AUTHOR=Davies James S. , Currie Michael J. , Wright Joshua D. , Newton-Vesty Michael C. , North Rachel A. , Mace Peter D. , Allison Jane R. , Dobson Renwick C.J. 

TITLE=Selective Nutrient Transport in Bacteria: Multicomponent Transporter Systems Reign Supreme

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-biosciences/articles/10.3389/fmolb.2021.699222

DOI=10.3389/fmolb.2021.699222

ISSN=2296-889X

ABSTRACT=<p>Multicomponent transporters are used by bacteria to transport a wide range of nutrients. These systems use a substrate-binding protein to bind the nutrient with high affinity and then deliver it to a membrane-bound transporter for uptake. Nutrient uptake pathways are linked to the colonisation potential and pathogenicity of bacteria in humans and may be candidates for antimicrobial targeting. Here we review current research into bacterial multicomponent transport systems, with an emphasis on the interaction at the membrane, as well as new perspectives on the role of lipids and higher oligomers in these complex systems.</p>