ExbB is essential for TonB-dependent energy transduction as the absence of ExbB prevents TonB responding to the proton motive force, as well as the change of the high-affinity association of TonB for the outer membrane to the cytoplasmic membrane. [1]

ExbB can exist in the TonB system either in a complex with ExbD (to a ratio of 3.5:1) or on its own (where no ExbD is present), which has been suggested to play a role in the diverse roles of TonB. [1]

StructureStructure

 
The Structure of ExbB[2]

ExbB consists of three transmembrane domains (spanning from residues 16-39, 128-155 and 162-194), with two large portions of the protein representing the majority of the protein in the cytoplasm and two smaller portions in the periplasm.[2]

ReferencesReferences

  1. 1.0 1.1 Held KG, Postle K. ExbB and ExbD do not function independently in TonB-dependent energy transduction. J Bacteriol. 2002 Sep;184(18):5170-3. PMID:12193634
  2. 2.0 2.1 Kampfenkel K, Braun V. Topology of the ExbB protein in the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli. J Biol Chem. 1993 Mar 15;268(8):6050-7. PMID:8449962

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