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The lysP gene encodes the lysine-specific permease
1Department of Biochemistry, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201.
Journal of Bacteriology
|May 1, 1992
Summary
Escherichia coli utilizes a specific permease, LysP, for lysine transport. This study identified and characterized the lysP gene, confirming its role in lysine uptake and its similarity to other amino acid transporters.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Escherichia coli employs multiple transport systems for amino acids, including lysine.
- A lysine-specific transport system (LysP) is known, but its genetic basis was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize the gene encoding the lysine-specific permease in Escherichia coli.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lysine transport.
Main Methods:
- Transpositional mutagenesis with TnphoA to isolate thiosine-resistant mutants.
- Cloning and nucleotide sequencing of the lysP gene.
- Analysis of the predicted protein sequence and comparison with known transporters.
Main Results:
- A mutation in the lysP gene abolished lysine-specific transport.
- The lysP gene encodes a hydrophobic protein of 489 residues.
- The LysP protein shares sequence similarity with other amino acid transporters.
- Overexpression of the lysP gene significantly increased lysine uptake rates.
Conclusions:
- The lysP gene is responsible for encoding the lysine-specific permease in Escherichia coli.
- LysP belongs to a family of amino acid transport proteins.
- Understanding LysP function provides insights into bacterial amino acid transport mechanisms.