Geometric protein localization cues in bacterial cells.

Geometric protein localization cues in bacterial cells.
Curr Opin Microbiol. 2017 Jan 19;36:7-13
Authors: Updegrove TB, Ramamurthi KS
Abstract
Bacterial cells are highly organized at a molecular level. Understanding how specific proteins localize to their proper subcellular address has been a major challenge in bacterial cell biology. One mechanism, which appears to be increasingly more common, is the use of 'geometric cues' for protein localization. In this model, certain shape-sensing proteins recognize, and preferentially embed into, either negatively or positively curved (concave or convex, respectively) membranes. Here, we review examples of bacterial proteins that reportedly localize by sensing geometric cues and highlight emerging mechanistic understandings of how proteins may recognize subtle differences in membrane curvature.
PMID: 28110195 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: Current Opinion in Microbiology - January 18, 2017 Category: Microbiology Authors: Updegrove TB, Ramamurthi KS Tags: Curr Opin Microbiol Source Type: research