A biological role for prokaryotic ClC chloride channels.

TitleA biological role for prokaryotic ClC chloride channels.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsIyer R, Iverson TM, Accardi A, Miller C
JournalNature
Volume419
Issue6908
Pagination715-8
Date Published2002 Oct 17
ISSN0028-0836
KeywordsAcids, Arginine, Chloride Channels, Chlorides, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli Proteins, Gene Deletion, Genes, Bacterial, Glutamic Acid, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Ion Transport, Liposomes, Phenotype, Proton Pumps
Abstract

An unexpected finding emerging from large-scale genome analyses is that prokaryotes express ion channels belonging to molecular families long studied in neurons. Bacteria and archaea are now known to carry genes for potassium channels of the voltage-gated, inward rectifier and calcium-activated classes, ClC-type chloride channels, an ionotropic glutamate receptor and a sodium channel. For two potassium channels and a chloride channel, these homologues have provided a means to direct structure determination. And yet the purposes of these ion channels in bacteria are unknown. Strong conservation of functionally important sequences from bacteria to vertebrates, and of structure itself, suggests that prokaryotes use ion channels in roles more adaptive than providing high-quality protein to structural biologists. Here we show that Escherichia coli uses chloride channels of the widespread ClC family in the extreme acid resistance response. We propose that the channels function as an electrical shunt for an outwardly directed virtual proton pump that is linked to amino acid decarboxylation.

DOI10.1038/nature01000
Alternate JournalNature
PubMed ID12384697