The outer-membrane componentof the multi-drug efflux system –a structural analysis based onhydrophobicity distribution

Abstract

The structure of a multi-drug efflux system (specifically the outer membrane part) is the focus of our analysis. The role of electrostatic interactions in the efflux process is well understood. The distribution of hydrophobicity in the periplasmic and membrane domains plays a significant role in both stabilisation within the membrane and in tunnel formation, which facilitates the transport of antibiotics. The analysis presented in this paper reveals the specificity of hydrophobicity distribution in relation to biological activity, as well as a possible mechanism for the folding process of proteins involved in multi-drug efflux. Our analysis is made possible by the application of the fuzzy oil drop model in its modified form (FOD-M).