The role of the degenerate nucleotide binding site in type I ABC exporters

AbstractABC transporters are fascinating molecular machines that are capable of transporting a large variety of chemically diverse compounds. The energy required for translocation is derived from binding and hydrolysis of ATP. All ABC transporters share a basic architecture and are composed of two transmembrane domains (TMDs) and two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs). The latter harbor all conserved sequence motifs that hallmark the ABC transporter superfamily. The NBDs form the nucleotide binding sites (NBSs) in their interface. Transporters with two active NBSs are called canonical transporters, while ABC exporters from eukaryotic organisms, including humans, frequently have a degenerate NBS1 containing non ‐canonical residues that strongly impair ATP hydrolysis. Here, we summarize current knowledge on degenerate ABC transporters. By integrating structural information with biophysical and biochemical evidence of asymmetric function, we develop a model for the transport cycle of degenerate ABC transpo rters. We will elaborate on the unclear functional advantages of a degenerate NBS.

Source: FEBS Letters - November 12, 2020 Category: Biochemistry Authors: T. Stockner, R. Gradisch, L Schmitt Tags: REVIEW Source Type: research