Twin-Arginine Protein Translocation.
Twin-arginine protein translocation systems (Tat) translocate fully folded and co-factor-containing proteins across biological membranes. In this review, we focus on the Tat pathway of Gram-positive bacteria. The minimal Tat pathway is composed of two components, namely a TatA and TatC pair, which are often complemented with additional TatA-like proteins. We provide overviews of our current understanding of Tat pathway composition and mechanistic aspects related to Tat-dependent cargo protein translocation. This includes Tat pathway flexibility, requirements for the correct folding and incorporation of co-factors in cargo proteins and the functions of known cargo proteins. Tat pathways of several Gram-positive bacteria are discussed in detail, with emphasis on the Tat pathway of Bacillus subtilis. We discuss both shared and unique features of the different Gram-positive bacterial Tat pathways. Lastly, we highlight topics for future research on Tat, including the development of this protein transport pathway for the biotechnological secretion of high-value proteins and its potential applicability as an antimicrobial drug target in pathogens.
MRC Centre for Molecular Bacteriology and Infection, Section of Microbiology, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
Vivianne J
VJ
Goosens
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, P.O. Box 30001, 9700, RB, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.m.van.dijl01@umcg.nl.
Jan Maarten
JM
van Dijl
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D017510:Protein Folding; D021381:Protein Transport
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D029968:Escherichia coli Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; C499697:TatA protein, E coli; C461379:TatC protein, E coli