Characterization of novel bacteria membrane stress response system

Bacteria face a constant stream of environmental stresses that damage the cell and the cell membrane is a fragile but critical component that needs protection. A family of proteins called IM30 proteins are thought to play important roles as 'first responders' to membrane damage, working through a poorly studied mechanism to rescue membrane function. These are ancient proteins found also in the chloroplasts of plants where they also interact with membranes in different ways and their function in a range of biotechnologically useful microbes could provide novel routes to producing more robust chassis for biomanufacturing.