MsbA is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter responsible for flipping lipid A—a key component of lipopolysaccharides (LPS)—from the cytoplasmic to the periplasmic leaflet of the inner membrane . In Haemophilus ducreyi, this protein is encoded by the gene msbA (UniProt ID: Q7VL52) and is indispensable for bacterial viability .
Recombinant MsbA from H. ducreyi is expressed in Escherichia coli with an N-terminal His-tag for purification . Key specifications include:
MsbA operates via an ATP-dependent "trap and flip" mechanism:
Inward-facing conformation: Binds lipid A in the cytoplasmic leaflet .
ATP hydrolysis: Drives conformational changes to transport lipid A across the membrane .
Periplasmic release: Lipid A is transferred to the Lpt transport system for outer membrane assembly .
MsbA’s essentiality in Gram-negative pathogens makes it a prime target for inhibitors. For example:
G907: A bactericidal antagonist that locks MsbA in an inward-facing conformation .
Lipid A analogs: Used to study substrate binding and transport kinetics .
ATPase activity assays: Measure hydrolysis rates stimulated by lipid A or daunomycin .
Cross-linking studies: Identify conformational changes using tools like DARPin_55 .
Recombinant Haemophilus ducreyi Lipid A export ATP-binding/permease protein MsbA (msbA) is involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis. It facilitates the translocation of lipid A-core from the inner to the outer leaflet of the inner membrane. Transmembrane domains (TMDs) form a pore within the inner membrane, while the ATP-binding domain (NBD) provides the necessary energy for this process.
KEGG: hdu:HD_1630
STRING: 233412.HD1630