Selective molecular transport through the protein shell of a bacterial microcompartment organelle
Abstract
Here, we describe a type of selective channel formed by a nonmembrane protein that is used to control metabolite movement between cellular compartments. In this case, the channel controls the movement of metabolites between the bacterial cytoplasm and the lumen of a bacterial microcompartment, a primitive organelle that is bounded by a protein shell and lacks any lipid bilayer. These studies are the first to our knowledge to prove selective molecular transport through a protein-based barrier. These findings broaden our understanding of how cells control the movement of molecules between cellular compartments, which is fundamental to biological systems. It also solves a key question about the function of bacterial microcompartments, which themselves impact many diverse and important biological processes.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2015
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1423672112
- Bibcode:
- 2015PNAS..112.2990C