylogenetic profiling algorithm. Members are found in the vicinity of other cellulose biosynthesis genes. The model does not include a much less well-conserved N-terminal region about 150 amino acids in length for most members. Solano, et al. suggest this protein acts as a protease. [Cell envelope, Biosynthesis and degradation of surface polysaccharides and lipopolysaccharides]
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",