Abstract
Bacteria require nickel transporters for the synthesis of Ni-containing metalloenzymes in natural, low nickel habitats. In this work we carry out functional and topological characterization of Rhizobium leguminosarum HupE, a nickel permease required for the provision of this element for [NiFe] hydrogenase synthesis. Expression studies in the Escherichia coli nikABCDE mutant strain HYD723 revealed that HupE is a medium-affinity permease (apparent K<inf>m</inf> 227 ± 21 nM; V<inf>max</inf> 49 ± 21 pmol Ni<sup>2+</sup> min<sup>-1</sup> mg<sup>-1</sup> bacterial dry weight) that functions as an energy-independent diffusion facilitator for the uptake of Ni(ii) ions. This Ni<sup>2+</sup> transport is not inhibited by similar cations such as Mn<sup>2+</sup>, Zn<sup>2+</sup>, or Co<sup>2+</sup>, but is blocked by Cu<sup>2+</sup>. Analysis of site-directed HupE mutants allowed the identification of several residues (H36, D42, H43, F69, E90, H130, and E133) that are essential for HupE-mediated Ni uptake in E. coli cells. By using translational fusions to reporter genes we demonstrated the presence of five transmembrane domains with a periplasmic N-terminal domain and a C-terminal domain buried in the lipid bilayer. The periplasmic N-terminal domain contributes to stability and functionality of the protein.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 691-701 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Metallomics |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 28 Jan 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2015 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biomaterials
- Metals and Alloys
- Chemistry (miscellaneous)
- Biochemistry
- Biophysics