Scientists uncover 'superfamily' of bacterial predator proteins

A porin-like protein used by bacterial predators defines a wider lipid-trapping superfamily

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) define the surface biology of Gram-negative bacteria, with roles in adhesion, transport, catalysis and signalling. Specifically, porin beta-barrels are common diffusion channels, predominantly monomeric/trimeric in nature. Here we show that the major OMP of the bacterial predator Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, PopA, differs from this architecture, forming a pentameric porin-like superstructure. Our X-ray and cryo-EM s…

Scientists uncover hidden superfamily of lipid trapping proteins in bacteria

Scientists have identified a new type of protein in bacteria that could change our understanding of how these organisms interact with their environments.

Scientists uncover 'superfamily' of bacterial predator proteins

Scientists have identified a new type of protein in bacteria that could change our understanding of how these organisms interact with their environments.

Scientists Discover Unique Bacterial Protein That Traps Membrane Lipids

Scientists have identified a new type of protein in bacteria that could change our understanding of how these organisms interact with their environments.