Funktion Eisen-transportierender CDF-Proteine in magnetotaktischen Bakterien und E. coli

A specific subset of proteins that belong to the cation diffusion facilitator (CDF) family of membrane-bound transporters very frequently occurs in prokaryotes, but the physiological function of these proteins was unknown until recently. Data obtained for members of that family, Escherichia coli (FieF, old name YiiP) and Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense (MamB), indicate that these proteins might transport Fe(II) and play be part of the cellular iron homeostasis system in bacteria. E. coli and FieF are easy to manipulate by the methods of molecular genetics. MamB on the other hand may be an iron transporter with outstanding properties since the protein is involved in the genesis of the magnetosomes in M. gryphiswaldense. Therefore, the groups in Halle and Bremen joined forces to engage into the highly competitive field of iron transport by CDF proteins in an interlinked back-to-back approach: the physiological functions and biochemical mechanism of FieF and CDF-like mam-proteins involved in magnetosome biosynthesis will be studied using a highly integrated genetic, biochemical and physiological approach.