EPR spectroscopy of MolB2C2-A reveals mechanism of transport for a bacterial type II molybdate importer

Abstract

Background: ABC importers utilize the energy of ATP hydrolysis to transport substrates into the cell. Results: EPR studies show how three transmembrane gates of MolB2C2-A work in concert to allow substrate to enter the cytoplasm. Conclusion: The movements of these gates indicate an opening and closing limited to small substrates. Significance: This model sheds light on how small nutrients are transported across the membrane. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.