Identification of phospholipids as new components that assist in the in vitro trimerization of a bacterial pore protein

摘要: The in vitro trimerization of folded monomers the bacterial pore protein PhoE, into its native-like, heat- and SDS-stable form requires incubations with isolated cell envelopes Triton X-100. possibility that membranes could be are enriched assembly factors required for was now investigated. Fractionation total Escherichia coli via various techniques indeed revealed existence membrane fractions different capacities to support vitro. Fractions containing mainly inner vesicles supported formation trimers were associated these vesicles. However, only a proportion formed slow kinetics. In contrast, outer high amounts heat-stable fast We identified phospholipids as active components process similar characteristics observed Furthermore, strongly stimulate kinetics increase final yield context membranes. propose lipopolysaccharides stabilize competent state lipochaperone. Phospholipids involved converting monomer new intermediate short half-life will most efficiently These results provide biochemical evidence involvement lipidic at distinct stages porin process.