RESEARCH: MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
FOLDING PROJECT #19218 PROFILE

This project looks at how similar proteins move things across cell membranes differently. By studying two bacterial transporters that are very similar but work in different ways, scientists hope to learn more about how these proteins control transport processes.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

A United Picture of Transporter Functions
Membrane transporters are an integral part of the cell and serve many roles across their involvement in the transport of ions, nutrients, neurotransmitters, and many drugs across cellular membranes.

There are three major classes of membrane transport proteins that facilitate the transport of various solutes.

These classes are Uniporters, which transport one solute across the membrane in one direction, Symporters, which transport two solutes across the membrane in the same direction, and Antiporters, which transfer two solutes in opposite directions across the membrane.

These classes follow different mechanisms of transport to move their solute(s) across the membrane.
Simulations for this project will be primarily focused on studying how structural differences, sequence level differences, and energetic level differences account for the difference in transport mechanisms across the two bacterial nitrate/nitrite membrane transporters NarU and NarK.

These transporters have high sequence similarity and similar solutes, yet differ in mechanism of transport.

By evaluating the differences in mechanism of transport arising in similar transporters of different classes, we hope to further improve our understanding of the controlling mechanisms behind membrane transport.

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Membrane transporters

Proteins embedded in cell membranes that facilitate the movement of molecules across the membrane.

Membrane transporters are vital proteins found within cell membranes. They act like gatekeepers, controlling the movement of substances like nutrients, ions, and drugs into and out of the cell. This process is essential for various cellular functions, including maintaining balance, communication, and energy production.

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Uniporters

Membrane transport proteins that move one solute across the membrane in one direction.

Uniporters are a type of membrane transporter protein that facilitate the movement of a single molecule across the cell membrane. They act like one-way doors, allowing only specific substances to pass through in a particular direction.

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Symporters

Membrane transport proteins that move two solutes across the membrane in the same direction.

Symporters are a type of membrane transporter protein that work together to move two different molecules across the cell membrane simultaneously. They act like a coordinated team, ensuring both substances travel in the same direction.

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Antiporters

Membrane transport proteins that transfer two solutes in opposite directions across the membrane.

Antiporters are a type of membrane transporter protein that facilitate the exchange of two different molecules across the cell membrane. They work like a seesaw, moving one molecule into the cell while simultaneously pushing another molecule out.

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NarU

Nitrate/nitrite membrane transporter from bacteria.

NarU is a bacterial protein embedded in the cell membrane. It plays a crucial role in transporting nitrate and nitrite ions across the membrane. This process is essential for bacteria to utilize these compounds as energy sources.

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NarK

Nitrate/nitrite membrane transporter from bacteria.

NarK is another bacterial protein found in the cell membrane. It shares similarities with NarU but differs in its mechanism of transporting nitrate and nitrite ions. Understanding these differences can provide insights into how various transporters function.