Many bacteria are covered in a layer of surface-associated polysaccharide called the capsule. These capsules can be divided into four groups depending upon the organisation of genes responsible for capsule assembly, the assembly pathway and regulation [1]. This family plays a role in group 1 capsule biosynthesis. It is likely to be involved in the later stages of capsule assembly. It is likely to consist of a beta-barrel structure [2].

1: Structure, assembly and regulation of expression of capsules in Escherichia coli. Whitfield C, Roberts IS; Mol Microbiol. 1999;31:1307-1319. PMID:10200953

2: A novel outer membrane protein, Wzi, is involved in surface assembly of the Escherichia coli K30 group 1 capsule. Rahn A, Beis K, Naismith JH, Whitfield C; J Bacteriol. 2003;185:5882-5890. PMID:13129961