Research Notes The Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Azorhizobium NodC Proteins Are Homologous to Yeast Chitin Synthases. Frédéric Debellé. Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire des Relations Plantes-Microorganismes, CNRS-INRA, B.P. 27, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France. Charles Rosenberg, and Jean Dénarié. Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire des Relations Plantes-Microorganismes, CNRS-INRA, B.P. 27, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan Cedex, France.. MPMI 5:443-446. Accepted 7 July 1992. Copyright 1992 The American Phytopathological Society.

The nodABC genes of rhizobia are essential for the synthesis of lipo-oligosaccharidic (N-acylated chitin oligomers) nodulation signals. nodC gene products from Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Azorhizobium exhibit extensive homology with chitin synthases, suggesting that the NodC proteins are involved in the synthesis of the chitin oligomer backbone by catalyzing the β-1,4-linkage between N-acetyl-d-glucosamine residues.