Function of the Omp85 Superfamily of Outer Membrane Protein Assembly Factors and Polypeptide Transporters

The Omp85 protein superfamily is found in the outer membrane (OM) of all gram-negative bacteria and eukaryotic organelles of bacterial origin. Members of the family catalyze both the membrane insertion of beta-barrel proteins and the translocation of proteins across the OM. Although the mechanism(s) by which these proteins function is unclear, striking new in-sights have emerged from recent biochemical and structural studies. In this review we discuss the entire Omp85 superfamily but focus on the function of the best-studied member, BamA, which is an essential and highly conserved component of the bacterial barrel assembly machinery (BAM). Because BamA has multiple functions that overlap with those of other Omp85 proteins, it is likely the prototypical member of the Omp85 superfamily. Furthermore, BamA has become a protein of great interest because of the recent discovery of small-molecule inhibitors that potentially represent an important new class of antibiotics.

Automated summary

The Omp85 protein superfamily is a group of proteins found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria and bacterial-origin eukaryotic organelles. These proteins are involved in both membrane insertion and translocation of proteins across the outer membrane. Recent studies have uncovered new insights into the functions of these proteins, particularly the well-studied member BamA, which is essential for bacterial barrel assembly and has potential implications for antibiotic development.