Given the structural resemblance of RgNanOx to YjhC, it is likely that the E. coli oxidoreductase also uses the same mechanism of action for the reversible conversion of 2,7-anhydro-Neu5Ac to Neu5Ac. Given the accessibility of sialic acids in mucus-rich environments, their utilization offers pathogenic and commensal bacteria a competitive advantage to coloni...