Translocator proteins in the two-partner secretion family have multiple domains.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The two-partner secretion pathway in Gram-negative bacteria consists of a TpsA exoprotein and a cognate TpsB outer membrane translocator protein. Previous work has demonstrated that the TpsB protein forms a beta-barrel structure with pore forming activity and facilitates translocation of the TpsA protein across the outer membrane. In this study, we characterized the functional domains of the Haemophilus influenzae HMW1B protein, a TpsB protein that interacts with the H. influenzae HMW1 adhesin. Using c-Myc epitope tag insertions and cysteine substitution mutagenesis, we discovered that HMW1B contains an N-terminal surface-localized domain, an internal periplasmic domain, and a C-terminal membrane anchor. Functional and biochemical analysis of the c-Myc epitope tag insertions and a series of HMW1B deletion constructs demonstrated that the periplasmic domain is required for secretion of HMW1 and that the C-terminal membrane anchor (HMW1B-(234-545)) is capable of oligomerization and pore formation. Similar to our observations with HMW1B, examination of a Bordetella pertussis TpsB protein called FhaC revealed that the C terminus of FhaC (FhaC-(232-585)) is capable of pore formation. We speculate that all TpsB proteins have a modular structure, with a periplasmic domain that interacts with the cognate TpsA protein and with pore forming activity contained within the C terminus.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Surana, NK; Buscher, AZ; Hardy, GG; Grass, S; Kehl-Fie, T; St Geme, JW

Published Date

  • June 30, 2006

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 281 / 26

Start / End Page

  • 18051 - 18058

PubMed ID

  • 16648638

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0021-9258

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1074/jbc.M600036200

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States