Anti-parallel membrane topology of two components of EbrAB, a multidrug transporter

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2007 Jul 13;358(4):1071-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.05.032. Epub 2007 May 14.

Abstract

EbrAB is a multidrug-resistance transporter in Bacillus subtilis that belongs to the small multidrug resistance, and requires two polypeptides of both EbrA and EbrB, implying that it functions in the hetero-dimeric state. In this study, we investigated the transmembrane topologies of EbrA and EbrB. Various single-cysteine mutants were expressed in Escherichia coli cells, and the efflux activity was measured. Only mutants having a high activity were used for the topology experiments. The reactivity of a membrane impermeable NEM-fluorescein against the single cysteine of these fully functional mutants was examined when this reactive fluorophore was applied either from the outside or both sides of the cell membrane or in the denatured state. The results clearly showed that EbrA and EbrB have the opposite orientation within the membrane or an anti-parallel configuration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antiporters / chemistry
  • Antiporters / metabolism*
  • Bacillus subtilis / chemistry
  • Bacillus subtilis / metabolism*
  • Binding, Competitive
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane Permeability / physiology*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / physiology
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism

Substances

  • Antiporters