Outer Membrane Biogenesis.

TitleOuter Membrane Biogenesis.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsKonovalova, A, Kahne, DE, Silhavy, TJ
JournalAnnu Rev Microbiol
Volume71
Pagination539-556
Date Published2017 Sep 08
ISSN1545-3251
KeywordsBacterial Outer Membrane Proteins, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Lipid Bilayers, Lipopolysaccharides, Membranes, Organelle Biogenesis
Abstract

<p>The hallmark of gram-negative bacteria and organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts is the presence of an outer membrane. In bacteria such as Escherichia coli, the outer membrane is a unique asymmetric lipid bilayer with lipopolysaccharide in the outer leaflet. Integral transmembrane proteins assume a β-barrel structure, and their assembly is catalyzed by the heteropentameric Bam complex containing the outer membrane protein BamA and four lipoproteins, BamB-E. How the Bam complex assembles a great diversity of outer membrane proteins into a membrane without an obvious energy source is a particularly challenging problem, because folding intermediates are predicted to be unstable in either an aqueous or a hydrophobic environment. Two models have been put forward: the budding model, based largely on structural data, and the BamA assisted model, based on genetic and biochemical studies. Here we offer a critical discussion of the pros and cons of each.</p>

DOI10.1146/annurev-micro-090816-093754
Alternate JournalAnnu Rev Microbiol
PubMed ID28886680
PubMed Central IDPMC5778897
Grant ListR35 GM118024 / GM / NIGMS NIH HHS / United States