The protein shells of bacterial microcompartment organelles

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2011 Apr;21(2):223-31. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2011.01.006.

Abstract

Details are emerging on the structure and function of a remarkable class of capsid-like protein assemblies that serve as simple metabolic organelles in many bacteria. These bacterial microcompartments consist of a few thousand shell proteins, which encapsulate two or more sequentially acting enzymes in order to enhance or sequester certain metabolic pathways, particularly those involving toxic or volatile intermediates. Genomic data indicate that bacterial microcompartment shell proteins are present in a wide range of bacterial species, where they encapsulate varied reactions. Crystal structures of numerous shell proteins from distinct types of microcompartments have provided keys for understanding how the shells are assembled and how they conduct molecular transport into and out of microcompartments. The structural data emphasize a high level of mechanistic sophistication in the protein shell, and point the way for further studies on this fascinating but poorly appreciated class of subcellular structures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / metabolism*
  • Bacteria / ultrastructure
  • Bacterial Proteins / chemistry*
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport
  • Enzymes / metabolism
  • Organelles / chemistry*
  • Porins / chemistry
  • Porins / metabolism
  • Protein Folding

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • Enzymes
  • Porins