Issue 4, 2015

Nickel recognition by bacterial importer proteins

Abstract

Nickel supports the growth of microbes from a variety of very different growth environments that affect nickel speciation. The mechanisms of nickel uptake and the molecular bases for the selectivity of this process are emerging. The recent surge of Ni-importer protein structures provides an understanding of Ni-recognition in the initial binding step of the import process. This review compares the structural basis for Ni-recognition in the complexes (ABC and ECF-type) that dominate primary (ATP-dependent) transport, with a focus on how the structures suggest mechanisms for Ni selectivity. The structures raise key questions about the mechanisms of nickel-transfer reactions involved in import. There is also a discussion of key experimental approaches necessary to help establish the physiological importance of these structures.

Graphical abstract: Nickel recognition by bacterial importer proteins

Article information

Article type
Minireview
Submitted
28 nov 2014
Accepted
20 jan 2015
First published
20 jan 2015

Metallomics, 2015,7, 590-595

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