Molecular model of a lattice of signalling proteins involved in bacterial chemotaxis.
Coliform bacteria detect chemical attractants by means of a membrane-associated cluster of receptors and signalling molecules. We have used recently determined molecular structures, in conjunction with plastic models generated by three-dimensional printer technology, to predict how the proteins of the complex are arranged in relation to the plasma membrane. The proposed structure is a regular two-dimensional lattice in which the cytoplasmic ends of chemotactic-receptor dimers are inserted into a hexagonal array of CheA and CheW molecules. This structure creates separate compartments for adaptation and downstream signalling, and indicates a possible basis for the spread of activity within the cluster.
Shimizu
T S
TS
[1] Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
Le Novère
N
N
Levin
M D
MD
Beavil
A J
AJ
Sutton
B J
BJ
Bray
D
D
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D002633:Chemotaxis / Q000502:physiology*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000502:physiology*; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D000071677:Histidine Kinase; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D000072236:Methyl-Accepting Chemotaxis Proteins; D008958:Models, Molecular; D020836:Protein Structure, Quaternary; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D020124:Thermotoga maritima / Q000737:chemistry
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; C489103:CheW protein, E coli; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D000072236:Methyl-Accepting Chemotaxis Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C057635:Tsr protein, Bacteria; C051236:CheW protein, Bacteria; D000071677:Histidine Kinase; C000607608:cheA protein, E coli