ClC Chloride Channels in Gram-Negative Bacteria and Its Role in the Acid Resistance Systems

Pathogenic bacteria that colonize the human intestinal tract have evolved strategies to overcome acidic conditions when they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Amino acid-mediated acid resistance systems are effective survival strategies in a stomach that is full of amino acid substrate. The amino acid antiporter, amino acid decarboxylase, and ClC chloride antiporter are all engaged in these systems, and each one plays a role in protecting against or adapting to the acidic environment. The ClC chloride antiporter, a member of the ClC channel family, eliminates negatively charged intracellular chloride ions to avoid inner membrane hyperpolarization as an electrical shunt of the acid resistance system. In this review, we will discuss the structure and function of the prokaryotic ClC chloride antiporter of amino acid-mediated acid resistance system.

Automated summary

Pathogenic bacteria in the human intestinal tract have developed strategies to overcome acidic conditions. Amino acid-mediated acid resistance systems play a crucial role in surviving in the stomach. The ClC chloride antiporter is responsible for eliminating intracellular chloride ions, preventing hyperpolarization in the inner membrane.