NdvC_like proteins in this family are putative bacterial beta-(1,6)-glucosyltransferase.
NdvC_like proteins in this family are putative bacterial beta-(1,6)-glucosyltransferase. Bradyrhizobium japonicum synthesizes periplasmic cyclic beta-(1,3),beta-(1,6)-D-glucans during growth under hypoosmotic conditions. Two genes (ndvB, ndvC) are involved in the beta-(1, 3), beta-(1,6)-glucan synthesis. The ndvC mutant strain resulted in synthesis of altered cyclic beta-glucans composed almost entirely of beta-(1, 3)-glycosyl linkages. The periplasmic cyclic beta-(1,3),beta-(1,6)-D-glucans function for osmoregulation. The ndvC mutation also affects the ability of the bacteria to establish a successful symbiotic interaction with host plant. Thus, the beta-glucans may function as suppressors of a host defense response.