Right Place, Right Time: Focalization of Membrane Proteins in Gram-Positive Bacteria

Membrane proteins represent a significant proportion of total bacterial proteins and perform vital cellular functions ranging from exchanging metabolites and genetic material, secretion and sorting, sensing signal molecules, and cell division. Many of these functions are carried out at distinct foci on the bacterial membrane, and this subcellular localization can be coordinated by a number of factors, including lipid microdomains, protein–protein interactions, and membrane curvature. Elucidating the mechanisms behind focal protein localization in bacteria informs not only protein structure–function correlation, but also how to disrupt the protein function to limit virulence. Here we review recent advances describing a functional role for subcellular localization of membrane proteins involved in genetic transfer, secretion and sorting, cell division and growth, and signaling.

TrendsSome membrane proteins localize to discrete membrane foci.Spatial restriction of membrane proteins within subcellular foci can be mediated by protein–protein interactions, lipid domains, and geometric cues.Focal localization of some membrane proteins is important for their function and can affect the function and/or localization of other (interacting) proteins.Attention is shifting from single-protein localization studies to understanding the network of interacting proteins.New molecular and microscopy tools are evolving to address membrane protein focalization.Video Abstract To view the video inline, enable JavaScript on your browser. However, you can download and view the video by clicking on the icon belowHelp with MP4 filesOptionsDownload video (69634 K)