Import of colicins across the outer membrane of Escherichia coli involves multiple protein interactions in the periplasm

Mol Microbiol. 2001 Oct;42(2):331-44. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2958.2001.02592.x.

Abstract

Several proteins of the Tol/Pal system are required for group A colicin import into Escherichia coli. Colicin A interacts with TolA and TolB via distinct regions of its N-terminal domain. Both interactions are required for colicin translocation. Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, we show in this study that colicin A also interacts with a third component of the Tol/Pal system required for colicin import, TolR. This interaction is specific to colicins dependent on TolR for their translocation, strongly suggesting a direct involvement of the interaction in the colicin translocation step. TolR is anchored to the inner membrane by a single transmembrane segment and protrudes into the periplasm. The interaction involves part of the periplasmic domain of TolR and a small region of the colicin A N-terminal domain. This region and the other regions responsible for the interaction with TolA and TolB have been mapped precisely within the colicin A N-terminal domain and appear to be arranged linearly in the colicin sequence. Multiple contacts with periplasmic-exposed Tol proteins are therefore a general principle required for group A colicin translocation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry
  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism*
  • Colicins / chemistry
  • Colicins / genetics
  • Colicins / metabolism*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / metabolism
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Escherichia coli / cytology*
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli Proteins*
  • Formaldehyde / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Periplasm / metabolism*
  • Periplasmic Proteins*
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Precipitin Tests
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Protein Transport

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Colicins
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Escherichia coli Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Periplasmic Proteins
  • tolA protein, E coli
  • tolB protein, E coli
  • tolR protein, E coli
  • Formaldehyde