BACMT · Functional and structural analysis of bacterial membrane transporters

Membrane transport proteins play crucial roles in fundamental cellular processes and functions in all organisms. A substantial proportion of prokaryotic genes are predicted to encode membrane transporters, emphasising the importance of transporters in their lifestyles. In silico analysis of sequenced Acinetobacter baumannii and Bacillus cereus group strains has revealed the presence of an unprecedented high number (over 100) of multidrug resistance (MDR) efflux pumps in these pathogenic bacteria.The current project is a collaboration between three partners, two European and an Australian research group. The project aims to increase our knowledge about the membrane transport processes with regards to their role in microbial pathogenesis and resistance to antimicrobials. The project also aims to illuminate the evolutionary relatedness and structure-function relationships of membrane transport proteins.