ZnuABC

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2OSV with zinc site

== ZnuABC ==

ZnuABC is a protein complex involved in the process of zinc uptake in bacteria. It plays a crucial role in maintaining zinc homeostasis within the cell by facilitating the transport of zinc ions across the cell membrane. The ZnuABC complex consists of three subunits: ZnuA, ZnuB, and ZnuC.

Structure

The ZnuA subunit is a periplasmic binding protein that binds to extracellular zinc ions and delivers them to the ZnuB subunit, which is a transmembrane protein responsible for transporting zinc ions across the cell membrane. The ZnuC subunit is an ATPase that provides the energy necessary for the transport process.

Function

The ZnuABC complex is essential for the survival of bacteria in zinc-limited environments. Zinc is an essential micronutrient required for various cellular processes, and the ZnuABC complex allows bacteria to scavenge zinc from their surroundings to meet their metabolic needs.

Regulation

The expression of the ZnuABC genes is tightly regulated in response to zinc availability in the environment. When zinc levels are low, bacteria upregulate the expression of the ZnuABC genes to enhance zinc uptake. Conversely, when zinc levels are high, the expression of these genes is downregulated to prevent zinc toxicity.

Role in Pathogenesis

Zinc is an important nutrient for bacterial growth and virulence. The ZnuABC complex has been implicated in the virulence of various pathogenic bacteria, as it allows them to acquire zinc from host tissues during infection. Inhibition of the ZnuABC complex has been explored as a potential strategy for combating bacterial infections.

See also

• Zinc metabolism
• Bacterial transport proteins