Overlay Structures (structure colors match those above):

Each CmeB protomer independently undergoes three distinct conformational changes during the drug transport process. These changes are powered by a proton-motive force.

1. Access/Binding: the DBD is open, forming a channel between the periplasm and the protein's interior.

2. Extrusion: the outer portion of the DBD squeezes shut, closing the perisplasmic channel. The DBD interior contracts slightly.

3. Rest/Transition: the periplasmic channel has collapsed, i.e. no channel is formed at all.

Check out the Overlay Structures button to see the differences and similarities between the structures.

To check the channel-formation yourself, type 'spacefill' in the console when a chain is displayed and look at the DBD. Type 'trace' for the original view.

Chih-Chia Su et al. Structures and Transport Dynamics of Campylobacter jejuni Multidrug Efflux Pump. Nature Communications (Nature)

Next page: Related Bacterial Efflux Pumps

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