title: Towards understanding the molecular mechanism of the endocytosis-like process in the bacterium Gemmata obscuriglobus.
abstract: An endocytosis-like process of protein uptake in the planctomycete Gemmata obscuriglobus is a recently discovered process unprecedented in the bacterial world. The molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not yet characterized. A homolog of the MC (membrane-coating) proteins of eukaryotes has been proposed to be involved in the mechanism of this process, but its relationship to eukaryote proteins is controversial. However, a number of other proteins of G. obscuriglobus with domains homologous to those involved in endocytosis in eukaryotes can also be identified. Here we critically evaluate current bioinformatic knowledge, and suggest practical experimental steps to overcome the limits of bioinformatics in elucidating the molecular mechanism of endocytosis in bacteria. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Protein trafficking and secretion in bacteria. Guest Editors: Anastassios Economou and Ross Dalbey.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia. Electronic address: j.fuerst@uq.edu.au.
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Fuerst
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
authors.forename: Evgeny
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sagulenko
mesh_terms: D002966:Clathrin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D019295:Computational Biology; D004705:Endocytosis / Q000235:genetics*; D056890:Eukaryota / Q000235:genetics*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D061328:Planctomycetales / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D013261:Sterols / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D002966:Clathrin; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D013261:Sterols
keywords: Clathrin; Endocytosis; Evolution; Membrane; Planctomycete; Sterol