Membrane Protein Complex ExbB ₄ -ExbD ₁ -TonB ₁ from Escherichia coli Demonstrates Conformational Plasticity

Abstract

Receptors in the OM of Gram-negative bacteria allow entry of iron-bound siderophores that are necessary for pathogenicity. Numerous iron-acquisition strategies rely upon a ubiquitous and unique protein for energization: TonB. Complexed with ExbB and ExbD, the Ton system links the PMF to OM transport. Blocking iron uptake by targeting a vital nanomachine holds promise in therapeutics. Despite much research, the stoichiometry, structural arrangement, and molecular mechanism of the CM-embedded ExbB-ExbD-TonB complex remain unreported. Here we demonstrate in vitro evidence of ExbB₄-ExbD₁-TonB₁ complexes. Using 3D EM, we reconstructed the complex in three conformational states that show variable ExbD-TonB heterodimerization. Our structural observations form the basis of a model for TonB-mediated iron acquisition.