Biosynthesis of complex multi-subunit membrane proteins

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The Tat protein transport system is a remarkable molecular machine dedicated to the transport of fully folded proteins across energy-transducing membranes. In an exciting new development we have established that up to one fifth of all traffic on the Escherichia coli Tat pathway are integral membrane proteins. One of the main integral membrane proteins assembled by the Tat pathway is the nitrate-inducible formate dehydrogenase. Assembly and integration mechanisms for this multi-subunit respiratory enzyme are so efficient that it can account for a very high proportion of total membrane protein. This project aims to determine the mechanism of Tat-dependent membrane protein targeting and integration into the lipid bilayer. We will also address the wider cellular processes governing assembly of the mechanism of Tat-dependent membrane protein formate dehydrogenase. Tat-dependent integral membrane proteins are present in a whole spectrum of biological systems therefore studies of the model prokaryote E. coli would set a paradigm in the field.