YhcB mediates growth-phase control of fatty acid biosynthesis through regulation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase

The gram-negative cell envelope is synthesized through coordination of many complex pathways, requiring adaptable regulation at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels. Fatty acid biosynthesis, a highly energy-demanding process, is essential for cell viability and a promising target for antimicrobial design. We identify two previously unrecognized mechanisms that regulate this pathway: proteolytic turnover and YhcB-mediated sequestration of a protein dedicated to the initiation of fatty acid biosynthesis. These findings reveal new layers of control over membrane biogenesis that could be exploited for antimicrobial strategies.