Abc protein

ABC protein or ATP-binding cassette transporter is a type of protein that utilizes the energy from ATP hydrolysis to transport various molecules across cell membranes. ABC proteins are members of a protein family that is one of the largest and most ancient families with representatives in all extant phyla from prokaryotes to humans.

Structure

ABC proteins are composed of two main domains, the ATP-binding domain and the transmembrane domain. The ATP-binding domain, also known as the nucleotide-binding domain (NBD), binds ATP and uses the energy from its hydrolysis to drive the transport of molecules. The transmembrane domain (TMD) forms a channel through the cell membrane through which the transported molecules pass.

Function

ABC proteins transport a wide variety of molecules across the cell membrane, including amino acids, lipids, steroids, and drugs. They are also involved in DNA repair and translation, antigen presentation, and cell cycle regulation.

Clinical significance

Mutations in ABC proteins can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, mutations in the CFTR gene, which encodes an ABC protein, cause cystic fibrosis. Other diseases associated with ABC protein mutations include Tangier disease, Dubin-Johnson syndrome, and Stargardt disease.

See also

• P-glycoprotein
• Multidrug resistance
• ATPase