Recombinant Escherichia coli Protein AaeX (aaeX)
Description
Functional Role in E. coli
AaeX is part of the AaeAB efflux pump system, which mediates the extrusion of aromatic carboxylic acids (e.g., p-hydroxybenzoic acid, pHBA) . This system functions as a "metabolic relief valve," alleviating cellular toxicity caused by metabolic imbalances .
Mechanism of Action
The AaeAB system comprises:
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AaeR: A LysR-type transcriptional regulator.
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AaeX: A small protein of unknown direct function (formerly annotated as yhcR).
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AaeA: A membrane fusion protein (MFP).
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AaeB: The outer membrane component (OMP) of the efflux pump.
While AaeX’s precise role remains undefined, its genetic linkage to aaeA and aaeB suggests involvement in efflux pump regulation or structural assembly .
Recombinant Production and Expression
AaeX is produced via recombinant expression in E. coli, leveraging optimized protocols for high-yield protein synthesis. Key considerations include:
Expression Challenges
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Cytotoxicity: Overexpression of membrane proteins like AaeB can strain cellular resources, though AaeX itself is cytoplasmic or periplasmic .
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Solubility: No reports of inclusion body (IB) formation for AaeX, but general strategies for E. coli recombinant proteins (e.g., chaperone co-expression, temperature optimization) may apply .
Optimized Expression Conditions
Research Applications and Future Directions
AaeX’s role in efflux systems positions it as a model for studying:
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Antibiotic Resistance: Efflux pumps contribute to multidrug resistance; AaeX may inform strategies to inhibit pump activity .
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Biotechnological Engineering: Engineering AaeX or its operon for enhanced substrate specificity in industrial bioprocesses .
Gaps and Opportunities
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Structural Elucidation: Crystallographic studies of AaeX are absent, limiting mechanistic insights.
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Functional Screens: High-throughput assays (e.g., APEX platform ) could map AaeX interactions within the AaeAB system.
Key Research Findings
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Efflux Pump Regulation: AaeX is co-expressed with aaeA and aaeB in response to aromatic carboxylic acids, indicating a regulatory or auxiliary role .
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Expression Efficiency: Recombinant AaeX achieves >90% purity, suggesting robust production in E. coli .
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Broader Implications: Insights from AaeX could extend to other efflux systems, aiding in antibiotic development or biopolymer production .
Product Specs
Note: We will prioritize shipping the format currently in stock. However, if you have a specific format requirement, please indicate it in your order notes, and we will fulfill your request if possible.
Note: All of our proteins are shipped with standard blue ice packs by default. If you require dry ice shipping, please inform us in advance, as additional fees will apply.
Generally, the shelf life for liquid form is 6 months at -20°C/-80°C, while lyophilized form has a shelf life of 12 months at -20°C/-80°C.
Target Background
KEGG: ecj:JW5541
STRING: 316385.ECDH10B_3419
