Edwards, Marcus, White, Gaye, Butt, Julea ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9624-5226, Richardson, David ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6847-1832 and Clarke, Tom ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6234-1914 (2020) The crystal structure of a biological insulated transmembrane molecular wire. Cell, 181 (3). 665-673.e10. ISSN 0092-8674
Preview |
PDF (CELL-D-19-02331_R3_removed)
- Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (2MB) | Preview |
Preview |
PDF (Published_Version)
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (5MB) | Preview |
Abstract
A growing number of bacteria are recognized to conduct electrons across their cell envelope, and yet molecular details of the mechanisms supporting this process remain unknown. Here, we report the atomic structure of an outer membrane spanning protein complex, MtrAB, that is representative of a protein family known to transport electrons between the interior and exterior environments of phylogenetically and metabolically diverse microorganisms. The structure is revealed as a naturally insulated biomolecular wire possessing a 10-heme cytochrome, MtrA, insulated from the membrane lipidic environment by embedding within a 26 strand β-barrel formed by MtrB. MtrAB forms an intimate connection with an extracellular 10-heme cytochrome, MtrC, which presents its hemes across a large surface area for electrical contact with extracellular redox partners, including transition metals and electrodes.
Downloads
Downloads per month over past year
Actions (login required)
View Item |